Powder coating pure lead

P

Peecos

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Can’t seem to find exactly what info I’m looking for on a search so my question is : has anyone used pure lead bullets that are powder coated at low velocity rifle speeds ? As in 45-70 trail boss loads. What would be the lowest hardness number you could use for such loads ? Thanks
 
I cast my bullets at 98% lead/ 2% tin. Hardness level is always 8-10 BHN. All handgun loads (32, 357 & 44 mag) are shot below 1000 fps. I shoot 32-20 in rifle below 1000 fps with no problems. I regard PC bullets the same as copper plated and have no leading. Can't see any problem. Go for it.
 
Thanks for the info, will give it a test and see what happens. Might add a little tin to enhance flow into the mold and post some results if spring ever shows up :)
 
Powder coating soft lead should not be a problem but I wouldn't PC pure lead bullets. these days pure lead is hard to come by. i would save the nice soft lead for black powder shooting.
 
I've used pure lead PC in both my 45-70 and 44 mag carbines with no problems, but I'm keeping what little pure lead I have to cast hunting bullets. I just love the way those babies open up in a critter.
 
Peecos said:
Can’t seem to find exactly what info I’m looking for on a search so my question is : has anyone used pure lead bullets that are powder coated at low velocity rifle speeds ? As in 45-70 trail boss loads. What would be the lowest hardness number you could use for such loads ? Thanks
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What gun are you using and what bore size?
 
Shooting will take place in a Ruger No 1S 45-70, haven’t slugged the bore yet just finishing a barrel break in with 50 jacketed loads as it was unfired when purchased. Not looking for earth shattering results just some summer fun shooting lead with it and NECG peep sites:)
 
Nope ! Only problem would be leading and if they’re powder coated that should solve that. If I can’t hit the target I’ll move closer or try harder bullets
 
As long as the fit is good you will have no issues. Powdercoating is great but if you have a loose fitting projectile you will still have some leading issues. 9mm has been the worse round to cast for due to major differences in bore diameter within my 9mm pistols.
 
I've shot very soft PC lead bullets at 1500 fps in a 30-30. No leading in the barrel. Don't know how they would work on a deer, might open up too fast?
 
jethunter said:
I've shot very soft PC lead bullets at 1500 fps in a 30-30. No leading in the barrel. Don't know how they would work on a deer, might open up too fast?
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They don't expand so much as tumble after impact on bone. This has been my experience with 30 cal cast that is soft and powder coated. The regular Lyman #2 recipe works as it's supposed to with PC and expands nicely but doesn't seem to lose bits along the way.

I tried some PC cast 150 grain round nose in my 7.62x39 bolt action rifle and it shot very well. It was purposely cast with a soft mix so that it would properly obdurate into the lands. The thrown bullets measured out at .311 diameter and the PC was almost unnoticeable when measured. The #2 alloy wasn't as accurate in my rifle, which has a .3095 bore.
 
jethunter said:
I've shot very soft PC lead bullets at 1500 fps in a 30-30. No leading in the barrel. Don't know how they would work on a deer, might open up too fast?
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In my experience, pure lead forms a nice, symmetrical dome immediately on entering the critter and retains almost all of its mass. I haven't hit any solid bone on the way in, though, but it does open up a nice 3" hole in the rib cage on the way out with a 500 gr. 45 cal, One such boolit entered the rib cage just behind the shoulder and exited halfway back, pulling the innards out about 30 ft. Messy, but a quick kill.
 
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