Topic: For those of you that load cast bullets

[Grumblecakes]

Is there any considerations besides washing your hands more and slightly different load data?

I was thinking of buying some cast 9mm bullets as they are quite a bit cheaper than plated or fmj from some suppliers

[XDMHMMWV]

It is a PITA, but I would wear medical rubber gloves while reloading anything.
Also, I believe lead bullets can't be pushed as fast as FMJ, unless they are hard cast bullets.

[fj40mojo]

Load with confidence, use data that is geared towards lead bullets and you won't have any problems with leading your bore. I've never worn gloves while loading lead bullets but I don't spose it's a bad idea if you are concerned about absorbing heavy metals. I've loaded tens of thousands of lead projectiles in 9mm, .45ACP, .38Special, .357Mag, and .44Mag and have never had a problem. The difference in muzzle velocity is negligable in your autos.

[High Wall]

With all the propaganda these days, you'd think lead ranks up there with plutonium for toxicity.  I'm coming up on 40 years of casting and loading lead alloy bullets and I'm still healthy.  Use reasonable care (wash your hands, don't lick the bullets) and there is zero to worry about.

[ballardw]

May need to flare the case mouth a bit more than with jacketed if the bullets don't have a bevel base. Not will, just might, so make a dummy or two.

And depending on bullet profile you may want a new bullet seating plug. A round nose plug for FMJ and HP may not work quite as well with a truncated cone bullet.

[Steve N]

Load with confidence, use data that is geared towards lead bullets and you won't have any problems with leading your bore. I've never worn gloves while loading lead bullets but I don't spose it's a bad idea if you are concerned about absorbing heavy metals. I've loaded tens of thousands of lead projectiles in 9mm, .45ACP, .38Special, .357Mag, and .44Mag and have never had a problem. The difference in muzzle velocity is negligable in your autos.

Other than the slight spittle drool on the left side of your lips - 

[fj40mojo]

Other than the slight spittle drool on the left side of your lips - 

Off topic-there are multiple contrubuting factors, that can't be entirely connected to casting or loading lead bullets.

[Jrhoney]

With the exception of different load data and having to flair the case mouth a touch more. There really is no difference between them when shooting. And since lead cast bullets are cheaper than FMJ, feel free to shoot away!
You will need to deal with leading if they are not hard cast or lubed right.

I just bought a box of 500 LRN .45 bullets for .45 ACP yesterday and I know I will be shooting for a while to come

[luvmy45]

I had good luck with Lasercast when I was using cast bullets. I also used a local guy for some for a couple of years, and did just fine, but then shooting a .45 and slow velocities, it's leading isn't really a problem.

They have more of a poof, when you shoot, much more noticeable smoke, and indoors fast fire, make sure you have a fan blowing, or it's hard to see. 

They are a good option, and if I go back to cast bullets, I would wear some latex gloves while loading... I hate getting my hands covered in lead, and it has nothing to do with safety, just don't like being able to spell my name with my fingers on a piece of paper when I'm done loading.

[Steve N]

Tell me if you can, why are cast bullets smokier when you shoot them?

[fj40mojo]

Tell me if you can, why are cast bullets smokier when you shoot them?

I've never noticed it myself Steve, don't shoot indoors much, but it may have something to do with some of the lube burning off.

[luvmy45]

I assume it's the lube burning off, I dont know why for sure... but when I've shot indoor matches, and fast fire in one spot, there is a definate cloud haning around with cast, that I don't expierence with plated or jacketed.

[Steve N]

That makes sense. I know when I was shooting my 38 it sure got dirty and messy pretty quickly. It was outdoors so I didn't notice it either.

Thanks -

[No-One]

When I was shooting Laser Cast in my .40 it was really obvious when shooting into the sun . You would unload 5 or 6 rounds into one target array and the smoke would darn near obscure it . I could also smell whatever was burning off it a lot more .

[Nomad]

 Just cast for black power rifle used welding gloves and did it outside. Sized and lubed rubber
gloves as well in an open area.....