I would not think of going from FMJ to lead as moving from a Cadillac to a GMC. Lead can be very accurate. With the right lead alloy, you will get very little to no leading. I get my cast bullets from Friendswood Bullets. His alloy is just right so that I don't have a leading problem. I have used others that are harder and they will lead both my 9 and my 45.
If you plan to shoot indoors any, I would recommend having some plated bullets around to load for that. The Bayou bullets don't smoke much but it is noticeable on an indoor range when shooting IDPA matches, especially if several shooters are using them. That is is the only time I shoot plated bullets. Bayou bullets for all outdoor matches for the reduced smoke and regular cast for all practice (don't care about the smoke then).
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Return to “Plated as a compromise?”
- Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:27 pm
- Forum: Reloading Forum
- Topic: Plated as a compromise?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2741
- Fri Feb 14, 2014 7:55 pm
- Forum: Reloading Forum
- Topic: Plated as a compromise?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2741
Re: Plated as a compromise?
The smoking also depends on the powder you use. Titegroup will smoke a lot with lead. I started using Winchester Super Target for my 45 (at the recommendations of several of my friends) and it smokes a lot less. Another good option is to use Bayou Bullets. They are cast bullets with a green coating for lubrication. They smoke a lot less and the price falls out between cast and plated. Lots of IDPA match shooters in our area have switched to them for the cost/accuracy. You can google them up and buy the bullets direct online.