Bullet Comparison

[RX8er]

Okay, I have been reading a lot about bullets and the types. I like the ones at Bayou Bullets as people are saying that lead fouling is not an issue and the cost is about the cheapest out there. I also like the Berry's that are plated. It comes down to about .02 more per 1000 ordered so cost is not that much.

What are your thoughts on lead versus plated.

[LTUME1978]

RX8er,

I have shot both and they are both good. I just checked pricing (45 acp 230 gr rn) and got a $60.00 difference on 2000 bullets delivered. I shoot lead almost exclusively. I use the Bayou Bullets for matches to cut down on the smoke that is generated by the Titegroup powder that I use with regular cast bullets. For my practice, I use regular cast bullets from Friendswood Bullets. He has the hardness correct so that leading is not a problem for me. The cost on them is even lower for me as I am local to him and don't have to pay shipping. I have tried cast bullets from one other commercial caster. They are very pretty bullets but are to hard and caused leading in my barrels. Hope this helps.

[Jumping Frog]

I load almost exclusively lead.

That said, I recommend that new reloaders start with jacketed or plated bullets. It simplifies the learning curve when you have enough things to worry about. Issues like belling the case enough to prevent lead shaving are simply side-stepped. Worrying about feeding or leading isn't worth it right now. Keep it simple for now.

Get 500 or 1000 each for 9mm and .40 S&W from someplace like Berry's Mfg, Precision Delta, or Ranier. Try some lead your second purchase.

[RX8er]

Thanks guys for the feedback! I like the idea from Jumping Frog.

[LTUME1978]

Jacketed bullets are a little easier but I did not find cast bullets to be that bad. I started out with a Lee Loader (the kind where you used a hammer to drive the case in and out of the die) back in 1974 because that is all a poor college student could afford at the time. I also started on cast bullets for the same reason (could buy them for $2.00 per 100 back then). Yes, I did not bell the mouth enough on the first few (I did not have anyone to teach me loading other than reading the Lee Reloading manual I both with the loader). I used a pocket knife to scrape off the lead shaving that was stuck on the case and adjusted what I was doing after that. They all went bang when I shot them and accuracy was good. Learning from mistakes (as long as they are minor and don't get us killed) makes the learning stick with us.

Hope you have fun and enjoy reloading as much as many of us do on this board. Mr. Frog, thank you for the recommendations to the new loader on the board.