Jump to content
Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

Lead bullets in a STI Edge


armokc

Recommended Posts

Lots of people use lead in STIs. The lead is pretty good nowadays, especially with some of the coatings they put on. Gets a little dirtier, though. I would have switched to lead if I didn't have a 2yr old and one on the way. When they her older, I will look into switching.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've put 2000K plus BBI bullets through my 2011 so far this year without problem.

You've shot 2 million rounds this year?? :o

What, you haven't??? Guess some of us just tend to practice a bit more. I say screw dry firing!!! :devil:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've put 2000K plus BBI bullets through my 2011 so far this year without problem.

You've shot 2 million rounds this year?? :o

What, you haven't??? Guess some of us just tend to practice a bit more. I say screw dry firing!!! :devil:

This is why BBI's new owner is so happy he passed the 2 million bullet manufacturing mark just with Ryan's practice sessions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lots of people use lead in STIs. The lead is pretty good nowadays, especially with some of the coatings they put on. Gets a little dirtier, though. I would have switched to lead if I didn't have a 2yr old and one on the way. When they her older, I will look into switching.

Well I have a one year old, what precautions should I take ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lead bullets are easier on the barrel but you can ruin a barrel from over cleaning. Your pistol may be a little more acccurate with the barrel a little fouled. I'm not saying don't clean the pistol just don't work real hard to get all the lead out. I don't use anything but nylon bore brushes. Might soak the barrel in Kroil for a day if it's bad before cleaning or shoot a few jacketed at the end of a practice session.

Once the barrel is broken in it shouldn't lead bad.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm debating changing to lead bullets instead of jacketed MG I've been using. My question on this topic is, if lead is as accurate as jacketed why doesn't more shooters use them? I've only been to 3 major matches and can count on one hand folks I've seen using them. I'm shooting .40 STI Edge

Edited by AirBorne
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm debating changing to lead bullets instead of jacketed MG I've been using. My question on this topic is, if lead is as accurate as jacketed why doesn't more shooters use them? I've only been to 3 major matches and can count on one hand folks I've seen using them. I'm shooting .40 STI Edge

Airborne, I switched from lead to jacketed for three reasons:

1. lead is not 100% reliable (feeding) in my guns (only about 99%)

2. health concerns

3. it requires that once in a while I have to clean my seating die :surprise:

But, since I passed the 67 mark, I guess I can scratch #2 :bow:

Edited by Hi-Power Jack
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm debating changing to lead bullets instead of jacketed MG I've been using. My question on this topic is, if lead is as accurate as jacketed why doesn't more shooters use them? I've only been to 3 major matches and can count on one hand folks I've seen using them. I'm shooting .40 STI Edge

Airborne, I switched from lead to jacketed for three reasons:

1. lead is not 100% reliable (feeding) in my guns (only about 99%)

2. health concerns3. it requires that once in a while I have to clean my seating die :surprise:

But, since I passed the 67 mark, I guess I can scratch #2 :bow:

Health concerns by ingestion or inhaling?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the responses, Hi-Power Jack, why are you having feeding issues thru your gun? Is is because of the lead getting deformed when cycled? I gauge every round so hope to catch any bulged cases ect. I have no knowledge in this matter and want to ensure I'm not shooting myself in the foot with feeding issues. As to health concerns since I'll be doing all my shooting outdoors that's not a worry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Feeding issues with lead bullets in STI pistols can usually be solved with either a Lee die set or a Lee U die. I've had excellent results using the U die in 40 S@W on both my 550 and 650 presses. It helps to load 40 S@W long, 1.220 is the length I use on 175 cast bullets. Lee's sizing dies size closer to the extractor groove and the sizer is a little tighter than some of the other brands. I shoot range brass, Lee's sizer will take the Glock buldge out without using a push through type die. Not knocking the push through dies but it eliminates another step.

Lee's seating die, small adjustments can be made with a knob on top of the die without breaking the locking nut then marked with varied color sharpies for bullets weights. Have an odd bullet shape or problems with OAL. For a few bucks Lee will make an insert to match the bullet you send to them. This helped me when shooting heavier lead bullets in 9mm minor.

Helps the whole operation if you lightly lube cases. I know carbide dies sets are marked can be run without lube but the process is easier and more consistant with a small amount of lube, you wouldn't run the gun dry. Why fight the press.

Might order one inch locking nuts from Dillon as Lee's locking nuts are a little weak.

Lead Bullets, helps the guy on a budget, more bang for the buck.

May be a little off the subject but thought it might help Hi Power Jack, I'll be 67 this month also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thankfully my budget allows for either FMJ's or cast. But I'm a tightwad and if I get the same results with cast bullets as FMJ's, I'll lean towards saving the few dollars. The main things I don't want to do is either damage my gun or incur accuracy problems due to being a tightwad. I do appreciate all the input on this topic.

Edited by AirBorne
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm debating changing to lead bullets instead of jacketed MG I've been using. My question on this topic is, if lead is as accurate as jacketed why doesn't more shooters use them? I've only been to 3 major matches and can count on one hand folks I've seen using them. I'm shooting .40 STI Edge

As I was reading up on USPSA there was an article on what the shooters were using. The vast majority were using Bear Creek Supply moly coated cast bullets (there were a number of other used, cast as well as jacketed). I bought some BCS bullets to give them a go and am just now starting to load them. More to come.

After going back to the old school Partner Press, Rock Chuckar and automatic powder measure I REALLY need to get the Dillon conversion kit. I must have 6 to 8 hours into 150 rounds. Heck I could have 3k to 4k loaded on the Dillon in that amount of time.

Are there any less expensive Dillon Suppliers on-line? I have always purchased through Dillon in the past (20 years ago).

Pat

Edited by MtGoat
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As I've stated I have no idea about lead. But one thing I've heard is that the lead is coated mainly to help reduce the amount of smoke, is this correct? I have no idea for other reason to coat lead but am definitely interested in finding out from those who actually shoot these.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I shoot lead out of my .45acp but I shoot moly out of my .40 and my 9mm. The only reason I have not shot moly from my .45 is I have not bought any yet. As soon as I order a case or so from Bayou I will be using Moly for that also. In every match major and local. I have 3/4 of a case of MG's for my .40 and they just sit there looking pretty. They are too expensive for me to shoot them... :cheers:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...