[Cheezywan]

My question is generic to rifle or handgun, so I posted here.

Is there a problem with alternating jacketed bullet loads with lead bullet loads (in no particular order) in any or all firearms?

I’ll keep it simple and leave it there for now. Opinions and observations from all welcome.

Cheezywan

 

[unclenick]

You can sure imagine scenarios where it could be.

For one, if the gun is prone to metal fouling, per another discussion, jacketed bullets can sometimes help push lead fouling out or at least iron it out, though if it's bad enough I would expect it would be a little like putting grease on the bullet and raise the pressure. The reverse, lead shooting out accumulated copper fouling just wouldn't happen. Bad copper fouling would serve as a constriction and make the lead bullet accuracy and fouling worse.

Another consideration (and this is regardless of bullet type) is if you have different powders in the loads. A lot of match shooter find there is about a 10 round settling period before the fouling from the new powder is dominating bullet behavior and your zero comes all the way back.

Beyond that, I suppose the lube left behind by lead bullets might create problems for the jacketed bullets? Raise pressure a little, though it's pretty thin. Still, like changing powders, I'd expect an accuracy gun to need some fouling settling time after the changeover.

 

[miestro_jerry]

There is all sorts of crud build up from both types of bullets, plus one type is not the same as the other. If I shoot a 230grain Jacketed 45 ACP Hard Ball bullet and then a 230grain Cast Lead round nose 45 ACP bullet. They will hit the target in different position if everything else is equal.

Jerry

 

[Cheezywan]

Thanks for posting. Lets me know I was thinking right (or at least thinking safe).

I use a few firearms that I would “like” to work with either bullet style (without cleaning in between the change-over).
Rarely get what I “want” though!

Grateful to be a member of this board I am!

Cheezywan

 

[Cheezywan]

I’m still thinking about my original question.
We’ve all read of torture testing a firearm from various sources. Military, firearms related publications, even right (near) here on Al Gores’ invention.

I’m going to choose a firearm to “torture test” right here and now!
I choose a Ruger Blackhawk chambered 44 Remington Magnum (Note here that I do not own one).

I/we just ordered this firearm from our favorite FFL dealer.

Also ordered a “buttload” of ammunition for "our" test. There will be no need for hand-loads here.
A pallet of every current maker’s offerings that will chamber in this particular firearm is at our disposal.
All 44 special and magnum loads!

We get together and “tear this gun down” for a good clean and lube. Re-assemble, and take “turns” shooting and loading.

“Goal” is NOT to make it get HOT! Just too keep shooting all of this ammunition that we have!

What will happen to “our Blackhawk” ?

Cheezywan

 

[unclenick]

It'll depend. If you get enough metal fouling you could have issues. If you fire a lot of lead .44 Special before firing magnums, you may discover you get a ring of cylinder lead inside the chamber throat that makes the magnums hard to chamber and causes pressure from them to spike if you force them in. Had a couple of guys report that; one .44 Mag, one .357, so you really want to save all the Special loads for after all the .44 Mag loads unless you want to stop and clean?

 

[Cheezywan]

I notice that you’re busy as a moderator unclenick. Lot’s of replies to other threads and stuff to do. Good work and thank you.

I just now e-mailed all inventory of 44 special to Rocky Raab for his review.

Intention now is to run 44 magnum loads through “our” Blackhawk in shifts. Jacketed and cast as fast as you folks can shoot them (without getting our Blackhawk HOT!).

Two rules:

If you empty the coffee pot you WILL make new coffee.

If you empty the toilet paper roll down to 3 feet (or less), you must replace the roll.

Rocky is in charge of Security (he has a “butt load” of 44 special now!).
MikeG and Kdub are in charge of pig.

Everyone bring a side dish!

Cheezywan

 

[Rocky Raab]

Assignment accepted! I'll even help turn the spit with the pig.

 

[MikeG]

Sounds good. If we can set up a trap, then we can have a combined pig roast / bullet test......

 

[JPaulF]

I never do it in either rifle or sidearm for the simple reason that I am always looking for constants in performance. I cannot understand why anyone would want to mix and match. Same goes for identical bullet types - but different weights. Yuck.

 

[flashhole]

I'll give Kudos to Uncle Nick and Rocky too.

But to the issue, it seems to me to be a question of material characterics and what you can expect from them. Lead can only do so much and as long as you operate within its limits you can expect good performance. Same goes for the jacketed stuff. You can expect more from copper as it relates to its metalurgical traits.

I make a mean German Potato Salad. Lots of "guarded" family recipe stuff. Where is the party?

 

[flashhole]

Oh yeah, I like beer too. Don't mind bringing my fair share and then some.

 

[flashhole]

Glad I posted on this thread. Summer is here. I think we need to plan for and participate in a gathering. I'm game.

 

[flashhole]

Maybe Cheezy can start an annual ritual. Sort of like a right of passing. New folks can be admitted on an annual basis. Think of the possibilities!

 

[Cheezywan]

I never do it in either rifle or sidearm for the simple reason that I am always looking for constants in performance. I cannot understand why anyone would want to mix and match. Same goes for identical bullet types - but different weights. Yuck.

I don't either for the same reasons JPaulF. Sure would like to in a couple though!

Safety of doing so concerns me. Gain of doing same, would increase the "utility" of said firearms a bunch.

I just fired the first shot in our revolver. Misfire?

Do-overs!

Beans go good with everything!

Beer is fine when your "off duty".

Cheezywan