[Wizard]

I have read and undertood ( I might add), Iowegan's explaination of matching Brinell hardness of lead bullets to you CUP. The problem is, I am finding it next to impossible to find a 38/357 158gr LRN with a brinell hardness of 12....The closest I could get is 18 from Georgia Arms....I ordered 2000 of them this morning.

My powder charge dictates a hardess of approximately 12-15.....

I have the LSWC I got for MBC and they rate 12, but, they don't show a 158gr LRN..... :roll:

I guess I'm just venting, but, has anyone seen what I'm looking for, or am I taking this whole Brinell hardness thing way to seriously? As stated before, I'm loading these for shooting games (steel plate), so I MUST use lead bullets.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

I have no idea Wizard. One more reason I like to load fmj. You may have to ask Iowegan at .net.

 

[deputy125]

these folks here have them as soft as 10 and as hard as 18 i believe...just check the "action", "cowboy", and "match" sections as they seem to have different bullet hardness for each catagory................the have 158 gr/38's with a hardness of 12.

http://www.missouribullet.com/index.html

the information on bullet hardness is in the "browse and buy" section

they also go into what iwogean was talking about in the "techinal" section.

i never really paid much attention to this and for years i got buy----sometimes with no problems and sometimes scrubbin' lead with lewis lead removers.........now i know better..........

 

[Wizard]

Deputy, the only thing about Missouri Bullet Company, is I haven't been able to find a 158gr LRN. I have their LSWC, but I'm looking for round nose in 158gr.....

 

[chance]

Wizard

I have also used Iowegans formula and #'s, where possible and found it very easy to get caught up in minutea. Without the Loader program (about $140.00) it seems there are too many variables missing to only use one segment of the reloading process. Couple that with the difficulty of getting exact BHN info from the bullet suppliers I would doubt perfect world numbers are going to be achieved with any consistancy.

When I started a few months ago I approached the problem as if I was shooting 1000 yard match competition rather than scarring the hell out of some pieces of paper. The strange thing was as I relaxed the groups got tighter. If I can load lead ammo that doesn't foul the barrel and shoots with an accuracy that make the day at the range or in the desert fun, that is all I ask.

 

[deputy125]

sorry, my bad...............

perhaps if you call missouri and place a specific order for 2000 or so RN at that specified hardness, they might accomodate a special order------but that's guessin'.

 

[Wizard]

You will not believe this. This morning, I sent an e-mail to Missouri Bullet Co., and stated what I was interested in, and I just received a response from Brad, stating that he had several requests for the bullet I am looking for, so he would order the molds, and he should have the bullets in about a month.....now that's CUSTOMER SERVICE for you....Will order all my lead bullets from MBC from now on......

 

[deputy125]

now that's a piece of good news!!!!!

my cast bullets are gettin' hard to come by so i think i'll give missouri a try myself next go round............

 

[Wizard]

I've used their 9mm 125gr LRN and I'm trying their .38sp 158gr LSWC....I like both, but just prefer a round nose bullet. I was really suprised by the e-mail I got from them...and of course, very pleased.....

 

[deputy125]

that's the way it should be---responsive to the customers.......... .
heck of a lot beter than this "one size fits all"/"take it or leave it" world we live in............

 

[Terry_P]

I would load up 10 to 12 and take them out and try them and see if they lead up your BBL. Check after half and see if you can see any signs. If so stop and pull the other few. I wouldn't get too concerned about the exact BHN as I doubt if it's even an exact number and I have heard a lot of different theories and tend to ignore them and see what works. I have been shooting cast LSWC that are reported to have a BHN of 16 and haven't had issues from light 38 SPL loads to moderate 357 Mag (1250 FPS) loads. With any lead loads you are bound to get some leading that is removed with a cleaning. All I have enountered is small amounts in the forcing cone and a brush and solvent made quick work of it. I have also heard that shooting jacketed after lead helps clean out lean in the BBL and I typically do that. I have also heard that there can be excess pressure associated with it so caution is advised. I have never encountered any pressure signs but I also don't seem to get much leading either.

The BHN of 12 should be an easy one to find or even duplicate yourself as that is the number typically associated with wheel weights and if you can find a decent source then with a few pieces of equipment you're in business.

 

[velvalco]

You will not believe this. This morning, I sent an e-mail to Missouri Bullet Co., and stated what I was interested in, and I just received a response from Brad, stating that he had several requests for the bullet I am looking for, so he would order the molds, and he should have the bullets in about a month.....now that's CUSTOMER SERVICE for you....Will order all my lead bullets from MBC from now on......

that's awesome, i fully plan on using them as my bullet supplier. We're from the same state......

 

[Bountyhunter]

You lucked out big time Wizard!

 

[jimbo1096]

If it helps, most bullet suppliers state they can mix the hardness you want, you just may have to wait for them to do it. Actually, I buy the 'hard cast' and shoot them with all powder loads. When I was casting from wheel weights I seldom had a leading problem, except the one 45c BKH that leaded with just about anything that wasn't jacketed.

 

[Wizard]

Guys, I just wanted to let you know...I've traded e-mails with Brad at Missouri Bullet Company 2 or 3 times today. I just got another e-mail from him...he sent me a pic of what the bullet will look like, from the mold mfg. I've only purchased from MBC twice, (less than $200 worth). And he took the time to send me all this information, and from the tone of the e-mails, you would think we have been friends for a long time. Man, I have nothing but respect for this company, and will buy all my lead bullets from them. It's not very often that I am impressed with a company, but this time, I am.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

Sounds like an awesome company that cares for it's customers. We need more companies like that.

 

[velvalco]

Guys, I just wanted to let you know...I've traded e-mails with Brad at Missouri Bullet Company 2 or 3 times today. I just got another e-mail from him...he sent me a pic of what the bullet will look like, from the mold mfg. I've only purchased from MBC twice, (less than $200 worth). And he took the time to send me all this information, and from the tone of the e-mails, you would think we have been friends for a long time. Man, I have nothing but respect for this company, and will buy all my lead bullets from them. It's not very often that I am impressed with a company, but this time, I am.....

they'll have another as soon as i get my act together. could you forward me the picture of the bullet as well.

 

[Wizard]

Here you go.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

That's a 158 grain 38 caliber correct? What powder are you using for that particular bullet? Or will be using I should say.

 

[Wizard]

Correct. I will be trying HP-38 and Unique, and I might even try some Ramshot Zip.