Pistol Bullet options

[DenverGP]

Why not just load lead bullets? They are cheap, I've paid $60/1k for 9mm 115gr and $80/1k for .45 200gr

I thought that lead bullets cause lead buildup in the barrel (I guess would just mean more cleaning, and possible dropoff in accuracy during the shooting session).

Also thought that lead bullets create more smoke. Since most of my shooting is done in an indoor range, so that seems like a bad thing. Don't some indoor ranges not allow exposed lead bullets?

Maybe these are all just myth / internet lore type things. Thats why I love this site, to learn from people that have a lot more experience than me.

For the price difference, I don't mind paying a little more for the jacketed and/or plated if they offer some benefit, I'm just always trying to get the most bang for my buck.

[DHC]

I thought that lead bullets cause lead buildup in the barrel (I guess would just mean more cleaning, and possible dropoff in accuracy during the shooting session).

Also thought that lead bullets create more smoke. Since most of my shooting is done in an indoor range, so that seems like a bad thing. Don't some indoor ranges not allow exposed lead bullets?

Maybe these are all just myth / internet lore type things.

For the price difference, I don't mind paying a little more for the jacketed and/or plated if they offer some benefit, I'm just always trying to get the most bang for my buck.

In 9mm and 45 ACP the pressures involved are not going to create any significant barrel leading problems so long as you use the proper sized bullet for your firearm. Commercial cast (and plated) bullets for 9mm are sized at .356 and for 45 ACP are sized at .452, and those should work fine for most guns - though it would be even better if you slug your barrel to get a more exact fit and then size accordingly.

Lead vs plated vs jacketed bullets has no bearing on smoking. The lube does have some effect, but the powder you use is probably the biggest factor.

You are correct that some states are beginning to ban lead bullets, but to my knowledge there are no restrictions here in Colorado.

It is arguable as to the benefit one gets from jacketed vs plated vs lead and is variable depending on your specific application.

IHTH

[Great-Kazoo]

I thought that lead bullets cause lead buildup in the barrel (I guess would just mean more cleaning, and possible dropoff in accuracy during the shooting session).
Also thought that lead bullets create more smoke. Since most of my shooting is done in an indoor range, so that seems like a bad thing. Don't some indoor ranges not allow exposed lead bullets?

Maybe these are all just myth / internet lore type things. Thats why I love this site, to learn from people that have a lot more experience than me.

For the price difference, I don't mind paying a little more for the jacketed and/or plated if they offer some benefit, I'm just always trying to get the most bang for my buck.

Once again, Hard cast lead.
If you have a glock, change out the bbl to a lone wolf unit. The factory barrel isn't suited for lead due to the polygonal barrel. If you had a 38, i'd sell you some 125gr JHP's, have a lot of them.

[Dalendenver]

When I started reading your post I was going to recommend RMR but you already know about them. In addition to their thick plated bullets they sell a lot of pulled bullets that are very nice. I bought 1K of Federal 90 Gr Gold Dot bullets and they are all very nice.

[DenverGP]

Yeah, no first hand experience with them, but I did find the thick plated ones from RMR. Looks like a lot of options on the pulled self-defense bullets too, hadn't noticed that before.

[DonnyCommo]

I've been loading berrys for 9mm and 357 mag. Very good bullets and I've had no issues.

I did get my hands on some 200gr SWC for my my 1911 once upon a time. Fantastic bullet with hardly any lead build up like others have said. Leaves a nice circle in the target when punching paper.


Sent by a hollowed out coconut using morse code

[DenverGP]

Just ordered up a batch of the RMR Thickly Plated bullets. A couple recommendations here, and I saw quite a few really good reviews of them on other forums.

[Joe Manco]

Bought 1k 200gr LSWC .45 from Big Horn at the gun show Saturday for $97 including tax. Other then the color of the lube they look and measure same as Laser Cut bullets I have always used in the past that cost more. Haven't loaded or shot any yet but I have only heard good things about them. Anyone ever try Denver Bullet? I call but no one ever answers.

[DenverGP]

Well, can't review the bullets yet, but RMR sure does move fast. I placed by order last night around midnight, and at 9:30am I had a shipping confirmation with priority mail tracking number. Beats the hell out of the 2+ weeks it took for Xtreme to ship out my last order.

[Alpha2]

this is from something I did a few years ago.

Berry's had some quality issues. Plinking, no biggie, but for anything else, not good.
I've been using Extreme Bullets for a while now. Excellent quality, and they have free shipping from time to time, and when you're talking lead bullets, that's a big deal. I've found shipping to be fast and reliable.

Not to say I couldn't be persuaded to change at some time, but for the reliability and value, I'm good.

Jeff