Lead Stripping in Handguns

**458Exp** · 11-06-2012, 20:49

Hi All

If been reloading jacketed bullets for years, but quite a few people say i should go to 250gr lead bullets in my SBH 44 mag.
Now I was just wondering if one does not get lead stripping and at what velocity does that start happening ?
And isn't a mission to clean the barrel after a day on the range ?

Who casts good 44 bullets for hunting ?

**Ross** · 12-06-2012, 08:08

I've loaded from 180gr cast to 312gr cast bullets in my S&W's and NMSBH and never encountered a leading problem at .44 Mag velocities.

**Chops** · 12-06-2012, 09:40

Unless you are using very soft bullets at relatively high pressure & velocity you won't get lead 'stripping', where the barrel grooves basically cuts off the parts of the bearing surface of the bullet it's supposed to engrave to make it rotate. This is opposed to 'leading' where there is a gradual build up of lead on the inside barrel surfaces. As per Ross above I've never had a true leading problem with any of the loads I use (225gr to 312gr), but some bullet/powder combinations do cause heavier fouling issues in the forcing cone and comp. areas of my 44. The barrel has never been an issue.
Cleaning is not a issue.
A 'decent hunting bullet' might mean different things to different people, but if you aren't prepared to cast your own I suggest contacting Dick on this site and try to twist his arm, he might be able to help you.

**mokwepa** · 16-06-2012, 18:55

In terms of cleaning lead out a barrel, I found a good tip on some of the USA sites.

Take a old .44 bristle brush and wrap it with copper wool (also known as goldy locks or copper chore boy in the states). Do not use steal wool. A few pass throughs with the brush and its sparkling again.

DS · 17-06-2012, 08:16

There are a couple of threads on this subject - you will find it with a search.

**ikor** · 17-06-2012, 09:34

In addition to what Khumba said, be careful with the 'copper wool' these days. Some of it is actually steel wool that has been copper plated but I can't tell you which brands in SA are the real deal and which are not.