Hi All,
I need some feedback on this.
I've used the Lee TL356-124-2R molds for my 9MM rounds. I've done everything I could think of and tried almost every suggestion, but still get signficant barrel leading on about 1/3 of the muzzle end. One of the fine members here sent me some conventionally-lubed cast bullets at about 12.5 BHN and, after 100 rounds, I had no perceptable leading. It was like a miracle!! So, I've done alot - here's a list:
<>Always tumble lubed. Started with strait - then cut 20% +/- with mineral spirits. Now back to strait. Lubed before sizing only - and before and after.<>Used Lee sizers at .357 & .358. Also used unsized considerably.<>Used Lee Factory Crimp Die and without.<>Varied loads from starting loads to near maximum.<>Varied COL from minimum to maximum.
<>Tried Win 231 & WSF.<>Used BHN of 14 on up to 18+.<>Always started with a clean, fresh barrel.<>Usually shoot 50 to 150 rounds.<>End up cleaning with the brush & copper scrubber trick I read about - it's the only way to make this a manageable task after each session.<>I water quench.<>I use the Lee tester for BHN. My reading was cooberated with another member.
My alloy is WW and plumbing pipe lead to drop the BHN. To insure I had tin I even had some sticks of body lead (I'm guessing it was 30/70 or something like that) that I'd add in - still got the leading.
Also, FYI, my tumble lubed bullets for my 45 ACP also are leading.
So, I guess my question is - is this just me?? or are there others who have not been able to not have this leading issue?
I am going to take one more stab at it - I'm guessing someone would suggest an even lower BHN and air cooled only. So, I'm going to mix up a batch with a target of 12.5 BHN (same as friend's conventionally lubed miracle bullets) - with the tin added to be sure - then air cool them - tumble lube them and load them unsized. But, in the mean time - any feed back would be appreciated.