Using lead vs FMJ in 9 MM

unspellable · 12-09-2004, 09:25 AM

Bullet shape can be a factor. I loaded some cast lead truncated cone bullets. ( 9 mm ) This particular bullet has a rather small meplat and a long shoulder on the conical section. The upper edge of the chamber would dig in to the shoulder and stop the cartridge with only the front half of the bullet in the chamber. Seating the bullet farther out for greater OAL may have helped but never tried it.

The typical 9 mm barrel is oversized with fairly shallow rifling for a jacketed bullet. I've heard stories of a cast bullet jumping the rifling and key holing in High Powers but haven't heard this complaint in regard to Lugers.

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12-09-2004, 09:25 AM	#3
unspellable User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 769 Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts	Bullet shape can be a factor. I loaded some cast lead truncated cone bullets. ( 9 mm ) This particular bullet has a rather small meplat and a long shoulder on the conical section. The upper edge of the chamber would dig in to the shoulder and stop the cartridge with only the front half of the bullet in the chamber. Seating the bullet farther out for greater OAL may have helped but never tried it. The typical 9 mm barrel is oversized with fairly shallow rifling for a jacketed bullet. I've heard stories of a cast bullet jumping the rifling and key holing in High Powers but haven't heard this complaint in regard to Lugers.