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  1. #1
    E75bug's Avatar
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    Shooting cast lead in an AR15..

    Does shooting cast shorten the life of your gas system or BCG? I am interested, was wondering about the side effects. I understand you can't load them as hot, but are there other concerns? Like the lead gasses solidifying in the rifle?

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    SAWMAN's Avatar
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    My thoughts,although controversial - - -> SOFT lead going past any gas ports shaves off some lead. But I feel what is worse is the bullets lube that is put thru the gas system. Most of the lube used is somewhat waxy or gummy. Especially if it is at a high temp.
    While it may or may not . . . ummmmmm . . . "hurt anything",I say,why do it. Jacketed bullets are cheap. Especially the milspec "pulls".
    Get a buddy or two and share them. Buy the 55gr FMJ M193 type (or others) in large quanities. They are cheaper than any lead bullet.
    Lastly,if you just gotta use lead,use hard lead. --- SAWMAN
    Why just dance when you can "rock and roll".
    STONER 63A ( MK-23/XM-207 )
    XM177E2

  3. #3
    Jay Andrew's Avatar
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    Shooting cast lead in an AR15..

    Pretty common for people to use cast lead in their 300BLK AR with out much problem. Usually they are poly coated and they are usually subsonic.

    Also pretty common for people to shoot lead bullet out of their 7.62x39 platforms.

    I don’t think there’s much of an issue with it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

    The velocities of the 5.56 really are too high for cast bullets. IMHO I would stick with cheap milsurp jacketed bullets.


    Reloading...it’s like knitting for men.
    Last edited by Jay Andrew; 10-22-2018 at 03:49 AM.

  4. #4
    Wes Sage's Avatar
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    Not really worth the issues from what I have seen.
    With Hornady bullets in the 55gr FMJ being $79 per 1000 Shipped on our website, it is hard to beat the time, effort, and issues with doing cast in a 223

  5. #5
    E75bug's Avatar
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    Thanks Guys. I really appreciate the knowledge in this forum. I was asking because of the low cost 45-70 pills for my .458 SOCOM. From what I understand, it's not worth the risk to my rifle. Thanks, I shall stick with jacketed or plated pills.

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  6. #6

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    From personal experience. Alox cast bullets with clog the gas system up very very quickly, but powder coated cast bullets effect hardly at all

  7. #7
    SAWMAN's Avatar
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    E75, IMO the bullets that you have in your pic above will not hurt your AR. None of the lead is at or near the bearing surface of the bullets.
    IOW . . . the lead will not even touch your barrel. --- SAWMAN
    Why just dance when you can "rock and roll".
    STONER 63A ( MK-23/XM-207 )
    XM177E2

  8. #8
    E75bug's Avatar
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    Yep. Those pictured are Speer 300gr JHP, and a couple of Extreme plated 300s, and just started playing with the Speer 400 gr JFP.

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  9. #9

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    If I had a AR I would be shooting cast lead bullets in it with no worries. My preference would be the 55 to 70 gr. gas check bullets cast from wheel weight alloy, powder coated an quench straight from the toaster over before sizing.

    An article by Ed Harris on cast lead in the AR platform.
    http://www.hensleygibbs.com/edharris...%20an%20AR.htm
    'Artisan' in Lead, Brass & Powder

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