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11/8/2014 9:09:38 PM EDT
I'm currently using 3.2grn Bullseye, Tula SP primers, and either Missouri or Falcon 158grn LSWC for .38spl reloads. That combination shoots well, but it leaves my pistols filthy. I usually shoot them through my S&W j-frames as a practice load. The loads are quite smoky and I end up spending more time cleaning than I do shooting. I've also experienced some leading. Would switching bullets to plated or powder coated help clean things up? What about a different powder? I have some Titegroup that I could use in place of Bullseye. I haven't seen any HP38/Win 231 available locally for some time.

Suggestions?
11/8/2014 9:12:48 PM EDT
[#1]
try a plated bullet.  not much higher than lead without the cleaning issues. I use Berrys
11/8/2014 9:17:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Either lead coated or plated should help. Maybe try cfe pistol powder too,  it's pretty available now
11/8/2014 10:47:58 PM EDT
[#3]
Cast bullets loads will never be clean due to the bullet lube.



Bullseye is a great powder, but not the cleanest burning.




Try Tite Group and plated bullets.
11/8/2014 11:57:38 PM EDT
[#4]
I've switched from plated to powder coated due to their lower price.  Both are less smoky than lead.
11/9/2014 2:03:36 AM EDT
[#5]
I've been loving the coated bullets.   I use the ones from thebluebullets.com but I'm not sure there is really a big difference between the others (Black Bullets Int, SNS Casting, etc).
11/9/2014 4:03:41 AM EDT
[#6]
Like others have said, the lube in lead bullets smoke. I still shoot 158gr lead in my Python but working my way through them to get to the moly coated bullets I bought to replace them. A coated bullet is the way to go to get away from the excessive smoke and fouling. Have not tried the powder coated type.
11/9/2014 8:44:17 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
I've been loving the coated bullets.   I use the ones from thebluebullets.com but I'm not sure there is really a big difference between the others (Black Bullets Int, SNS Casting, etc).
View Quote


I just got some sample bags of 9mm BlueBullets. Loaded them with Titegroup. No smoke, very accurate and not dirty to handle (loading 200 left a slight blue tint on my fingers that washed right off)

Buy some bags of different sizes and try them out.
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