WW hardly qualifies as hard lead. Yes it is a bit harder than pure lead, but certainly it is not considered as hard lead.

WW is going to cast slightly larger than pure lead. It really is that simple. If you are having a problem loading the WW then size it in a sizer. Being harder to load is not a matter of the lead being harder. It is a function of the bullet being larger.

I no longer strive to find pure lead to load and shoot, and hunt with in my MZ's. I literally have a couple of tons of WW. So I decided to learn how to use it. And to put it simply all it took was a good sizer, and a good lube. From there it is all down hill. WW will perform on game with no problem.

Barrel leading is more a factor of bullet size, lube, and initial charge of heat(shot with or without a wad to prevent bullet base flaming). And not so much lead content or hardness. After all we are not reaching the higher velocities where a gas check is required.

Bullet obturation is also a factor that needs to be considered. I have heard it said that pure lead will obturate better than WW and some harder lead. And that may be true. But obturation is directly proportional to accuracy. And I have never seen a major difference in accuracy between pure lead and WW. And if your bullet is a little over sized then IMO a softer bullet will "rifle" more than WW, so the softer lead will load slightly easier, but you will have more lead in the barrel from the bullet being torn while loading. Tom.