I bought some Bullet Meister 230 gr lead round nose bullets today for loading in my Colt 1911. I use Winchester 231 powder. I was using max loads with a Sierra 185 gr JHP and having no pressure signs whatsoever. How fast can I shoot a lubed lead bullet without leading the barrel badly, and also fast enough to cycle the action? How much powder are you guys using to push similar bullets? Any help would be great. Plan on loading a little later tonight. Thanks guys.

Charlie, this depends on how hard your bullets are! I use Unique in a load firing the Keith style 230 grain semi-wadcutter hollowpoint at 998 FPS MV with no leading or other problems from my Gold Cup. I use Alox NRA-formula lube for all pistol cast-bullet loads under 1100 FPS MV.

I have been using this load since 1968, and have never had a problem with it. It is very good, even for small deer at ranges up to 50 yards!

I have loaded various lead bullets for the good ol' 45 auto. I haven't had any problems with leading when sticking to factory velocities. A little trick I picked up along the way is to put several jacketed bullets down the bore when your done with the lead bullets. This way if it does lead up it greatly reduces cleaning time. If you have a stainless barrel pick up a Lead Away rag and it just wipes out with a few patches.

Thanks guys! Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to worry about leading. I will load to about the middle range of velocity. The bullets are already lubed, and the salesperson at the gun shop said that they are hard cast bullets and I should have no problem.