Questions about testing new loads for leading

[elginrunner]

When testing a new formula on alloy, or new lube, how many do you normally load up to see if its going to lead your barrel? I'm looking at 150 rounds loaded for my 45 (first cast run) and am thinking I don't want to be knocking all these down if I start to see lead right away. So what's your proceedure for a new load?

[williamwaco]

I load 10 only.

Take them to the range and try them first when the barrel is clean.

Then finish the day with other ammo.

If the 10 lead, I change something. Probably sizing diameter.

If the 10 don't lead, next trip to the range I repeat the test with 25 rounds.

If the 25 don't lead, 100 probably will not either.


.

[canyon-ghost]

Make sure your barrel is very clean, no copper fouling. Use a light coat of oil and a good bullet lube.

Good Luck,
Ron

[462]

My initial testing is done with ten rounds.

[wlc]

Ten for me as well. No leading then I do twenty or so. No leading then and I go into production mode IF the accuracy is where I want it to be.

[rintinglen]

Rifles, I load 10 only. Pistols and Revolvers, it varies. I do not have the luxory of picking my alloy. If I have just smelted up a bunch of mixed range lead, commercial scraps, roof flanges and the like, if it casts, it blasts. I do no load development on changes of alloy these days.

When working in uncharted territory with either powder or boolit, I usually load either two cylinders full, or two mags full, but sometimes go more if it is a starting load.

[Cherokee]

For handguns, I'll do 25 or so for initial test, unless its a barn-burning load; then only 10 or 12. If accuracy good and no leading, I'll for for 50. If still good, load, shoot, repeat. For rifle, I start with 10 and go from there.

[BubbaJon]

I also do 10 rounds shot as 2 groups of 5.