• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Excess smoke from reloads

I was shooting homemade cast bullets loaded with Bullseye in my 38 today at an outdoor range and noticed more smoke from my loads than from my shooting partners. I thought it was from the Bullseye.

Yeah, 38 wadcutters with 2.8 g of Bullseye in my Smith 52 and K 38 is like shooting black powder.

If you’re shooting 148 g wadcutters, 2.8 g of WST is very accurate and much less smoke than Bullseye
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ken
Shooting lead indoors may not be even close to a good thing , I can't believe they would allow it anymore...

A lot of the indoor ranges still allow lead bullets, but they also have installed ventilation systems to purge the air and rotate in fresh air.
 
I was shooting homemade cast bullets loaded with Bullseye in my 38 today at an outdoor range and noticed more smoke from my loads than from my shooting partners. I thought it was from the Bullseye.

Nope. I did a review of different powders while developing my load for 38Spl to shoot IDPA. One of the key concerns with high volume shooting with a revolver is dirty powder...slows down reloading and gums up the cylinder. Bullseye and Titegroup are both extremely clean burning (almost identical).

Most likely culprit is your cast bullets. You should try Trailboss and 160gr bullets in your 38Spl. It is a magic combo with great case fill (no risk of double charge) and best recoil impulse.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ken
A lot of the indoor ranges still allow lead bullets, but they also have installed ventilation systems to purge the air and rotate in fresh air.
Sure but it's still like the bars were I live that allow smoking , I smoke , but its just smoke , not lead... Although I don't really worry about either... But some people do... At my age I am not trying to live the last years of living good so I can live in a home...lol.... But some people are...
 
Thank you for all replies and advice. I will change to plated bullets. In addition, I am somewhat surprised they have not banded my reloads. Better to change before I create an issue for the range.
 
. Second, your reloads with Unique, dirtiest powder for pistols, will also create a significant smoke cloud and fireball. Titegroup is a very clean burning powder and the better one to use. Save your lungs and improve your shooting experience by try some coated lead bullets (no vaporizing lead or smoke cloud) and stop using Unique powder.
Strange, shooting with 60 guys, tight group leaves tar like build up and smoked like a fire. Universal was much better.
But what ever ....
 
It's a mute point if you size AFTER you coat.
I suppose I was thinking about millage on coating cast bullets that were purchased, versus bullets one cast themselves and final sized after coating.
 
I suppose I was thinking about millage on coating cast bullets that were purchased, versus bullets one cast themselves and final sized after coating.
I imagined even if people were buying bullets that they would still size them
 
I imagined even if people were buying bullets that they would still size them
I personally have bought and loaded HSM hard cast for my 45acp. Never thought of sizing a bullet that's ready to load.
 

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Forum statistics

Threads
165,844
Messages
2,204,053
Members
79,148
Latest member
tsteinmetz
Back
Top