Range Reports

Missouri Bullet Company assumes no responsibility for the data contained on this site. Please consult your powder manufacturer or your reloading manual.

Everyday we receive requests from new reloaders asking for load data using our bullets. Due to liability reasons, we do not provide this information. However, we know that many of you that use our bullets have this information.

If you would like to share this information or your experiecnces using our bullets, we will be glad to publish it on our website. Click here to email us your Range Report


Reloading Forums and Links

HandLoading and Reloading - thehighroad.org forum

 


Reports from our Customers

I use your Cowboy 120 Gr RNFP in a 32/20 rifle. The rifle is a BSA Martini built for Australia in the early 1900's. Original caliber was .310 Greener but the chamber has been recut for a 32/20. On first firing the shoulder of the brass is fire formed forward slightly, so after that I only neck size when reloading. Your bullet, Starline brass, and 4.2 Gr of Unique are giving me 1 ½ to 2 ½ inch groups at 100 yards. Eight out of ten shots will be in that grouping with the other two inside of 4 inches. The two that expand the group are because of me, not your bullets. I am over seventy years old and am shooting iron as issued sights and my eyes get tired by the end of a ten shot string. Great bullets, very accurate, and well priced. Thank you for providing these to the shooting community. PS: I use the 100 GR RNFP in pistol loads for a Colt 32/20 Police Positive Special that was built in 1935 with the same quality results. Soda cans at 25 yards are no problem.

Luther


Love the Keith style .45 SWC, 255 gr. coated bullets. Use them in my Ruger SBH 454, 6.5 in. barrel

With starline brass, CCI 400 small rifle primers, and 26.0 gr. Vihtavuori N110, nice groups and about 1,500 + fps. No signs of wear on the brass or gun.

I also use same setup with AA#9, slightly lower load about 25.0 gr., but more recoil.

Kevin


Chrono results for 5.5" Ruger (old model) Vaquero and 20" Henry Big Boy Steel

45 Colt MBC 250 grain lrnfp w/Hi-Tek coating W-231

7.1 grains is standard pressure max These are Tier 2 Ruger/TC only loads

20" Barrel
• 7.0 grains Vel -980 SD - 2
• 7.3 grains Vel - 1006 SD - 10
• 7.6 grains Vel - 1034 SD - 2
• 7.9 grains Vel - 1087 SD - 18
• 8.2 grains Vel - 1116 SD - 6 *
• 8.5 grains Vel - 1142 SD - 12

5.5" Barrel
• 7.0 grains Vel -827 SD - 4
• 7.3 grains Vel - 858 SD - 11
• 7.6 grains Vel - 873 SD - 13
• 7.9 grains Vel - 918 SD - 16
• 8.2 grains Vel - 932 SD - 12 *
• 8.5 grains Vel - 961 SD - 16
* best accuracy

Joseph R.


9 125 cone with 4 grains of w231. OAL. 1.08 CYCLE NICE IN SMITHWESSON M&P.

Steve S.


I've been using Missouri Bullet's 230 gr. Softball in my .45 ACP for a couple of years now.  I recently purchased the 185 gr. "Button" SWC with the Hi-Tec coating.  I was lured by the description "A classic, very accurate".  Wow - these bullets are scary accurate!  After experimenting with different loads and overall length, this is what I ended up with:
    185 gr. SWC Hi-Tec bullet
    5.4  gr. Hodgdon's HP-38
    Cartridge overall length 1.190"
    Winchester Large Pistol Standard Primers
    Mixed Brass
 With this load at 7 yards using a 2 hand grip, my 8 shots left a jagged 1" hole at point of aim.  I'm not that good  --  these bullets are!


Came off the range today with some data for the 38 S&W .361 145 Grain RN, plain without any Hi-Tec coating. Very pleased with the overall performance. Not much barrel metal other than normal shavings hanging around here and there -- pretty low smoke.

Rounds were made with Hodgson Universal, new Starline brass, and WSP. Final OAL was 1.20" with cases untrimmed and new out of the box. Early production S&W "38/200" Victory (Model 10) with a pristine 4" barrel. SWFL location pretty close to sea level in early summer morning with light wind.

2.0 grains; 871 ft/sec; SD 35 ft/sec
2.2 grains; 907 ft/sec; SD 34 ft/sec
2.5 grains; 977 ft/sec; SD 26 ft/sec

Regression on the data are as follows: [Muzzle Ft/sec = 214.105(grains) + 440 ft/sec] with a .995 linear fit.

Based on these data, and some of the (apparently bogus or galactically stupid) load data I've seen out there with Unique and other powders for the 38 S&W, I'd be very careful working up loads with your specific powder. The Lee die set has two powder loads listed for W231 and HP38, and my velocities are coming in about about 200 ft/sec higher than their two powders with similar weight loads. With both their listings they are drawing a MAX load line of about 2.5 grains, and I'd have to agree with that for Universal.

Hope this helps the Universal club members out there...


I have bought several cast hi tek coated bullets from Missouri bullet company and have been very satisfied so far. The first ones were the .44 300gr Hammer which I have been loading at 1.650 with 20gr of H110 they shoot well in my ruger super blackhawk hunter with no leading issues. I've also been loading the 45-70 buffalo .459 405gr bullet crimped at the crimp groove they come out to a coal of 2.53 which cycles well I'm my Marlin and even with 55gr of 4064 no leading but it is a compressed charge at 55gr so don't go higher than that. They are a little more comfortable to shoot at 50gr for target practice. I will be trying some of the 165 gr 30-30 bullets with the hi tek coating next. Thanks for making such great bullets!


I wanted to share the great performance I got from the .44 ElmerK this weekend. The attached pic is a 120lb Boar that strolled up near my stand on Saturday evening. The bullet went in between the eyes and exited behind his jaw, continued on through and left a perfect 1/2 inch hole in front left leg. Great entry and exit. He dropped right where he stood. Marlin 1894 .44 magnum rifle.
.44 ElmerK
23.5 grains of Hodgdon H110 powder
Winchester Magnum Pistol Primers
Starline Brass


Using Missouri Bullet Company's 180 grain RNFP Cowboy # 7 - I put together some .44 specials with Unique in loads varying from a low of 5.5 grains to a high of 9.0.  CCI 300 primers were used in Starline brass.

The 5 shot tests of each load were done offhand with a S&W 629 with 3 inch barrel.  The low end was so mild that hardly any felt recoil.  The upper end was still easy to manage.  The optimum range seems to be in the range of  7.0 to 8.5 grains. Click for pictures.

Tom


.41 Special Loads
Load #1
Starline Brass .41 Special
Missouri Bullet Company .41 Trooper 215 gr SWC
CCI 350 Primer
5.5 gr Winchester 231
Very good plinking load with 1.5 inch groups at 20 yards from 6 inch 57

Load # 2
Starline Brass .41 Special
Missouri Bullet Company .41 Trooper 215 gr SWC
CCI 300 Primer
6.0 gr Unique
almost identical feel to load # 1 but groups not as tight.

Will chronograph both at later date.

Tom


I bought 300 of the .475 Thumper Hi-Tek 340gr coated bullets. I'm blasting them out of my T/C Encore 13" MGM .475 Linebaugh barrel at 1708fps average (extreme spread was 24fps) over my chrono. This is over 2100ft/lbs of energy. At this speed there is minimal leading in the barrel and it's only at the last inch or two.

Accuracy is great. I can hold 1" or smaller at 50 yards when shooting off of my truck's bed. Put a better shooter behind the trigger and I'm sure it would tighten up. Current load is 30gr W296 in Hornady brass with a Fed 155M primer. I tested the slug against a jug of water and 10" of wet, compressed paper. It ripped apart the water jug and penetrated 5-6" into the paper. Retained weight was right at 90.3%. Observed size after firing was .638" on the thin side and .686" on the thick side. This was collected from a downward angle shot.

Overall I was amazed at the integrity of these projectiles! They dump energy like a hollow point but penetrate like a solid. But hey, what do I know? I'm just a kid from South Louisiana! I'll be shooting a lot more of these in the coming months.

Matt


Tried the 180 gr WFN (Pugnose) .358 bullets in my Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 7 shot .357 Magnum. I tried several different powders and combinations and they only shot so so for me. I was about to give up on them until I stumbled onto IMR 4227 powder with CCI 550 Magnum primers. Boy does it shoot!!! I am an accuracy nut so takes a lot to impress me but the 180 grainers came alive. I shoot 15.0 gr IMR 4227 & can consistently shoot 3" or less (7 shot) groups at 52 yards from the seated position resting on my arms on my knees using a 3 MOA Holographic sight with no magnification. Can't beat these bullets with this combination and they are half the price of my favorite jackets bullets. Love them! WILL BE ORDERING SEVERAL THOUSAND MORE.

Shane


1SG K- .358 MBC 180 Pug nose with star line case, win spm primer and 12 grains of AA#9. Chrono graphed at 10 feet 1235 feet per second. 2 inch group fired from standing two hand grip at 30 yards. My new hunting load. No leading at all. Shot from a Ruger gp100 4 inch.

Brian


Cowboy #20 Rossi M92 20" bbl. 44 mag, 50 yards off tailgate of pickup forearm rested on sandbag. 6 gr titegroup. 3 into .5 inch, 1 3/4inch overall. Distance verified by laser. Very pleased with your bullet!! Click for picture.

Thanks Roben


158gr #1 Ranger and 405gr #1 Buffalo:

Worked up a couple of .357 loads for my lever rifle (92 action Rossi) with the ranger. I wasn't sure about pushing it to the velocities I wanted without gas checks, but I had great luck with the #1 Buffalo, which averaged 1668 fps in my Marlin (48 grains of Benchmark) and grouped at 1.75" at 100 yards with iron sights. Did I mention no lead left behind? I decided to give it a shot, literally.

I tried a couple of powders I had on hand, and finally settled on 8.7 grains of blue dot using a standard small pistol primer. (There is no published data I could easily find for blue dot with this type of bullet, so as always, this load is MY workup, and I found it safe for MY gun, so use this data at your own risk, and remember to start lower and work up. I have NOT shot this load from any of my handguns as of yet).

Velocity stayed right at 1500 fps (measured at 12 feet from muzzle with chrony f1) with no sign of lead in the barrel and a nice lube ring around the muzzle just like the #1 Buffalo.

Group, shot from a rifle rest, was 8 rounds in one large, ragged hole at 50 yards with iron sights.

I am super happy with both of the MBC bullets I have tried. They are very reasonably priced, are of good quality, and always seem to be on hand at Graf's, which is driving distance for me.

Matthew


Just got back from testing my first loads of the Missouri Bullet Co plain-base, coated bullets in my .25-20. These were loaded with 9.2 gr of 4198, 0.2 dacron filler to position the charge, and NECO P-Wads. I got an eight shot group in 0.79 in only 4 holes which means the ammo and weapon exceed my shooting skill. No vertical velocity stringing at all, so I expect shot to shot variance to be low. I calculated that this combination would deliver 1427 fps out of my rifle, and that seems to fit within the parameters of my ballistic computation. I still have to shoot over the chronograph to validate the velocity, but this confirms 35remington\'s estimate of 1400-1450 fps with 9.0 gr 4198, and meeting my expectations for initially duplicating current factory loads. I\'m on this load until further notice. Will post results after chrony.

I might add that my son and I took initial sighting strings with factory Rem 86gr jacketed SPFN. We both experienced vertical stringing, indicating velocity variations. Looks like their powder (described in previous post) is position sensitive as well. The consistency I attained confirms me as a believer in dacron filler to keep the powder positioned. I suggest that you try it as well. At least now, I have the factory brass that can be filled with a REAL load.

WOW!


Shooting your .452 Cowboy #1s at 25 yds with Rossi 92 20" 45 Colt...

TrailBoss 5.6gr and Solo 1000 6.8gr were my good groupers. 5.5gr TrailBoss was also good. Notice how 5.8 opened way up! The Solo 1000 groups started shrinking at 6.6. i still want to try up to 7.1 of Solo and play more with the TB. Solo had more felt recoil though I'm pretty sure was within the 14,000 SAAMI limit. Click here for picture.

Scott


I obtained a pre model-10 S&W British Victory revolver in it's original configuration (not bored out for .38 special) and had a difficult time finding .38 s&w projectiles that have the correct .361 diameter. I was quite pleased to see that you carry those bullets, and even more pleased to find that you offer them with the Hitek coating, especially since my indoor range does not allow exposed lead.

Just shot my first batch over the weekend, and am thrilled with your Hitek coating. The bullets are easy to load (had no problems with the Hitek coating being scraped off during seating/crimping), have absolutely NO smoke, no leading of the barrel, and are very accurate.

Absolutely fantastic!

I'll definetly be ordering more of these with the Hitek coating for sure!

Phil


Just loaded and tested 1000 softball coated bullets and thought I'd share some observations;

While loading - Bullets are 'slick' when handling them, and no lead on fingers after loading 1000 rounds.

On a progressive press that is seating and has separate crimp die the effort is noticeable reduced for each pull of lever.

Lead rounds used to pile up in the exit chute after being kicked out, now they slide down to the bin without jamming.

Seating and crimping operations are smoother. Usually 5-10 I experience interruptions in loading process when doing a batch of 1000 lead bullets. None with the coated bullets.

Results of test fire. Slightly more accurate, time will tell as I may have just been having a good day.

No smoke....

I have one 1911 that is very picky to seating depths, ran a batch of 100 mixed length loads and they fed flawlessly.

I would say this is a big step forward. Better performance and more pleasurable loading what else could one ask for! Will be ordering more real soon....

Thanks
Tom


215 SWC Trooper .41 Magnum; just finished shooting these fine bullets from Missouri Bullet Company from a 6" Smith and Wesson Model 57; star line casings and 9.6 grains of Unique Powder - these are VERY accurate and consistent (Took out the center of the target) and have a stern recoil but manageable allowing rapid fire with accuracy. I am really satisfied with these bullets - they produced great results and worked well with my gun.

Al


I bought 500 45 cal rnfp bullets for cowboy action. Went to the range this thursday to see if they would lead the bore of my 73 winchester. Leading was not a problem, very accurate, from a 50yd rest 5 rounds at little over 1in. with three in the same hole. I plan to use this same bullet in my 45 acp for Idpa. You folks make a good bullet.

Tim


Gun: Glock 19 Gen 4 (9mm)
Rounds shot: +\- 1000
Gun Mods: 3.5 Ghost Trigger Connector & Talon Grip
Barrel: KKM
Bullet: Missouri Bullet 115grn lrn
Powder: 3.9grns Bullseye
OAL: 1.100
Personal experience: Softer load that is accurate for me and my shooting.

Gun: Glock 19 Gen 4 (9mm)
Rounds shot: +\- 1000
Gun Mods: 3.5 Ghost Trigger Connector & Talon Grip
Barrel: KKM
Bullet: Missouri Bullet 115grn lrn
Powder: 4.3grns Winchester231
OAL: 1.100
Personal experience: Medium hitting load that has more velocity and a "snappier" round than the 3.9 Bullseye but about the same accuracy for me and my shooting

Gun: Glock 21 Gen 4 (45ACP)
Rounds shot: +\- 750
Gun Mods: 3.5 Ghost Trigger Connector & Talon Grip
Barrel: Lonewolf
Bullet: Missouri Bullet 230grn lrn
Powder: 4.3grns Bullseye
OAL: 1.235
Personal experience: Soft hitting round that is very accurate for me and my shooting from 15ft paper targets to 25 yard steel. By far my most favorite round to shoot. FYI: 4.5grns of Bullseye work well also, with slightly more velocity than 4.3. I just prefer the 4.3 for the softer load and powder "savings" for the same accuracy for me. Note: I was not able to get these loads to go work in my Remington R1 1911, but it is fairly new and might need more breaking in, but just so you are aware. May not work in all 45ACP Semi Pistols. But just try it out for yourself. =)

These are my personal loads and I hold no responsibility or liability in the case of injury to someone else attempting these same loads. These are to be loaded at your own risk. None of these loads are max/hot loads. I always go low to middle of the road loads.

As always, Enjoy shooting and stay safe. =)

Elika


9mm Luger Load Testing Test

Firearm: Initially tested 2 rounds of new loads for velocity and pressure signs with Hi Point C9. Actual accuracy testing done with Tanfoglio Witness P-S @ 21 yards off MTM pistol rest. Listed velocity is the average of 5 shots through the Witness as measured with Shooting Chrony F1 Master.

Note: OAL needed to be quite short for these due to the design of the barrel in the EAA witness. Loads were tested and these were the max OAL that would chamber plus .02'' for variation.

115gr LRN Missouri Bullet Co. Parabellum
(L22)4.8gr WSF @ 1.06''
~1075fps
No Pressure signs
Shows accuracy potential

(L23) 4.4gr Unique @ 1.04x''
~1060fps
No Pressure signs
Shows accuracy potential

125gr Missouri Bullet Co. 9 Cone
(L17) 3.3gr Bullseye @ 1.120''
~940fps
Very consistent velocity
Good load, but HP38 results were better with this bullet

(L13)3.6gr Bullseye @ 1.090''
~1050fps
Seemed to get leading with this load after very few rounds
Accuracy was decent

(L19)4.2gr WSF @ 1.085''
~985fps
Accurate, very consistent velocity
Brass was clean/not burnt for such a reduced load

(L11) 3.8gr HP-38 @ 1.121''
~980fps
These are a nice, soft shooting target load. More accurate than 3.3gr Bullseye load.
Brass slightly burnt looking.

Ian


Fantastic!! First time user. Ordered 38 sp cowboy 158 gr, 313 dia, 12 Brn. Everything you said – absolutely true. No fouling, dead on accuracy @ 15 yds. Shooting Ruger New Vaquero, factory set @ 15 yds , bench rest with 3.3 gr Win 231 and Win SPP. Muzzle velocity app 800 fps. Fired aver 100 rds. Would have to say any bad shots due to shooter not your bullet. I was previously using 158 gr hard cast 18 brn with poor accuracy and lead fouling. Would take hours to clean, now I am done in 30 min. Thank you again, you have a customer.

Edward


For 357 mag with 158 gr.swc - I use bullseye at 6.3 at 20 yards. I hit a dot about size of a penny 357 river bulk hawk with 4x32 scope.

Gary


I came up with an exceptional load for silhouette shooting out to 200 meters with this bullet:

300gr Missouri Silhouette bullet with LIGHT spray of Hornady One-Shot Case Lube.

Spray bullets tanding on a paper towel, so no lube gets on the base.

10.5 grains HS-6
Federal Magnum LPP
Bullet seated in 44 magnum case to crimp groove and crimped without damaging bullet.

Tested using a 7.5 inch Ruger New Model SBH, it is insanely accurate at 200 meters. No pressure signs, very light recoil. In fact, I'd *guess* that it's below 25ksi.

Phil


230gr Softball = 5.4gr AA#2.  Soft shooting, accurate out of all my pistols. VERY ECONOMICAL (within data range from AA)

158gr SWC 357 ACTION = 14.5gr of 2400, STD primer, mixed 357 cases, firm crimp  A real thumper, considered by many to be the classic load for that bullet.

158gr SWC 357 ACTION = 6.0gr Power Pistol, STD primer, 38spcl cases, firm crimp. Serious horsepower for a snubbie, data from Alliant.

148gr DEWC PPC #2 = 2.9gr AA#2. Std primer(federal), NO CRIMP.  just straighten the case out leaving some lead sticking out(seat just past crimp groove)

255gr SWC Cowboy #9 = 18gr of 2400, standard primer, starline 45 colt cases.  Over published max, only for ruger blackhawk/freedom arms. Very accurate, lots of thump

300gr TC 45 Silhouette = 19.5gr of 2400. standard primer 45 colt cases, very hot.  It hurts, bad.  I dont want to shoo more than 6.  But its fun.  It will also kill anything that needs killing.

 200gr SWC IDP#1 = 4.6gr 700x. std primer mixed cases.  These are great action pistol rounds, or target loads. Brass lands two feet to the right, nice little pile. VERY CLEAN

180gr IDP#5 = 5.9GR AA#5, S&B primer, mixed cases.  Very accurate. Feels like factory ammo, groups very well. Scary good. 

LN


Some results for the 125 TC in a 9mm. Using mil surp brass (Win), 5.0 gr Power Pistol, and a CCI 500 primer, OAL is a bit short due to the chamber dimensions of my XDm at 1.040. Feed and function is excellent, load is not max, and is very accurate. Most target work is done at 50 ft with 1-1.5" groups normal with this load if I do my part. This bullet may not be made specifically for the 9mm, but works really well. This load in rapid fire will hold a 6" Shoot n See as long as I do what I should.

Same overall results using the 115gr RN with minor changes in powder charge 5.2-5.5 gr of Power Pistol, all other components the same. Velocity of the 5.5 gr load runs just over 1200 fps, so it is a bit warm, but not max. No point in going over that load. Accuracy, again at 50 ft, is outstanding as well, just a bit bigger at 1.5-2.0" groups.

Keep in mind, these groups for both bullets can run much tighter for a better shooter. For me that is really good performance. Both of these loads shoot to the sights without being high, low, etc. With both of these loads, because of the alloy being hard, you may get some minor leading at the throat of the barrel, if you use a faster powder like Bullseye, Red Dot, or Titegroup. I like Power Pistol for the 9mm because it is somewhat slower than the others I listed, and I don't get that leading with this powder. Your pistol may be different, however.

For 45 LC using the 250 gr RNFP ( Cowboy#1), I use 6.0 gr Titegroup for 1-1.5" groups from a Lipsey's Ruger Blackhawk. I have not seen any leading at all. I have this load in Remington cases, Starline works well also, and Wolf LP primers. I have used CCI 300's with little to no difference between load performance. I do use a firm crimp, and from what I can tell right now, assume these are running right around 850-880 fps. Max load according to Hodgdon is 6.2 for this powder/ bullet combo for those interested.

Brent


I have been using 231 for my .40 S&W loads. When I ordered the 140 gr lead bullets, it wasn't until I received them that I realized there is not much data out there for the loads. The Lyman book had data for 135 gr and 150 gr so I started low and worked up until it felt and shot good. The surprise is that the load came out at 5.5 gr of 231 with standard small pistol primer, I tried some with the small magnum primer also at 5.5 gr, totally fine. Now the great surprise is that 5.5 gr is what I use with my 180 jacketed hollow points. So for me, I can load 5.5 gr of 231 in either the 140 gr or the 180 gr. bullets, no changing the powder measure....

Jason


Range report for 9mm .356 SmallBall 125 grain LRN bullets:

Shooting:
--Walther PPS
--Hodgdon Universal Clays powder
--Reloading w/Lee Pro 1000, .46 Auto Disk Measure (throwing 4.2 gr. as measured w/RCBS scale)
--CCI #500 primers
--UMC and Winchester once-fired brass

Excited to try new MBC bullets...at about 20 feet, shot first 6 rounds almost through same hole. Fantastic combo, especially on first try, thank you MBC!

Rich K


here is my data for 357 mag, u might find it useful
all loads are using BlueDot powder and Small Mag pistol Primers and 158 grain bullets from http://www.missouribullet.com/

these loads do not lead even at max loads!
all loads will print about a inch at 20 yards
all numbers based on 6 shot groups
Blue Dot Loads in S&W Highway Patrolman

grains vel enegry es
9.0 1147 461 95
10.0 1206 510 88
10.5 1274 569 37
11.0 1308 600 30
11.5 1343 633 47
12.0 1385 672 75
12.5 1410 698 38

Blue Dot Loads in Ruger Blackhawk

grains vel enegry es
9.5 1263 560 51
10.0 1308 600 56
10.5 1364 652 70
11.0 1399 687 40
11.5 1444 731 59
12.0 1519 809 47
12.5 1541 833 31

on a graph the velocity is very linear, while the ES's show a nice curve with 11.0 being the choice load so we shoot it as our everyday load. not a really light load, but not full house. very shootable, we go though 200 per gun a session

goatboy_k


#401180M (IDP#5) - Try WW 231 powder - 5.2 gr, with cci small pistol primer - about 900 fps, and shot a 4" group at 30 feet with a S&W M&P compact. Works great!! --- Ken B.


I have shot over 200 rounds using the .40 180Gr and Cone 170Gr bullets. They shoot fine. I use a PMC small pistol primer, 5.6 grains of Ramshot Sillhouette pistol powder in both loads. Produces a round I estimate is 800-900 FPS and low pressure around 22,000 PSI. Cycles gun well. Great for plinking. Shooting in Glock 22. Checked factory barrel after 100 rounds, virtually no lead buildup. Rounds are so low power that they don't bulg casings at un-supported area of glock barrel so I feel safe continuing to use this formula for producing low cost reloads without danger to myself.


I have fired about 1000 rounds, in a Glock 21 with a Lone Wolf Distributor barrel (I choose not to risk firing lead in the factory polygonal barrel. The savings of lead rounds over jacketed pays for a barrel which is more likely to be safe, in only 1000 rounds or so.)

I'm loading on a progressive press, using Universal Clays powder. 5.2-5.8 grains have all worked very well, and is enough to drop "pepper popper" steel targets at shooting events. COAL is about 1.260''. The only problem with these is that the nose of the bullet is a little longer than some SWC's, meaning the shoulder of the bullet is a little shorter. This limits the range of adjustment you have with COAL somewhat. If your gun wants something 1.250'' or shorter, there won't be any bullet shoulder to run up the feed ramp. This can be a big deal if thats the case. Leading is minimal if the hardness is matched with correct charges.

Otherwise these bullets are great. The lube does not smoke very much with U-Clays, and I will shortly be trying Bullseye out. Good product and good price. Next on my list are the RNFP's. -- EJS


Just fired off 20 rounds of Missouri Bullet Co. 147gr lead flat point in a M&P Pro 9mm. Decided to try something new - last 1k were MBC 125gr LRN. No problems, just curious for something new. My Lee Auto Disc .32 threw about 4.9 ±.1 of Accurate #5. At the range, alternated 1st 4 with old batch of 115gr Rainier plated pushed by 3.8gr of Clays. 147's felt slightly softer, but, WAY BETTER accuracy! Went on to shoot 16 more, with no plated in-between. Leading was light, mid-barrel, and cleaned easily with 10 strokes of ChoreBoy & CLP. -- Bob


Here is some of my personal observations based on my equipment and methods.

All are based on 10 shot strings from an H & K USP .45 full size (octagonal barrel). Barrel cleaned between strings and mixed range brass. I have been working on an IPSC major power factor load. I have had no feed errors. A 1.240 OAL leaves just a few thousand inches of the bullet shoulder exposed above the case neck. The octagonal barrelcoupled with the .452 bullet seems to give a lot higher velocity than I have seen with most load data (can you have too good of a seal?).

Hodgdon Clays powder
Missouri Bullet Bullseye #1 .452 LSWC 200 gr
Charge/vel (Ft sec)
1.240 OAL
3.6 764
3.7 802
3.8 830
3.9 861 (heavy smoke)
4.0 876 (heavy smoke)
Some leading at 3.8 progressively gets worse to 4.0

Hodgdon Clays powder
Missouri Bullet IDP #1 .452 LSWC 200 gr
1.240 OAL
3.6 796
3.7 815
3.8 826
3.9 839 (heavy smoke)
Some leading at 3.6. Little to no leading at 3.7-3.9.

Hodgdon Universal Clays powder
Missouri Bullet IDP #1 .452 LSWC.452 LSWC 200 gr
1.240 OAL
5.3 776
5.5 835
5.7 858  (my new IPSC load)
Some leading at 5.3. Little to no leading at 5.5 and 5.7

Hodgdon Universal Clays powder
Missouri Bullet Bullseye #1 .452 LSWC 200 gr
1.240 OAL
6.0 878 (min load from Hodgdon for a .451 LSWC)
6.2 939
First trial load with universal powder, way too heavy for a soft bullet heaving leading

-- baycrab725


Thumbs up 30-30 Cast bullet trials
After getting into loading this year and really enjoying it I decided to purchase a Marlin 336 in 30-30 to explore the possibilities of this cartridge.

I have found that with jacketed bullets the system has pretty much been refined to where anybody with basic loading experience will have success. Its an easy bullet to load and many powders work well with jacketed bullets.

However, I like to shoot and I like to shot a lot! In these times the cost of jacketed bullets is just not in my budget for the volume of bullets I throw down range. This leads me to cast bullets.

Like jacketed bullets, cast bullets have also been pretty much dialed in enough to get in the ball park but there are a few items I waned to share that if I had known would have saved me a lot of time.

1.) Buy a Lyman cast bullet relaoding book! No kidding, this book has information that YOU WILL NOT FIND ON THE INTERNET!

2.) Commercial made gas check lead bullets will not save you a bunch of money over jacketed unless you buy volume. http://www.westernbullet.com/ly3gr2.html

3.) Commercial made plain base bullets WILL save you a bunch of money. http://www.missouribullet.com/results.php?category=6

4.) Make sure ALL of the copper fouling is out of the barrel before you shoot cast bullets.

5.) Plain base cast bullets are best ran between 1000 and 1400 FPS.

6.) Plain base bullets love fast burning shotgun and pistol powders.

7.) There is no load data for plain base cast rifle in any of the reloading books

After many trial runs with the missouri plain base bullets I would like to share what I found so far....

Powders

H335: Great with jacketed bullets. Bad with plain base cast bullets. Burns the lube of the bullet before exiting barrel. Leads the end of the barrel. Bullets fly all over the place!

H4227: Shoots PB cast bullets straight at velocities under 1300 FPS. 1400 FPS and over and you get flyers. Smokes quite a bit. No leading under 1300 FPS.

Unique: Works well with 7-10 grains. No leading. Keep below 1300 FPS. Smokes but is accurate.

Red Dot: Works the best for lead plain base up to 1400 FPS. Almost no smoke which tells me its not burning much lube. No leading under 1400 fps

Conclusion

After many tests I have found that I can run both Missouri bullet company's 135 and 165 grain plain base bullets over 6.5 grains of Red Dot and get same point of aim accuracy as I do full power jacketed bullets out to 100 yards. The small powder charge does not have an effect on accuracy and I do not use any fillers. There is virtually no smoke from the bullet lube being burned and there is no leading. I would compare the sound and recoil to that of a .22 magnum. This load allows me to use the same sight settings with both full power loads and reduced loads.

The Lyman Cast Bullet handbook is where you will find the best information and loads for the velocity you are trying to achieve.

Missouri Bullet Company is the best commercial resource I have found for cast bullets. I run them in my pistols, revolvers, and rifles. They are spot on when it comes to customer service and shipping. I've never had to wait over five days for an order to be on my door step.

Next, I will try my hand at casting for the 30/30. I'm going the cheap route, Lee Bullet mold, liquid Alox, wheel weights, coleman stove, and cast iron pot!

Wish me luck -- Ventura Guy


The recipe I've been shooting has actually got me excited about shooting again! I'm using a MBC Bullseye No. 1, over 4.1gr (.61cc) of Clays and a Federal 150 primer. COAL is 1.24. This load is soft-shooting, accurate (can consistently put 1", 5rd holes at 15yds off hand), and astonishingly clean. After 50rds fired, there is almost no depositing on the gun and I could literally pick the spent brass up off the ground and reload it! Barrel shows no signs of leading after 200rds. No smoke, no muzzle flash.

Simply best load I've ever fired through a pistol!

Don


9MM 125 SWC: Loaded to 1.080, 4 grains of Unique, Winchester SPP with mixed brass.  First round out of the barrel was a bull from 7 yards. All down hill from there, happens every time I start that way. Rounds were close, but accuracy is TBD due to shooter euphoria.  No chrono info available. Provided plenty of power to cycle my Glock 22 with a 9mm drop in barrel.   Loaded 4.3 of unique with same OAL, hot load for my gun. Hits on paper provided nice sharp holes, the reason to shoot a SWC round for me. Alliant recommended 4.0 for a starting load and 4.5 for a maximum.   I think they are right on the money with their numbers.

Tom


Excellent accuracy with your .38 158 LRN “cowboy” bullets in .38 spl. with 3.7 gr. Titegroup.

Thank you.

Dillo


10 shot group off-hand @ 15 meters.... Your Bullseye #2 185gr. SWC's in front of 4.0gr. of Clays out of my Smith M&P-45.  I think the results speak for themselves. Click for image

John


I got my package of bullets (115 gr. LRN in 9mm and 185 gr. LSWC in 45 ACP) a few days ago and started reloading. I used 700-X for both; 3.5 gr. For the 9mm and 4.9 gr. For the 45 ACP. Good placement with no leading in the barrel. Very pleased so far with performance, quality, price, and quick shipments. Thanks MBC.

Jim


Finally got a chance to try out your company and I’m pleased with the results. Will be ordering more soon. This range trip I ended up loading some of the .452” 225gr FlatHead bullets over 8.8 grains of Ramshot Competition in my .45 Colt lever gun, and was seeing velocities in the 1100-1180 neighborhood. Also loaded these same bullets for my .45 Super AR carbine with 10” barrel. FlatHead over 10.9 grains Longshot was solid 1450-1480fps all day and accuracy was spectacular. Keep up the good work, boys!

Mike K.


Finally got around to loading the 185gr 45acp button bullet from MBC. Been loading 40 yrs and had some issues in the past with the jacketed Hornady design. I read all the info here and across the web and found various COL recommendations. I decided just to take my 1911 barrel and set depth so it was smooth with the barrel hood. Taper crimped and did kurplunk test. It was flawless there. That was a dummy round no primer or powder.

Loaded 5 rds with what most loaders call obsolete 700X at 4.4 grs. on an old Lyman 55powder measure. I tried using a little dandy rotor #10 but would cut powder consistent enough. Stepped off the porch and shot a good group at 10 yrds. These 5 were loaded on a Rock Chucker.

Switched press to a Dillon progressive and set powder drop at 4.3-4 and loaded 15 more at 1.16 and shot great groups with an XD Sig 220 and an Glock 21 and old 70 series colt government. They fed and ejected reliably from all 4 guns with brass within 2 ft.

I enjoyed this round for what I created it for which is punching paper and a little steel. As always what worked for me may not work for you. In regard to powder choice I am blessed with all the usual characters from all manufacturers. I had an old can of DuPont 700X and wanted to use it.

I did this post for anyone having issues with a good COL for the button bullet. All the old farts like me know reloading is a serious but enjoyable hobby. If your just starting read your loading books and start with their recommendations. This load is accurate soft recoil and a true pleasure to shoot.

Wilbur H.

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