Bevel or flat base bullet ?

[Arokcrwlr]

Hi,

Newb question here...

I just got a smoking deal on about 8k 45acp cast bullets/brass from a guy that is getting rid of everything. Half of the bullets are flat base and the the other half bevel base - both 185g SWC.

I have only loaded with flat base bullets up until now because I was under the impression that they sealed the chamber better and didn't lead the barrel as much. Can someone give me the poop on flat base vs. bevel base bullets? Generally, will the same load recipe work with either bullet design?

The guy also threw in several hundred 250g .44 FB bullets. They mic'd right at .431/.432, but the base is narrower by a few .001's. Are these GC bullets? I have never used a GC bullet.

Thanks for any wisdom offered...

 

[Bullet Puller]

I have shot both flat base and bevel base and don't see much difference. There are some who say that a bevel basse bullet may cause leading, but I doubt if it would be a problem on a .45 ACP. The bevel base bullets are a little easier to load. I load almost all of my .45 ACP on a progressive press and use only bevel base. I get a little leading, but it may/may not be due to the bevel base. Don't fret over it. Load a batch of each and give them a try. Experience is the best teacher.

As for the .44 bullets, does the base taper or is there a distinct step at the heel? Bullets molded for a gas check will have a distinct step to allow the check to be seated.

I hope this helps.
Larry

 

[Arokcrwlr]

As for the .44 bullets, does the base taper or is there a distinct step at the heel? Bullets molded for a gas check will have a distinct step to allow the check to be seated.

I hope this helps.
Larry

Thanks Larry - that does help.

Regarding the .44 bullets - yes it is a distinct step, not a bevel. Looks like I'll need to get some gas checks...

Thanks again.

 

[J Miller]

Bevel based bullets can, will, do, cause leading in revolvers.
They are generally cast too hard, and too small for most revolver throats.

However they tend to work fine in auto pistols and rifles.
Basically the chamber and barrel are one unit and there almost instant contact with the rifling.

Use 'em and enjoy.

Joe

 

[Cherokee]

BB bullets work fine in 45 ACP, loaded/shot lots and lots of them.

 

[Hammer]

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[slippingaway]

They're all right, bevel base bullets will do just fine in .45acp because it's a relatively slow moving, lower pressure round. It's probably possible to find a powder/load combination that would cause leading especially if you're loading +P or +P+ loads, but for regular loads I don't see it happening.

 

[Cholo]

I've shot thousands of bevel based wadcutters in my .38's with no leading problems. Of coures I'm not driving them ballz to the wall. I drive my SWC bullets faster and I prefer a flat base.

 

[btrumanj]

Most all of the bullets I buy commercially are bevel base. I use them in .38/.357, 9MM, .44 mag, .45ACP and .45 Colt. A bit of leading in some loads but it's really not a big deal and easily cleaned out of MY guns.
BT

 

[gramps]

Hi,
I thought that the flat base was supposed to "obturate" better? Most of the cast that I've used were bevel based. They were a lot easier to start in the cases. I'd rather have better performance if the flat bases gave it over the bevel base. I don't have enough experience or a chronograph to make the necessary comparisons.
gramps

 

[WESHOOT2]

I use both.

 

[WESHOOT2]

To add: Virtually all my personal lead-bullet ammo is bevel-base, but I have flat-base bullets for certain very (very) specific needs.

 

[gramps]

Weshoot,
Thank you for the reply. Could you elaborate on the specific needs for a flat base bullet. Basically I got that the bevel base does 98% of what we reloaders need done.
gramps