casting bullets for the ak47?
- Thread starter cajun47
- Start date
The fowling of the gas port could be a issue, I think a hard cast 150gr at 1,800 FPS may work using 2400 but I'm just guessin 
look here; http://castboolits.gunloads.com/
I've been temped to try this with my Russian SKS but the clean up could be a PITA.
look here; http://castboolits.gunloads.com/
I've been temped to try this with my Russian SKS but the clean up could be a PITA.
100W_Warlock
New member
Will work, but, must be prepped...
Your going to get some leading no matter what.
I have read of folks using Lee Liquid Alox to coat the bullets so that leading can be reduced, but, never eliminated.
Plated bullets may be your best bet, but, those don't work terribly well above 1500fps.
Your going to get some leading no matter what.
I have read of folks using Lee Liquid Alox to coat the bullets so that leading can be reduced, but, never eliminated.
Plated bullets may be your best bet, but, those don't work terribly well above 1500fps.
cloudcroft
New member
cajun47,
The short answer is no, you can't: The rule is no lead bullets in semi-auto guns with gas tubes/pistons. This goes for rifles/carbines and even pistols (like the Desert Eagle).
In bolt actions they're just fine...at reduced velocities. Or use paper-patched lead bullets for higher velocities if you MUST have that.
The long answer has already been addressed by other posters above.
Buy bulk FMJ bullets instead if available and forget casting for the AK.
-- John D.
The short answer is no, you can't: The rule is no lead bullets in semi-auto guns with gas tubes/pistons. This goes for rifles/carbines and even pistols (like the Desert Eagle).
In bolt actions they're just fine...at reduced velocities. Or use paper-patched lead bullets for higher velocities if you MUST have that.
The long answer has already been addressed by other posters above.
Buy bulk FMJ bullets instead if available and forget casting for the AK.
-- John D.
Some folks run cast bullets in their Yugo SKS rifles.
They shut off the gas port via the Yugo's grenade launching valve.
Problem is, even as a single-shot 7.62x39, the cast bullet still runs across the gas port in the barrel, shaving off a smidgen each time. Cleaning lead fouling out of a gas port is a royal pain in the tuchus. Gas-checked cast bullets tend to alleviate the problem a little bit, but the bullet's bearing surface still smears against the gas port enroute to the muzzle.
Berry's makes a plated 7.62x39gr bullet, 110gr, for $64.39/1000. I buy Golden West Brass brand 124gr jacketed bullets for my AK/SKS rifles, they go $75.00/1000. I still shoot and cast all sorts of lead alloy bullets, but not for my gas guns. It's not worth the hassle.
They shut off the gas port via the Yugo's grenade launching valve.
Problem is, even as a single-shot 7.62x39, the cast bullet still runs across the gas port in the barrel, shaving off a smidgen each time. Cleaning lead fouling out of a gas port is a royal pain in the tuchus. Gas-checked cast bullets tend to alleviate the problem a little bit, but the bullet's bearing surface still smears against the gas port enroute to the muzzle.
Berry's makes a plated 7.62x39gr bullet, 110gr, for $64.39/1000. I buy Golden West Brass brand 124gr jacketed bullets for my AK/SKS rifles, they go $75.00/1000. I still shoot and cast all sorts of lead alloy bullets, but not for my gas guns. It's not worth the hassle.
It CAN be done
Take a look at this write-up;
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=13453
As long as the bullet has a gas check,(most of them do), the fouling of the gas port and piston is minimal. That does NOT mean that it don't have to be cleaned! Sure, you can shoot boatloads of jacketed bullets through one of those AK's or SKS rifles without cleaning, but with a little more care cast bullets can be used.
As far as the AR-15, there's some on the cast boolits forum that have been doing it. Again there's more cleaning involved of the gas system. The main question always is WHY? Because we can! Or more importantly, some day we may HAVE TO! Knowing how in advance, and knowing it will work in a SHTF scenario, could be the difference between survival or not.
Take a look at this write-up;
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=13453
As long as the bullet has a gas check,(most of them do), the fouling of the gas port and piston is minimal. That does NOT mean that it don't have to be cleaned! Sure, you can shoot boatloads of jacketed bullets through one of those AK's or SKS rifles without cleaning, but with a little more care cast bullets can be used.
As far as the AR-15, there's some on the cast boolits forum that have been doing it. Again there's more cleaning involved of the gas system. The main question always is WHY? Because we can! Or more importantly, some day we may HAVE TO! Knowing how in advance, and knowing it will work in a SHTF scenario, could be the difference between survival or not.
Yeah, folks will always find a way to do something, that's a given.
Doesn't mean it's the smartest thing to do, though. Clark used to publish some seriously ohmygawsh handloads here that converted a .380 ACP into a .357 Magnum, too.
I've found considerable lead build-up in my AK and SKS rifle gas systems after shooting a magazine or two of jacketed soft points. I would cringe at the amount of leading I'd have to clean after running a cast bullet at 2400fps, with or without gas checks or super-dooper bullet lube. Cast bullets obturate to fill the bores, lest we forget. Gas checks are somewhat after the fact, and will scrape the bore clean, but not the gas port.
Now if you're fighting off the waves of U.N. Blue Helmets marching up your driveway, go for it, lead fouling is of only minor concern at that moment. Just make sure you have a "Plan B" when their artillery or close air support finds the exact range to your position.
Doesn't mean it's the smartest thing to do, though. Clark used to publish some seriously ohmygawsh handloads here that converted a .380 ACP into a .357 Magnum, too.
I've found considerable lead build-up in my AK and SKS rifle gas systems after shooting a magazine or two of jacketed soft points. I would cringe at the amount of leading I'd have to clean after running a cast bullet at 2400fps, with or without gas checks or super-dooper bullet lube. Cast bullets obturate to fill the bores, lest we forget. Gas checks are somewhat after the fact, and will scrape the bore clean, but not the gas port.
Now if you're fighting off the waves of U.N. Blue Helmets marching up your driveway, go for it, lead fouling is of only minor concern at that moment. Just make sure you have a "Plan B" when their artillery or close air support finds the exact range to your position.