[mgtd]

I'm new to my XD-40, several hundred rounds through it and can see that finding a less expensive ammo, could have long term benifits to my pocketbook.

Can anyone make suggestions as to whether lead bullets are going to foul my XD-40sw Tactical substantially or cause any long term effects to the mechanism, versus shooting jacketed rounds? Would cleaning a little more often offset any objectionable fouling. How often, (# rounds fired) do most people thoroughly clean thier XD's, versus just swabbing the barrel and exterior wipe down.

Thanks for any input.

 

[agalindo]

Lead bullet will deposit lead in your barrel. You'll have to clean a little more or a lot more depending on the load. The hotter your loads are the more lead you will get in your barrel. Copper plated bullets are better and cost about the same.

 

[one-eyed-fatman]

Get the 9MM barrel to install in your 40. 9MM cheap.

 

[Hawaii-5-O]

I've been using lead bullets exclusively in my 9MM Tactical since Nov 2004 without have much leading problems. Key to keeping your barrel lead free are lead hardness and lubrication. I mix my own lead alloy similar to #2 Alloy for a BHN of 15 and use a mixture of bees wax, parafin and vaseline for a semi-hard lube. I tried Lee's liquid alox and it works too, but you need a good coating. I got Lee and Lyman bullet molds, but Lyman's the best. The wax grove is easier to fill and the steel molds are better than aluminum molds.

I got started with reloading 44 Magnums which factory loads normally cost $20 for box of 50 WWB. Reloading them brought the cost down to less that $4.50 for 50 or a savings of over 75%. Reloading 9MM costs me about $3.09 per box of 50. Which is a savings of about 50%. There is a cost for the equipment needed, but it is another part of shooting that's really another hobby. Plus you will learn much more about bullets, powders, brass & primers that will allow you to tailor your ammo to your pistol.

I normally shoot about 300 9MM rounds each session at the range, and always clean the pistol afterwards to check for leading, etc. Barrel cleaning consists of swabbing the barrel with copper cutter, brass wire bore brushing, swab to clean, and swab to oil. I do inspect the barrel with a small white LED light and magnifing glasses.