Lube required for .44 magnum revolver lead bullets?

[AK_Skeeter]

I mostly reload for rifles....reload plinker loads for my Ruger Redhawk .44 magnum revolver.

For years I've reloaded the .44 mag
240 gr semiwad cutter lead bullets, red dot powder.
I purchased 1,000 of these lead bullets years ago.
I have not lubed these bullets and they shoot fine (~500 shots)

What is the advantage of lube for lead semiwad cutter bullets in a revolver?
When is lube not required?

Thanks.

 

[BRobertson]

I imagine from your desc that you have either Speer or Hornady swagged lead bullets?
They are actually lubed with a dry type lube from the factory.
You should be able to load them to 1000 FPS or so without leading in your Redhawk.
I cast my lead bullets and either lube them or powder coat them. They can be loaded to much higher pressures and velocities than the soft swagged bullets

Bob

 

[AK_Skeeter]

I imagine from your desc that you have either Speer or Hornady swagged lead bullets?
They are actually lubed with a dry type lube from the factory.
You should be able to load them to 1000 FPS or so without leading in your Redhawk.
I cast my lead bullets and either lube them or powder coat them. They can be loaded to much higher pressures and velocities than the soft swagged bullets

Bob

Yes Speer, I bought them years ago in Lewiston, ID.
Speer reloading manual#11 for .240 gr semi-wadcutter 6.0gr Red Dot, 881 fps, so plinker loads.
Thanks!