The melting point of lead is 700-800F, depending on the alloy. Your drill bit should not be getting anywhere near that hot. Lead is, however, quite soft and (as far as metals go) somewhat sticky. If you drill without lubrication, the swarf will tend to stick in the drill flutes and clog up the bit. Then it will smear or bind.
Copper is even stickier than lead. Personally, I find jacketed lead bullets much easier to drill than solid copper bullets (although I do both, as well as steel core).
I don't quite follow the desire to spin the point hole smaller. Are you using a hollow-point bullet with a very large hollow? If so, then switch bullets. Drill the tip with a #44 bit for Cross-style refills or a #38 bit for Parker-style.
I hope that helps,
Eric
The swarf is sticking to the jacket and along the path from the drill, not the bit itself.
I just have a few bullets the individual gave me. I have not purchased any, at this point. The hollow of the bullet is quite large, a cross refill (not just the ballpoint) will pass through the opening with the lead removed.
The one I drilled, I let slip in the chuck and drilled of center. I continued to understand how the lead would respond. I have thought about drilling through copper jacket, under power, then turning the lathe by hand to drill through the lead.
I am not giving up yet. Still learning. I can alway buy bullets if needed.
I do want to do a few 30 calibres. Do you have a recommendation (brand or type) for bullet to use?
Thank you.