Lead Bullets ?

Shooter1

June 20, 2004 11:28

Are all Bullets Lead? Some just coated? What is the deffernce?When it is said Don't shoot Lead Bullets What are referring to?Thanks for your time!

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  Tailgunner1954

  June 20, 2004 11:46

  Lead bullets are pure lead or a lead alloy.
  Jacketed or plated bullets (slightly different construction techniques) have a layer of copper alloy on the outer surface, with a lead core.
  Monometal (solid construction) bullets are made from either pure copper (Barnes) or a bronze alloy (while the lead bullets are technicaly of a monometal construction, they are refered to as "lead" only).
  This is only a general overview, you can get into some speciality bullets that while similar to the above are constructed slightly different.
  
  

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  Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.

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  nmyers

  June 20, 2004 13:52

  There are several different circumstances under which you might be told "No lead bullets".
  
  At one time some indoor ranges prohibited solid lead bullets, because toxic levels of airborne lead particles could be inhaled by shooters. Teflon & other coatings were developed to reduce the lead "shaved" as the bullets traveled down the bore. Current EPA standards require that indoor ranges blow particles away from the shooters & vent them to the outside.
  
  Lead bullets are fine for pistols when loaded to moderate velocity. However, high velocity loads require jacketed bullets, as lead bullets would deposit a layer of lead in the bore & quickly foul the barrel; this would degrade accuracy & require heavy cleaning.
  
  Some auto pistol makers advise using only full jacketed bullets, but that is mainly to ensure reliability.
  
  I'm sure that there are other reasons why lead bullets would be prohibited, or at least recommended against.
  
  Neal

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