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> Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bullets
Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bullets
@ 02:00 am (GMT) |
Michael SeagerHi folks,Do we think that non-lead hunting bullets just struggle to expand well under a certain calibre (Say 25 cal)? Seems reading around that anything under 6.5mm seems to pencil - and this was my experience with 100gr 25 cal Peregrine VLR4s (Interestingly same trip and 150gr Peregrine VLR4s expanded beautifully out of a 30-06 going slower on the same quarry). There seems to be an issue with 243 W as well from my reading. Any one else noticing the same? Mike |
Replies
@ 10:24 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsProbably why Winchester developed its “Deer Season XP Copper Impact” . . . bigger meplat = better chance of expansion in smaller calibers. |
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@ 08:14 pm (GMT) |
Michael SeagerRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsI'm wondering that. I'm also wondering if the bigger meplat / surface area with the bigger calibres kicks off expansion better. |
@ 10:42 am (GMT) |
Daniel SchindlerRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsThanks for posting the question.I'll be watching this thread carefully. |
@ 01:08 pm (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsMichael,Do you happen to live in the United States? If so you can use Terminal Shock bullets from Dynamic Research Technologies. They'll get the job done while remaining lead-free. They are available in both 223 and 243 as well as 270, 308, etc. I've used them personally in those calibers and they are outstanding. I don't work for them or have affiliation with them, I'm just a customer. As far as your question goes, I think Nathan has pretty well proven that solid copper just isn't much for consistent performance, and as the calibers go down you just don't have much to work with on the momentum side. Speed sometimes helps solid copper work in larger, more powerful calibers but when you get to those smaller calibers the physics don't work out. Linear momentum has a mass aspect in the calculation which is critical to the force of impact. Low impact force, low expansion. If you must have lead-free I think finding something that will still expand making the use of higher technology is the way to go. The DRT bullets expand in a 243 like you'd expect a Sierra hunting bullet to do. I wish they had them in 25 caliber but you know it's an oddball these days. I think that they also have the round we do not speak of(6.5 CM) in 147 grain as well. If you're not in the United States there may be some availability from Nosler but they'll be advertised as varmint bullets, and may be in really small calibers such as 17, etc. |
@ 06:46 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsHi Michael, yes I have found this to be the case. I talked about it in the following web chat:https://youtu.be/_LiBSXfEtOo?t=928 The above is time stamped to that exact question. You can take it back a few minutes if you prefer. |
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@ 02:37 am (GMT) |
Michael SeagerRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsThanks for that, Nathan. I'm in the UK as well, like your caller. By no means do I shoot as much but non-lead becoming a thing for all of us here.Mike |
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@ 05:27 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsHere’s a recent interview of one of the owners of Hammer bullets.https://youtu.be/jlg9GU3ALkE |
@ 11:28 am (GMT) |
IanRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsMichael, check out Yew Tree Field Sports in Wiltshire.Available in small calibres, relatively wide hollow point, frangible front, moderate weight retention. I would expect them be much quicker killers than almost all of the US offerings. If I had the need, I would definitely try them. |
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@ 07:05 pm (GMT) |
Michael SeagerRe: Smaller Calibre Non-Lead hunting bulletsHi Lane, yes I've heard good things but I don't think the DRTs are so easy to get here sadly. Maybe in time. I like the 25 Cal and think it is under appreciated. As I often say, the 257 Roberts delivers the 243 Win's hype ;)I've got some Nosler E-tips to try (didn't group as well as the Peregrine's initially hence using the Peregrines for the first attempt). I have heard good reports of the Nosler E-Tips performance out of a 6.5x55 (120gr) so I am hopeful for 257 version @ 100grs going a bit faster will also work. Ian, Yew Tree might be next on my list if the E-tips don't work. Mike |
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