A lot of talk about bullets
12-18-2010, 04:56 AM
#1
Boone & Crockett
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,762
A lot of talk about bullets
Seems to me lately there has been a lot of talk about bullets on this forum lately that has led to a good deal of information being passed around mostly by knowledgeable people with experience.
This got me thinking last night in bed (cause at my age I don't have anything better to do) and the evolution of the bullet.
From my old tired memory the first real ML bullet was the lead ball. Pure soft lead with lousy ballistics by today's standards. But it worked OK. Then,with the invention of the cartridge came the cast lead bullet. Then came the smokeless powder and these bullets were driven at higher velocities which caused lead fouling to build up in the bore. Someone then got the idea to alloy the lead using tin which made them harder reducing the leading.
The came the copper cup which improved still the leading problem. This was followed by some genius with the jacket bullet which served the purpose even today. There have been design changes such as partitions, bonding etc which made this design even better. And lastly today we have the all copper or copper alloy and other alloy bullet being used with great success.
Today we have so many choices that it would take years of scientific study to find the perfect bullet for every game animal. And I guess that is why we have these forums so we can all relate our results. Keep the info coming so we all can learn.
And oh yeah, Merry Christmas everyone.
This got me thinking last night in bed (cause at my age I don't have anything better to do) and the evolution of the bullet.
From my old tired memory the first real ML bullet was the lead ball. Pure soft lead with lousy ballistics by today's standards. But it worked OK. Then,with the invention of the cartridge came the cast lead bullet. Then came the smokeless powder and these bullets were driven at higher velocities which caused lead fouling to build up in the bore. Someone then got the idea to alloy the lead using tin which made them harder reducing the leading.
The came the copper cup which improved still the leading problem. This was followed by some genius with the jacket bullet which served the purpose even today. There have been design changes such as partitions, bonding etc which made this design even better. And lastly today we have the all copper or copper alloy and other alloy bullet being used with great success.
Today we have so many choices that it would take years of scientific study to find the perfect bullet for every game animal. And I guess that is why we have these forums so we can all relate our results. Keep the info coming so we all can learn.
And oh yeah, Merry Christmas everyone.
12-18-2010, 05:34 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Northern Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
Posts: 2,976
Exactly, We are the Field Testers and all we can do is pass on to one another what our findings and results are. Eventually we can narrow it down to a few and go from there.
May You and Your Family have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!
(BP)
May You and Your Family have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!
(BP)
12-18-2010, 11:21 AM
#5
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,703
bronko22000
Here is my description of THEE bullet.
Wish i could say it was all mine but most of it is Plagiarized, but it really says the right things... I have added points that have worked and are important to me as a hunter.
Here is my description of THEE bullet.
Wish i could say it was all mine but most of it is Plagiarized, but it really says the right things... I have added points that have worked and are important to me as a hunter.
The Hunting bullet should be the most lethal big game hunting bullet available. The bullet design should allow the bullet to penetrate 2” to 3” before it starts to expand the bullet or petals. After the bullet starts to expand or shed it petals it should adversely affect all the surrounding internal organs. The combination between the expansion of the bullet and/or release of the petals and the creation of hydrostatic shock should produce a massive wound cavity within the vital area (internal organs) that can be 13” to 15” long. In addition I believe that a bullet traveling all the way through (pass-through) adds to the over-all trama of the animal, aiding the onset of shock. This massive wound cavity results in the animal dropping fast since most go into shock after such a tremendous blow. Those animals that don’t go down immediately will soon succumb to blood pressure loss and/or organ failure producing a quick ethical kill. Using a bullet matching this description will normally result in an animal that goes down fast so you can enjoy the results of your hunt without having to track the wounded animal after the shot.
Last edited by sabotloader; 12-18-2010 at 01:37 PM.
12-18-2010, 01:17 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,762
Sabotloader: quote "The combination between the expansion of the bullet and/or release of the petals and the creation of hydrostatic shock should produce a massive wound cavity within the vital area (internal organs) that can be 13” to 15” long."
That's what I've tried to say all along. I guess I just ain't the wordsmith this gentleman is, whoever he is. That paragraph says nothing about a complete pass through. Although nice for a good blood trail, it isn't necessary if the bullet is placed in the right spot.
That's what I've tried to say all along. I guess I just ain't the wordsmith this gentleman is, whoever he is. That paragraph says nothing about a complete pass through. Although nice for a good blood trail, it isn't necessary if the bullet is placed in the right spot.
12-18-2010, 01:33 PM
#7
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,703
bronko22000
You are right because I forgot to add that, but again there are two schools of thought on that subject. And I should add both have their validity. I personally believe the pass-through does add to the trama and stress created in the animal - which helps add to the causes of shock.
I guess now that you have mentioned it i will go back and put it in as what i took and what i want are both there.
Thanks...
You are right because I forgot to add that, but again there are two schools of thought on that subject. And I should add both have their validity. I personally believe the pass-through does add to the trama and stress created in the animal - which helps add to the causes of shock.
I guess now that you have mentioned it i will go back and put it in as what i took and what i want are both there.
Thanks...
Last edited by sabotloader; 12-18-2010 at 01:40 PM.
12-18-2010, 03:51 PM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Almost Heaven,WV
Posts: 4,087
Sabotloader: quote "The combination between the expansion of the bullet and/or release of the petals and the creation of hydrostatic shock should produce a massive wound cavity within the vital area (internal organs) that can be 13” to 15” long."
That's what I've tried to say all along. I guess I just ain't the wordsmith this gentleman is, whoever he is. That paragraph says nothing about a complete pass through. Although nice for a good blood trail, it isn't necessary if the bullet is placed in the right spot.
That's what I've tried to say all along. I guess I just ain't the wordsmith this gentleman is, whoever he is. That paragraph says nothing about a complete pass through. Although nice for a good blood trail, it isn't necessary if the bullet is placed in the right spot.