Changing Concepts of the Big Game Bullet

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Changing Concepts of the Big Game Bullet
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American hunters love bullets, and for good
reason. Ultimately, its the bullet that is
responsible for making the kill. Jacketed bullets
were the thing in the 1880s, and the ability to
expand or mushroom the bullet was developed in
the 1890s.
Velocities increased to the 3000 f.p.s mark by
1910 and expanding bullets really upped the ante
between WWI and WWII. So many bullets have come
out ever since, and its impossible to claim that
youre entirely aware of everything thats
available.
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The Underlying Principles
The basic principles used to make frangible
projectiles havent changed for more than a
century. Two underlying principles you need to be
aware of are that velocity has always been
against bullet performance and bullet expansion
causes greater resistance, decreasing the chances
of a successful penetration. Varmint bullets
often come apart upon impact and this is great
for non-edible pests because it reduces the
chances of a ricochet.
However, you need a bullet that stays put when
dealing with big game. Some prefer complete
penetration, stating that exit wounds make it
easy to follow the animal. Others want their
bullets to stay within the animal, making sure
that the energy isnt wasted on trees and rocks.
And both choices deserve equal merit. The third
thing that you need to understand is that bullet
weight can actually help cover up flaws in bullet
performance.
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The Bullet Shape
Bullets tended to be round or flat-pointed when
the tubular magazine lever action was popular.
However, modern day frangible bullets rely on
sharp points to retain better velocity. However,
increased velocity isnt usually a thing for
many. Take the case of a deer hunter. One would
always prefer a blunt-nosed bullet knowing all
too well that it tends to deliver a far better
impact.
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The Tipped Bullet
Tipped bullets were introduced in the eighties
with Noslers Ballistic Tip. The tip is driven
into the bullet upon impact, allowing for quick
expansion. However, the absence of design
features often meant that the bullet wasnt the
most beautiful thing to look at once recovered.
Many preferred the Bronze Point, but most would
agree that it expanded way too quickly. These
frangible bullets are great for mid-sized game,
but one would always prefer a tougher companion
while hunting larger game.
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The Bonded Bullet
The Bitterroot Bullet of the 60s was the first
chemically bonded bullet, a bullet that uses
chemical bonding in its core for excellent
expansion without having to suffer from weight
loss. These bullets may not offer the most
penetrating designs, but they retain most of
their weight while penetrating the body to offer
a decent combination of penetration and
expansion. However, bonded bullets arent always
the most accurate choice and their complex design
often makes them more expensive as well.
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The Homogenous Bullet
The Barnes X was the first bullet made without a
lead core. These lead free bullets have polymer
tips and they tend to expand due to their skived
noses. Expansion in such bullets is usually
limited and the bullet can only shed off its
weight by shearing off its petals.
Today, manufacturers are concentrating on
frangible bullets that offer greater reliability
and better aerodynamics across the velocity
spectrum. Bullets like the Browning BXR Deer
Centerfire Rifle Ammo present rapid expansion
ballistic tips that offer a decent balance
between design features and expansion. ELD-X is
another popular hunting bullet that offers
consistent expansion from up close to a distance
of roughly 300 yards.
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