Ammo question

[bubbiesdad]

What is the difference, performance wise, between jacketed and semi-jacketed hollow points?

[musicman]

There are SSSOOO many different HP designs, it's hard to boil it down to an easy answer.

Copper is generally harder/stronger than the lead in the core of a bullet. Some folks think that a semi-jacketed bullet will start to open up at lower velocities than a fully jacketed round. I think, though, that it has more to do with the bullet design (angle of inside and outside of the hollowpoint walls), whether the nose has those little scores to help it peel open/apart, and the hardness of both the lead used and the copper or bronze. (ie: golden sabres)

I shoot a lot of Zero JHPs which have a semi-jacketed HPs, and Remington bullets of the same design. The Remis seem to be of a much softer lead and slightly different hollowpoint shape. In shooting bowling pins and other stuff, the Remis (loaded over the same charges and shot out of the same guns) expand more and more reliably, however they seem to fragment a lot more.

I also really like Hornady XTP JHPs, and they are a fully jacketed design. They seem to open up more like the Remis, but the don't seem to shed as much lead in fragmenting. (And these are non-bonded bullets)

Did I sufficiently muddy that up for you?

[molonlabetn]

The exposed lead of the SJHP will more quickly deform... but that doesn't necessarily mean in a good way. I've seen a few gel tests in which the cavity collapsed inward instead of mushrooming, with bullets like this. They are an old design, no reason at all to choose them over a modern bonded JHP.

[DaveS]

musicman....So, is this the same "musicman" as MTRC fame?

[musicman]

that's me!! Didn't know there was any "fame" involved, though! Are you still an active member there? I've been out of reefing for about 3 years now, but I still check their boards every now and then. When money gets better, I'd like to start up again.

[DaveS]

No, because of my work schedule I haven't been active in MTRC or NTRC for about 2 years now. By the way "ol'salty" on the boards. I have been involved more in shooting and teaching my 12 year old daughter to shoot. I think she is better than me. I still have my reef tanks....don't think I could ever give them up. Between corals, fish, guns and reloading....my time is limited. I still have to find time for work...I'm retiring in a couple of months, so we'll see I guess...well anyways..nice meeting you again James....

Edited October 18, 2008 by wd-40