Ammunition Types

[Jester]

I have a few questions concerning ammunition types. To get to the point:

1. Is it accurate to say that lead bullets have a habit of leaving deposits in the firearm at higher velocities? If so, does this permanently damage the firearm, or does it simply mean that the firearm should be cleaned more often?

2. Are "soft points" and "hollow points" synonymous?

3. It seems that full-metal jacketed bullets have a reputation for being less lethal, although they have more penetration power against hard materials like glass or wood. Conversely, hollow points seem to have a reputation for being more lethal, yet they have less penetration power against hard materials. Is this accurate?

4. Why is a flat tip on an armor-piercing bullet favored over a pointed tip?

5. What is the meaning (and advantages/disadvantages) of "boat-tail" ammunition?

6. What is meant by "high incendiary (HE)" rounds? Is there such a thing as "low incendiary" rounds? If so, what is the distinction?

Jester

[woolleyworm]

Originally Posted by Jester

I have a few questions concerning ammunition types. To get to the point:

1. Is it accurate to say that lead bullets have a habit of leaving deposits in the firearm at higher velocities? If so, does this permanently damage the firearm, or does it simply mean that the firearm should be cleaned more often? Yes, in general this is true. Leading of the barrel is usually seen when bullets start exceeding approx 1100fps +

2. Are "soft points" and "hollow points" synonymous? No, completely different. Soft points are blunt lead - hollow points are just that, be it jacketed or lead with the hollow cup

3. It seems that full-metal jacketed bullets have a reputation for being less lethal, although they have more penetration power against hard materials like glass or wood. Conversely, hollow points seem to have a reputation for being more lethal, yet they have less penetration power against hard materials. Is this accurate? Yes, the hollow pt delivers more imparted force, since the energy is disapated completely into the mass that it hits when it "peels". If a bullet passes through an object, there is energy wasted and carried into whatever it strikes next.

4. Why is a flat tip on an armor-piercing bullet favored over a pointed tip? most have a hardened pointed tip, armor piercing rounds are designed quite differently. the outside, visible portion of the bullet isn't what actually gives it the pentrating force per'se; the bullets are typically designed with a very dense penetrator core.

5. What is the meaning (and advantages/disadvantages) of "boat-tail" ammunition? boat tail refers to the rear of the bullet, the shape of which contours much like the stern of a boat typically does. It imparts many beneficial ballistics characteristics. Wiki would probably give you a good visual on this one.

6. What is meant by "high incendiary (HE)" rounds? Is there such a thing as "low incendiary" rounds? If so, what is the distinction? HE just designates a round with added capabilities, a "low incd" round would just be a standard round. would equate it in general terms to a standard .45acp load vs a .45+p load.

Jester

Hope this helps, this is just "in general" info and off the top of my head while trying to stay awake at 7 am. I'll come back later and hopefully provide some more in depth answers for you if this doesn't prove adequate. Keep the excerpts comin, good stuff !

[Alpo]

I think you missed on #6.

First, I've never heard of "high incendiary". HE is High Explosive. Incendiary starts fires. Totally different stuff.

I've heard of HEAT - High Explosive Anti Tank", but that is certainly not somehting that would be fired out of a rifle or pistol.

There are High yield Explosives and Low yield Explosives, though.

[Jester]

Originally Posted by Alpo

I think you missed on #6.

First, I've never heard of "high incendiary". HE is High Explosive. Incendiary starts fires. Totally different stuff.

I've heard of HEAT - High Explosive Anti Tank", but that is certainly not somehting that would be fired out of a rifle or pistol.

There are High yield Explosives and Low yield Explosives, though.

Thank you for pointing out my mistake; I realize now I was not attributing the term "HE" correctly.

Jester

[res45]

I've heard of HEAT - High Explosive Anti Tank", but that is certainly not something that would be fired out of a rifle or pistol.

If you like big rifles you can,check out rd #4 which is the standard ammo used in the 50 cal. sniper rifle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVdAl4IHnUQ