Ammunition Science: Bullet Construction

And yes, we do mean bullets (not cartridges)!

by
posted on August 5, 2022
seven pretty bullets all in a row
Perhaps no part of a cartridge receives more scrutiny than the bullet. This is because it is right up front where it can be seen, and its performance estimated. After all, the propellant and primer are wholly or partially hidden and thus taken for granted. Historically, bullets have been made of lead for several reasons:
  • Lead is relatively cheap and abundant; 
  • Lead is soft and easy to work;
  • Lead has a low melting point; and
  • Lead is dense.

For these reasons, historically lead has been the material of choice for making simple bullets and round balls. It is important to note here that, while lead is a popular choice, it is by no means the only available material. Bullets have been and continue to be made from other materials:
  • Bismuth
  • Brass and copper
  • Steel and iron
  • Zinc
  • Aluminum
  • Uranium (depleted)
  • Tungsten
  • Composite materials 
  • Wood and paper 
  • Plastic
  • Porcelain
  • Hybrids of two or more of the above

It must also be noted that lead is seldom used by itself. Lead is commonly coated with lubricant, patched with cloth or paper, held in a plastic or metal sabot, jacketed with copper, brass or steel, or coated with a polymer. These measures are necessary to protect the lead (which is soft) from stripping or being deposited in the bore.

The first bullets were simple cast-lead balls. With the advent of rifling in barrels, spin stabilization made elongated bullets possible. The field of bullet shapes then expanded enormously.

Latest

Smith Wesson Metal Compact Lede 2025
Smith Wesson Metal Compact Lede 2025

New Guns 2025: Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 METAL Compact Pistol

It's everything we love about the M&P9 2.0 METAL, with a shorter barrel for easier carry.

Reviewed: NEBO IllumaTrace Blood Tracker

If you hunt long enough, eventually, you will have to track. Enter NEBO IllumaTrace, because you need every advantage.

Announcing the Friends of NRA Valentine's Day Giveaway

Enter to win a beautiful necklace and bracelet set from Montana Silversmiths with just a few clicks!

New Gear 2025: Remington Nitro Steel Duplex

Now, hunters don't have to swap out shells for different hunting scenarios ... we can just take the shot.

New Guns 2025: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series Pistols

The pistol powerhouse of S&W has unleashed a new series of CCW-perfected micro-compact handguns.

Throwback Thursday: Karl Maslowski, Pioneer Wildlife Filmmaker

“The things I’d learned about hunting animals with a gun stood me in good stead as I began hunting them with a camera."

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.