Lead vs Copper Ammo: It's time for a change.

Published on February 13, 2024
Duration: 19:27

This guide, drawing on extensive field experience from a seasoned hunter with over 100 elk harvests, provides a balanced comparison of lead versus copper ammunition for big game. It details the ballistics, terminal performance, accuracy considerations, and environmental impacts of each bullet type, offering specific recommendations for calibers like 300 Win Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor. The advice emphasizes practical application in hunting scenarios, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each ammunition type for ethical and effective harvests.

Quick Summary

Copper ammunition offers superior penetration and weight retention, ideal for heavy game, while lead ammunition provides better wind resistance and fragmentation for long-range shots. Copper's environmental benefits and cleaner meat are significant advantages, though it can be accuracy-sensitive and requires higher velocities for expansion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Elk Hunt Success
  2. 01:34The Case for Lead Ammunition
  3. 03:17Terminal Performance: Lead vs. Copper
  4. 04:03Technical Analysis of Copper Bullets
  5. 05:52Negatives of Copper Ammunition
  6. 08:28Environmental and Health Factors
  7. 10:00Caliber Specific Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary advantages of lead ammunition for hunting?

Lead ammunition is favored for its higher Ballistic Coefficient (BC), offering better wind resistance and a flatter trajectory for long-range shots up to 700 yards. It also tends to fragment, creating larger wound channels which can provide a greater margin for shooter error.

How does copper ammunition perform differently from lead in terms of penetration and weight retention?

Copper ammunition is known for its superior penetration, often passing completely through heavy-bodied game. It also excels in weight retention, maintaining its structural integrity and mass after impact, as demonstrated by bullets retaining nearly 100% of their original weight.

What are the potential drawbacks of using copper ammunition?

Copper ammunition can be finicky regarding accuracy in certain rifles and may pose a risk of over-pressurization during handloading. Additionally, copper bullets have a higher expansion threshold, requiring sufficient velocity to expand reliably at longer distances.

Why is lead-free copper ammunition important for the environment?

Lead-free copper ammunition is crucial for preventing lead poisoning in scavenging wildlife, such as condors, that may consume lead fragments left in carcasses. It also ensures cleaner meat for human consumption.

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