Coated Lead Bullet Smoke Test - SNS, Blues, Gallant

Published on April 22, 2018
Duration: 4:29

This video tests three brands of coated lead bullets (SNS, Blue Bullets, and Gallant) for smoke production during shooting. The presenter conducts a cold bore shot test for each brand, using Alliant Sport Pistol powder, to evaluate performance as the barrel heats up. The results indicate that SNS bullets produced significantly more smoke compared to Blue Bullets and Gallant bullets, which smoked about the same. Accuracy was also briefly discussed, with Gallant and SNS potentially being more accurate than Blue Bullets in the presenter's firearm.

Quick Summary

A smoke test comparing SNS, Blue Bullets, and Gallant coated lead projectiles found that SNS bullets produced significantly more smoke. Blue Bullets and Gallant bullets smoked about the same amount, with Blue Bullets using a proprietary polymer coating that appears to smoke less.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Bullet Overview
  2. 00:30Bullet Sizing and Coating Details
  3. 01:03Coating Comparison: High-Tech vs. Polymer
  4. 01:19Price Comparison & Availability
  5. 01:34Range Test Setup & Powder Choice
  6. 01:43Cold Bore Shot Strategy
  7. 02:38Blue Bullets Smoke Test
  8. 02:57Gallant Bullets Smoke Test
  9. 03:15SNS Bullets Smoke Test
  10. 03:52Results Analysis & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Which coated lead bullet brand produced the least smoke in the test?

In the conducted smoke test, both Blue Bullets and Gallant bullets produced significantly less smoke compared to SNS bullets. The SNS bullets were noted to smoke considerably more than the other two brands.

What powder was used for the coated lead bullet smoke test?

The presenter used Alliant Sport Pistol powder for the smoke test. This powder is recommended for lead bullets, is published with data from Acme bullets, and is designed to burn cool with a flash suppressant, making it friendly to polymer-coated bullets.

Are there specific size recommendations for coated lead bullets?

Yes, for lead bullets, a diameter of .356 or .357 inches is generally considered ideal. The presenter noted that .3555 sizing, as seen with some Blue Bullets, is not ideal for lead projectiles.

How does barrel heat affect coated lead bullet smoke?

The presenter observed that generally, as a firearm barrel heats up during shooting, the amount of smoke produced by coated bullets can increase. This is why cold bore shots were used to give each bullet type a fair initial assessment.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from TheHumbleMarksman

View all →