From: bartb@fc.hp.com (Bart Bobbitt)
Subject: Re: Hard Cast Bullets, Accuracy
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Fort Collins Site

ROBERT A DOUGLAS (douglas@eos.ncsu.edu) wrote:

: 	How good are the hard cast bullets I see advertised for
: handgun target use, compared with the metal jacketed semi-wadcutters?

I doubt if cast bullets are as accurate as top-quality jacketed ones.

: 	AND, what is the composition that produces the hardness?

Antimony is typically used to harden the lead alloy.  Percentages of about
1% to 5% are common.

: 	AND, what causes the elevated accuracy level?

Jacketed bullets are more accurate because their base/body junction is
more uniform; less subject to deforming from handling or reloading processes.
A bullet's base/body junction is one of the most critical parts.  If the
bullet doesn't exit the muzzle evenly all the way around the base/body
junction, the escaping gas at one point more than the others will tip the
bullet as it leaves the muzzle.  Once tipped, it will have different
aerodynamic properties and will take a different trajectory down range.

: 	AND, who are the top sources for these?

Sierra makes excellent match-grade jacketed pistol bullets.

BB