[DWS1117]

I am familiar with the usuals such as FMJ, JHP, SWC, WC, JSP, etc.. But, I have come across one in my Lymans hanguns and revolvers book and other sources that has me baffled. What does "MC" mean in bullet speak?

[Edward429451]

I think it means 'Metal Cased'.

[DWS1117]

Thanks for the reply.

Would that be the same as jacketed or plated?

[BigG]

MC= same as FMJ.

[DWS1117]

Thank you

[P95Carry]

Just a thought .. and pure conjecture but ....... could this not stand for ''Metal COATED'' ..... as with copper coated lead??

I cannot check it yet but .. (seeing as FMJ is such a standard term), seems likely that MC is or could be reserved for this.??

[BigG]

MC (metal cased) is an older term, FMJ is a newer term for the same thing.

[P95Carry]

Gottcha BigG .... :)

[clown714]

correct me,if i'm wrong.

i,thought MC was for metal cased,meaning the entire bullet
was cased,including the base.
as where a FMJ had an exposed lead base.

more likely to be used indoors for less exposure to lead particles
caused by burning powder vaporizing the lead when fired.

clown

[Jim Watson]

Stand corrected, clown.
BigG is correct, the oldest catalog I have, the 1956 Stoegers, shows M.C. for Metal Cased = Hardball ammunition. This far predates current concerns over lead pollution from bullet bases.
One present term for ball rounds with drawn jackets and covered bases is TEMC for Totally Enclosed Metal Cased. Or maybe that is Totally Encapsulated...

[Johnny Guest]

Remington used to sell some types of handgun ammunition listed with "MP" bullets. Metal point. For a while I thought this was simply another term for FMJ. Turned out it was a lead bullet with a harder metal cap over the bullet nose, covering the entire ogive, but the bearing surface was lead. Apparently this was a way to (try to) keep up velocity with modest pressure and recoil, while still obtaining deep penetration without bullet nose deformation. I really dunno - -That last sentence is purely deduction on my part, and not drawn from any company writings. Perhaps it was just to reduce wear on the old soft iron barrels found in some inexpensive revolvers at that time. Or, or, uh, how about - - Greater accuracy with a lead bearing surface?

Hey, I have lotsa theories about lotsa stuff. Sometimes I'm a little short on definitve answers. :D

Best,
Johnny

[BigG]

FMJ has also been called full patch, metal patch, solid, hardball, and hard nose, in addition to metal case in various publications and venues.

[Ross]

Johnny Guest,
You are correct, the soft base was to obtain obturation to prevent wear from gas cutting, and it did, too. Narramore stated that they were made for revolver also, but I have seen only the auto pistol ammo. My 1939 Stoeger shows nine loads from .32 S&W and .38 S&W (rimmed cases) to .45 ACP.

On a side note, many believe that the old Ideal moulds for two-piece cast bullets were to provide a hard base and a soft nose for higher velocity with good expansion. The opposite was the original intent; obturation with penetration was the goal.

Cheers from Grayest California,
Ross

[clown714]

thanks,
I,stand corrected:)

clown