Accuracy of hi tek coated bullets versus plain lead at distance

[Havok7416]

Go sorry someone else. Every explanation describes both of them as a polymer coating. Find me something a little better than "go find it".

 

[sbwaters]

In .45 ACP I was surprised to find Blue Bullets 230 gr. coated RN to group competitively at 50 feet with my Hornady 200 gr, HAP. So when the HAP availability slipped, I switched to Blue Bullets.

 

[LiveLife]

I anticipate another "myth busting" thread in the future - lead vs coated bullet accuracy.

Between down pours of winter rain, I have resumed my jacketed and plated bullet testing with Glock 22/KKM/Lone Wolf barrels and 17" Just Right (9/40/45 barrels)/16" PSA carbines.

I am starting a comparison reference database for bullet/powder/OAL with corresponding chrono data and 25/50 yard 10 shot group accuracy for the inevitable "Mother of all bullet comparison" thread which now will likely include coated bullets.

As to lubed lead vs coated, I think what Glen Fryxell discussed in chapter 5 of his book is pertinent to our discussion - http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chapter_5_Lubrication.htm

Coating on lead bullets simply act as a lubricant which allows gas leakage around the bullet while lube can act as both lubricant and "O-ring" sealant to better trap/reduce gas leakage to produce more consistent chamber pressures and greater accuracy.

"The fluid dynamics of lube flow has many components: simple displacement, compressive pumping, linear acceleration, radial acceleration, and pressure-induced pumping.

When the bullet is engraved, the lands displace not only bullet metal in the driving bands of the cast bullet, but they also displace a certain volume of lube in the lube grooves. This displacement serves to compress the lube somewhat, thereby forcing it into contact with the rest of the bore, as well as into the nooks and crannies of the bullet/bore interface.

This is the first and simplest lube pumping mechanism. As the pressure builds, the force applied to the base of bullet may grow to the point that it surpasses the compressive strength of the alloy. At this point the central core of the bullet in the lube grooves is compressed, getting fatter and shorter, which in turn reduces the volume of the lube groove. Once again this compresses the lube within that groove and forces it to the bullet bore interface."

 

[drband]

While all that sounds logical and likely, it seems like conjecture unless it can be proven. I think testing is the way to go.

I would be very interested in a MOABC thread!

 

[Walkalong]

Testing? I like testing. Sunday was the second round of shooting groups with different bullets. Shot four groups each with each bullet last time, then one each of those again and three of each bullet of the new loads (Same bullets/different powder) ones Sunday.

Multiples, multiples, multiples. Or as some like to do, just big groups. (20 shots)

 

[Kaldor]

I think the real advantage of HiTek coated is that they dont leave any residue in your gun. Ive shot 1000's of them from MBC and Acme over the last 2 years. I have shot lead, and the HiTek are cleaner. You can also push them a bit harder as the coating will handle velocity better, possibly better than plated. They also require less powder to attain the same velocity as plated or jacketed. Lead does still win with least amount of powder for velocity.

As someone said before, not everything is equal. Ive found the Acme's to have the smoothest more consistent coating, and there lots of people that agree with that. The MBC's are a little rougher but shoot just fine. There are plenty of really good companies out there making these, but those are the 2 I have bought from.

As far as use in competition, people are using them. It is possible to load for Major with them with a little care. But where they really shine is gun games where you dont have to make a power factor. Shooting gamer loads like 9mm 147's with a pinch of TG to get minimal felt recoil for faster followup shots.