Zinc based bullets...........

[BobWright]

In the thread .38 Short Colt, mention was made of zinc based bullets, and there was a comment questioning the source of the zinc.

In the early 'Fifties or so there was a company selling bullets under the name "Cladalloy Bullets." These bullets were cast of an alloy that was primarily zinc, then copper coated. Zinc is roughly half the density of lead, so a bullet cast in a mold that threw a .44 caliber 246 gr. RN lead bullet came out weighing 128 grs.

Loading data supplied by the company listed loads using Hercules (then) Unique and Bullseye powders. On of the loads using Unique with the 128 gr. RNFP bullet in .44 Special showed a velocity of around 1100 fps or so, topping out at 1200 fps.

These velocities in the .44 Special were said to leave no fouling in the bores of guns tested. The late Jim Harvey used a zinc washer on the base of his pure lead swaged bullets and also claimed no fouling at high velocity.

I did write off for information, but never got around to actually trying any of these bullets. But their claims were for high velocity with low recoil in larger caliber revolvers. I don't know how long the company lasted, but it was not too long.

Bob Wright

 

[bannockburn]

BobWright

I don't remember any zinc bullets but I do recall an article in a gun magazine about pewter bullets. Sounded pretty much like the zinc bullets in that they were very lightweight and could produce some fairly high velocities.

 

[the Black Spot]

I have an article somewhere on zinc bullets. May try to dig it up.
I do not throw away zinc wheel weights

 

[reddog81]

I've read threads on the cast boolits forum, but never been inclined to try it out because casting lead sounds much easier. It sounds possible and maybe even the easiest alternative to casting lead bullets, however there are numerous issues that make it harder.

First zinc melts at a higher temp and the mold must be kept at a higher temp in order to get good fill out. Second the sprue on the mold is much harder to cut when using zinc vs lead. This limits you to casting one bullet at a time vs 4 to 6 with lead. Third the bullets are harder and if not sized correctly will cause excessive pressure. Lead is much softer and engraves the rifling fairly easily. Fourth there is no load data specific to zinc. Fifth the bullets are much lighter and therefore loose energy much quicker.

With all that said one of the current fads/gimmicks in commercial bullets is the lightweight fast bullets with magical capabilities to take down bad guys yet minimal risk of over penetration. Me personally, I'll stick with lead. It really is the perfect bullet material - dense, malleable, low melting temp, and cheap.

 

[redbullitt]

I could see them being useful if you cannot get ahold of lead for one reason or another-- california casting...

You could also use the extra velocity to get your shots to print at the sights for low recoil practice ammo, like with an airweight snubby or something like that.

 

[kBob]

Gun World, back when Lewis was in charge did weird stuff. At one point someone said "What about the Lone Ranger?" and lewis and company did an article about making and using Silver Bullets.....not very accurate as I recall. They also did some fascinating work with wooden bullets turned on a wood lathe. Some of the hard woods stayed together well and got phenominal velocities and works at SD range.

Of course during WWII a lot of German 9x19mm was compressed iron with a steel or copper jacket over it and post war Czech ammo with a more solid iron core and steel jacket and a bullet weight of only something like 86 grains got made to give their 9x19 SMG a muzzle velocity of 1600 fps and a reputation of being armor piercing. Once blew a hole through a Second Chance vest z-9 test swath with that stuff in a Ruger Blackhawk at five yards. Also a couple of inches of old magazines behind the swath. Then the bullet stuck in a live oak tree.

Most of it worked a Browning P35 HP well and some gave an MP-40 a somewhat higher rate of fire than other ammo. Shot it all up.

Knew about zinc bullet bases on handgun ammo and I believe some folks experimented with it in muzzle loaders of the 1800's.

I seem to recall there were some attempt to use it in artillery for pre engraved rifled shells rather than bronze or copper and that it tended to fracture resulting in loss of accuracy and danger when firing over troops.

-kBob

 

[481]

Didn't Aquila market a hollow point bullet made of zinc alloy a few years ago? I seem to recall them doing so...

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Lead is the best bullet material, copper the best jacket.

Other stuff can be made to work if needed.