Posted by Eric Drake on 2024 May 21st
Backfire: Lead Vs. Copper Ammo - MDT Mentions
YouTube Channel 'Backfire' posted a video discussing the positives and negatives of hunting animals with copper versus lead projectiles. The host opens his video by saying that most traditional hunting ammunition utilizes lead projectiles, with the majority of large ammo manufacturers also providing copper bullet options. The host's friend notes that lead bullets have higher ballistic coefficients compared to copper rounds, are cheaper, and provide larger wound channels.
The benefits of copper ammo are deeper penetration, less damage to meat, and less negative impact on the environment compared to lead. Alternatively, copper projectiles may require fine-tuning when handloading and are less forgiving when feeding rounds into a rifle's chamber if handloads are not to spec. Also, at low velocities, copper projectiles have less expansion than lead bullets and are more negatively affected by wind due to their lower weight and BC.
Shot placement is paramount when hunting, especially with copper bullets.
While lead and copper projectiles have pros and cons, bonded bullets aim to provide the ballistic coefficient of lead rounds with the penetration of copper rounds. Most hunters opt to target deer from inside 200 Yards. The host states that either bullet material should be viable to most hunters in North America.
Setting aside the debate between copper and lead projectiles, the hunting duo underscores the importance of shot placement. They stress that this is the most critical aspect of hunting any animal, a responsibility that lies solely with the hunter. Whether using copper or lead projectiles, a well-placed shot on the animal's vital organs guarantees a swift, humane kill and significantly aids in locating the animal's body near the point of impact.