Solid Copper Bullets

pizzapaiute · March 26, 2009, 05:09 PM

We have to use non lead bullets to hunt in the People's Republic of Ca. I've been told that copper bullets have to be set back to some extent from the rifling. I already bought a box of CorBon .270 with 130 gr Barnes TSX bullets. My question is, how do I know if they're safe to shoot?
I don't reload yet, but I'll have to start because of the expense of this Condor-proof ammo's expense. Any help much appreciated.

**Unclenick** · March 26, 2009, 05:15 PM

You know because CorBon doesn't want to be sued for making ammo dangerous to the shooter. The setback issue is about the bullets being long and hard enough that a little extra space for initial gas blow-by upon release of the bullet by the neck keeps the peak pressure down. But that also varies with the powder type and charge weight. CorBon will have taken that into consideration. If you have doubts, call them, but I expect they tested the stuff in a pressure test barrel. Such barrels have SAAMI minimum chamber and throat dimensions. That means that if it produces a safe pressure in the test barrel, it will make even less pressure in a standard commercial chamber which is normally not as tight. Tighter chamber and throat = higher pressure.

March 26, 2009, 05:09 PM	#1
pizzapaiute Member Join Date: February 4, 2009 Location: agoura hills CA Posts: 50	Solid Copper Bullets We have to use non lead bullets to hunt in the People's Republic of Ca. I've been told that copper bullets have to be set back to some extent from the rifling. I already bought a box of CorBon .270 with 130 gr Barnes TSX bullets. My question is, how do I know if they're safe to shoot? I don't reload yet, but I'll have to start because of the expense of this Condor-proof ammo's expense. Any help much appreciated.

March 26, 2009, 05:15 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	You know because CorBon doesn't want to be sued for making ammo dangerous to the shooter. The setback issue is about the bullets being long and hard enough that a little extra space for initial gas blow-by upon release of the bullet by the neck keeps the peak pressure down. But that also varies with the powder type and charge weight. CorBon will have taken that into consideration. If you have doubts, call them, but I expect they tested the stuff in a pressure test barrel. Such barrels have SAAMI minimum chamber and throat dimensions. That means that if it produces a safe pressure in the test barrel, it will make even less pressure in a standard commercial chamber which is normally not as tight. Tighter chamber and throat = higher pressure. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle