core hardness

[cheezhed]

I was wondering if the lead core on a F.M.J. rifle bullet is harder that the core of a jacketed pistol bullet. I was messing with some pulled surplus rifle and the core seemed harder to scratch than the core of a jacketed .45 bullet. Am I imagining this?

[243winxb]

I would guess, not your imagination.

Sierra Bullet Cores



Sierra makes the core of the bullet from four lead alloys: 6% antimony-4% tin, 6% antimony, 3% antimony, 1 1/2% antimony and pure lead. For each bullet, Sierra selects the proper lead alloy for the best combination of accuracy and expansion in the finished projectile. A customized lead extrusion process contributes to our product uniformity.

http://www.sierrabullets.com/about-us/sierra-story/ FYI- Antimony makes the alloy harder.

[Valornor]

I think it's going widely vary on the bullet design and manufacturer. Plated bullets tend to have pure lead cores. Depending on who makes your FMJ loads you might find that pure lead is used there too. However if it's a partion or hollow point a different allow of lead may be used depending on the expanding characteristics that the manufacturer wanted to impart on that bullet design.

So it's not your imagination :-)

[FrankenMauser]

It depends on the manufacturer and the bullets in question.

Some bullets have pure lead cores. Some have harder cores. ...Just depends on the bullet.