Cutting edge .22lr bullets

simonrichter · November 7, 2021, 05:22 AM

Finally, there appears to be a lead-free option for .22lr: https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/...e-bullets/22lr https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/...e-bullets/22lr

Apart from cutting out the lead, I'm pretty sure that these bullets will penetrate far better, eliminating one of the few advantages .25 acp had over .22lr in terms of tiny SD pistols.

Alas, it seems that only the bullets as such are marketed for reloaders. Which raises two questions: Who the heck reloads .22lr? I didn't even know this was possible... And secondly, is there maybe some manufacturer producing the whole package, complete rounds already loaded with these full copper bullets?

thx for your insights

dahermit · November 7, 2021, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Finally, there appears to be a lead-free option for .22lr:

When I was a kid and into my twenties, shooting galleries at carnivals used sintered iron frangible ammo. Good luck trying to find it now.

**Aguila Blanca** · November 7, 2021, 08:23 AM

Forum member stagpanther has been experimenting with those bullets, IIRC.

They can also be used in cartridges like .22 Hornet.

As for loading/reloading .22 Long Rifle: https://sharpshooter-22lr-reloader.m...2-reloader-kit

stagpanther · November 7, 2021, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Forum member stagpanther has been experimenting with those bullets, IIRC.

They can also be used in cartridges like .22 Hornet.

As for loading/reloading .22 Long Rifle: https://sharpshooter-22lr-reloader.m...2-reloader-kit
__________________
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NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO
1911 Certified Armorer
Jeepaholic

I did--but I thought you were messing with them too (or were you doing lead bullets only?)? OK--it's coming back to me--we both bought those crappy fed arms pre-primed cases?

**Aguila Blanca** · November 7, 2021, 10:34 AM

I have been tinkering with loading .22 LR, but only with lead bullets. Those all-copper projectiles are too pricey for my needs.

simonrichter · November 7, 2021, 12:44 PM

so there are no production rounds featuring these bullets?

stagpanther · November 7, 2021, 12:57 PM

I believe Cutting edge does offer loaded ammunition but in my experience only the smallest of their bullets will be marginally stabilized in most 16 twist conventional twist 22lr bores. Also be careful of mixing the two different types of bullets in the same bore. In other words, for all practical purposes, unless you're prepared to buy a custom barrel specifically for copper projectiles (and headspace it, tricky thing with 22 rimfire), I'd pass on it. But that's just my opinion. Otherwise buy a custom-made rifle, but you'll be spending boucoups dinero for it.

stagpanther · November 7, 2021, 05:06 PM

Ooops! just noticed this is handguns, though I suspect the twist thing still holds true. Sorry bout that. Right off the bat I doubt cartridge length of their bullets would be compatible with most handguns/magazines--their projectiles must be fitted only to the base of the drive band. Their smallest 32 gr might work--I dunno.

**Aguila Blanca** · November 8, 2021, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguila Blanca

They can also be used in cartridges like .22 Hornet.

I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote the above. These are heel-based bullets, so they would not be suitable for .22 Hornet. They might work, but the heeled base would require seating them deeper than they are intended to be seated.

Rob228 · November 8, 2021, 04:29 PM

No experience with these BUT the NROTC unit that I instructed at (Boulder) was restricted to using lead free .22 ammo on the campus PD range. I don't recall the brand but it did not shoot well (Remington 541's and Smith and Wesson 41's) and was very expensive. Ended up moving off campus to the Longmont PD range and there was much rejoicing.

stagpanther · November 8, 2021, 06:52 PM

Quote:

No experience with these BUT the NROTC unit that I instructed at (Boulder) was restricted to using lead free .22 ammo on the campus PD range. I don't recall the brand but it did not shoot well (Remington 541's and Smith and Wesson 41's) and was very expensive. Ended up moving off campus to the Longmont PD range and there was much rejoicing.

My personal opinion is that conventional 22lr barrels will not work well with solid coppers because the way the bores are cut it is intended that the softer lead engraves more deeply into the rifling and the bore is also just barely more narrow than the bearing surface/drive band on solid coppers. Just my opinion though.

Koda94 · November 14, 2021, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonrichter

Finally, there appears to be a lead-free option for .22lr: https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/...e-bullets/22lr https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/...e-bullets/22lr

Apart from cutting out the lead, I'm pretty sure that these bullets will penetrate far better, eliminating one of the few advantages .25 acp had over .22lr in terms of tiny SD pistols.

Alas, it seems that only the bullets as such are marketed for reloaders. Which raises two questions: Who the heck reloads .22lr? I didn't even know this was possible... And secondly, is there maybe some manufacturer producing the whole package, complete rounds already loaded with these full copper bullets?

thx for your insights

I wonder how those will function in semi autos?

CCI makes a complete package fully function in semis, all copper hollowpoint for hunting

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/953365521?pid=365521

November 7, 2021, 05:22 AM	#1
simonrichter Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Austria Posts: 758	Cutting edge .22lr bullets Finally, there appears to be a lead-free option for .22lr: https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/...e-bullets/22lr https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/...e-bullets/22lr Apart from cutting out the lead, I'm pretty sure that these bullets will penetrate far better, eliminating one of the few advantages .25 acp had over .22lr in terms of tiny SD pistols. Alas, it seems that only the bullets as such are marketed for reloaders. Which raises two questions: Who the heck reloads .22lr? I didn't even know this was possible... And secondly, is there maybe some manufacturer producing the whole package, complete rounds already loaded with these full copper bullets? thx for your insights __________________ "Get off of my lawn!" Walt Kowalski . ISSC PAR .223

November 7, 2021, 10:34 AM	#5
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	I have been tinkering with loading .22 LR, but only with lead bullets. Those all-copper projectiles are too pricey for my needs. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

November 7, 2021, 12:44 PM	#6
simonrichter Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Austria Posts: 758	so there are no production rounds featuring these bullets? __________________ "Get off of my lawn!" Walt Kowalski . ISSC PAR .223

November 7, 2021, 12:57 PM	#7
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,787	I believe Cutting edge does offer loaded ammunition but in my experience only the smallest of their bullets will be marginally stabilized in most 16 twist conventional twist 22lr bores. Also be careful of mixing the two different types of bullets in the same bore. In other words, for all practical purposes, unless you're prepared to buy a custom barrel specifically for copper projectiles (and headspace it, tricky thing with 22 rimfire), I'd pass on it. But that's just my opinion. Otherwise buy a custom-made rifle, but you'll be spending boucoups dinero for it. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!* Last edited by stagpanther; November 7, 2021 at 01:03 PM.

November 7, 2021, 05:06 PM	#8
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,787	Ooops! just noticed this is handguns, though I suspect the twist thing still holds true. Sorry bout that. Right off the bat I doubt cartridge length of their bullets would be compatible with most handguns/magazines--their projectiles must be fitted only to the base of the drive band. Their smallest 32 gr might work--I dunno. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!* Last edited by stagpanther; November 7, 2021 at 05:14 PM.

November 7, 2021, 08:23 AM	#3
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	Forum member stagpanther has been experimenting with those bullets, IIRC. They can also be used in cartridges like .22 Hornet. As for loading/reloading .22 Long Rifle: https://sharpshooter-22lr-reloader.m...2-reloader-kit __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

November 8, 2021, 04:29 PM	#10
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Hampstead NC Posts: 1,450	No experience with these BUT the NROTC unit that I instructed at (Boulder) was restricted to using lead free .22 ammo on the campus PD range. I don't recall the brand but it did not shoot well (Remington 541's and Smith and Wesson 41's) and was very expensive. Ended up moving off campus to the Longmont PD range and there was much rejoicing.