For decades, the forefront of bullet engineering has been the classic “cup and core” construction - a lead core wrapped in a copper alloy jacket. This has been proven many times over as an effective projectile for hunting applications. It hasn’t been until recent years that monolithic bullets have really taken some of the spotlight as another great hunting bullet consideration. Each of them has their advantages and disadvantages, depending on what application they are used in. I am sure there have been many hunting camp debates that surround which bullet type is better, but like any tool in the tool chest, they all have their place for a given task. In this article, we are going to explore some of the characteristics of lead core and monolithic bullets by outlining some of the pros and cons to each. Hopefully by the end of this article you will have a better understanding of what bullet is best to use for your given hunting application.

LEAD CORE BULLETS – PROS

Proven Performance
This technology has been used for over a century and has been proven to be effective at a wide range of velocities and applications.

Devastating Terminal Performance
Lead core bullets are known for their devastating terminal performance due to their rapid expansion upon impact. As the soft lead core deforms, it causes the bullet to mushroom and fragment, creating large wound channels and significant tissue damage. This explosive expansion maximizes energy transfer to the target, often resulting in quicker kills, particularly on soft tissue.

Large Selection
There are numerous types of lead core bullets, including soft points, hollow points, and ballistic tips, each tailored to specific hunting applications and offering hunters a wide range of choices. For those looking to load lead core bullets, the variety from different manufacturers feels almost limitless, providing ample options to suit different needs and preferences.

LEAD CORE BULLETS – CONS

Lead Fragmentation
Lead core bullets can fragment upon impact, especially if they hit bone, leading to a loss of retained weight and a reduction in penetration. This fragmentation can also cause lead to spread into the meat, raising health concerns for consumption.

Limited Penetration
The fragmentation of lead core bullets can sometimes limit penetration, especially on game with tough hide and dense muscles. The rapid expansion can restrict how deep the bullet penetrates. This is very important to consider when taking quartering shots where the bullet will have to penetrate large masses of muscle, bone, or stomach contents to reach the vitals. The shooter will have to be a bit more selective on their shot angles prior to pulling the trigger.

Reduced Performance at High Velocities
At extremely high velocities, commonly in close distance engagements, lead core bullets can over-expand or even disintegrate. A common result of this a core-jacket separation reducing the ability for the projectile to penetrate deeply.

MONOLITHIC BULLETS – PROS

Deep Penetration
Monolithic bullets are harder than lead core bullets and don’t fragment easily. This leads to consistent, deep penetration, which is ideal for hunting large bodied game like moose, elk, bison, and bear. These animals have thick hide, heavy strong bones, and dense muscles that require the driving penetration from a monolithic bullet to enter the vitals for a quick and lethal outcome.

Retained Weight
Monolithic bullets generally retain up to or even more than 95% of their original weight upon impact. Holding onto as much of the projectiles original weight as possible ensures effective energy transfer and penetration.

Controlled Expansion
These bullets are designed to expand reliably without fragmenting, creating a large wound channel while still retaining their mass for continued penetration. It is common for monolithic bullets to produce an exit wound due to its deep penetration. This is advantageous as it will cause more blood to flow out of the animal causing a faster expiration and making it easier to track.

MONOLITHIC BULLETS – CONS

Barrel Fouling
Monolithic copper alloy bullets tend to produce more copper fouling in rifle barrels compared to lead core bullets. This is because the harder copper material, which contacts the rifling for a longer duration due to the bullet’s increased length, can deposit more copper residue in the bore, leading to a need for more frequent cleaning to maintain accuracy.

Velocity Sensitivity
Monolithic bullets require higher velocities to achieve optimal expansion. This makes them less effective at longer ranges or with lower-velocity cartridges. For example, the Hornady ELD-X bullet (lead core) will effectively expand down to 1600 FPS where Hornady’s CX bullet (monolithic) requires no less than 2000 FPS to expand properly.

Increased Pressure 
Monolithic copper bullets can generate higher pressures in a rifle because copper is harder and less malleable than lead. As a result, these bullets don’t deform as easily during firing, which can lead to greater resistance as they travel down the barrel. This increased friction can cause higher pressures to build up behind the bullet.

The choice between lead core and monolithic bullets comes down to the specific needs of the hunt. Lead core bullets have a long history of proven effectiveness, offering rapid expansion and a wide variety of options. Monolithic bullets, while newer, provide superior penetration, weight retention, and reliable expansion, especially for tougher game. Both have their advantages and trade-offs, and neither is universally better than the other. The key is understanding the strengths of each and selecting the right bullet for the task at hand, ensuring a humane and effective hunt every time.

This information has been brought to you in thanks from Korth Group Ltd. – Outdoor Education.

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