This is a spin-off of the thread about gas checks because it queries a different situation.
In that prior thread, I questioned whether or not there would be a difference in the momentum or penetration when comparing a bullet with a complete closure of the bullet base with copper vs one with an exposed lead base which was really the basis for a question regarding the need for a gas check.
The difference is this:
I went to range today with .45 APC's loaded with 4.0gr of Clays, a large pistol primer, a COL of 1.600".
The only difference was the use of a Rainier 230gr FMJ ( completely enclosed base) and a Precision Delta 230gr bullet that has an exposed lead base, surrounded at the extremity of the base with the extension of the copper jacket.
I did not have the opportunity to chronograph the speeds.
I fired at a Cuninsart Non-Stick Frying pan at 15 yards. The Rainier rounds made an entrance and exit hole size comparable to the .45 APC diameter expectation. The Precision Delta rounds, in two instances, opened a hole but left a hanging portion of metal that looked like a door was partially opened.
A third shot found the bullet stuck on the hole, with the exit partially opened.
We discussed if there might be a difference in penetration and/or momentum based on the relative difference between the copper and lead weight of these bullet types. The opinion offered was there is no significant effect.
What might explain what I experienced today?
In that prior thread, I questioned whether or not there would be a difference in the momentum or penetration when comparing a bullet with a complete closure of the bullet base with copper vs one with an exposed lead base which was really the basis for a question regarding the need for a gas check.
The difference is this:
I went to range today with .45 APC's loaded with 4.0gr of Clays, a large pistol primer, a COL of 1.600".
The only difference was the use of a Rainier 230gr FMJ ( completely enclosed base) and a Precision Delta 230gr bullet that has an exposed lead base, surrounded at the extremity of the base with the extension of the copper jacket.
I did not have the opportunity to chronograph the speeds.
I fired at a Cuninsart Non-Stick Frying pan at 15 yards. The Rainier rounds made an entrance and exit hole size comparable to the .45 APC diameter expectation. The Precision Delta rounds, in two instances, opened a hole but left a hanging portion of metal that looked like a door was partially opened.
A third shot found the bullet stuck on the hole, with the exit partially opened.
We discussed if there might be a difference in penetration and/or momentum based on the relative difference between the copper and lead weight of these bullet types. The opinion offered was there is no significant effect.
What might explain what I experienced today?