.22lr. - copper vs lead

J

JerShadow

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Gunnutz,

New shooter trying out new ammo. What is the difference between copper and lead cover? Is there one that is better performance wise? I am under the impression that lead leaves more residue but easier on the barrel and copper less residue but is harder on the barrel? Appreciate any insights. If there is a thread kindly post link but I don't need the "use the search" comments, it doesn't always work.:pd:h:

I will be shooting Sig Sauer Mosquito, GSG 1911 and Mossberg Tactical flattop

Thank you!
 
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The copper 22lr bullets are just a thin coating of copper and not a jacket in the traditional sense. The copper coated bullets tend to leave less lead fouling and I don't think they are harder on your barrel.
 
Ohno said:
The copper 22lr bullets are just a thin coating of copper and not a jacket in the traditional sense. The copper coated bullets tend to leave less lead fouling and I don't think they are harder on your barrel.
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mmhmm. The "copper" bullets simply have a very thin copper plating on them. Unless you are using corrosive .22, or plan on firing off 150,000+ rounds, you will likely never notice any wear in the barrel. I would be very impressed with the person who wears out a .22 rimfire barrel solely from shooting it. In a .22, your biggest enemy to barrel life is improper maintenance and cleaning techniques.
 
No .22 rimfire cartridge ever assembled is "hard" on a barrel. You could fire multiple 100s of thousands of rounds without causing any measureable wear.

The copper plated stuff usually has a bit of tin mixed into it, which provides a lubricity that greatly reduces fouling. This is the "lubaloy" coating that Winchester still uses as a trademark, though the patents have LONG since expired. I have found that finicky guns often choke on straight lead bullets. Certainly the worst .22 ammo I have ever encountered- stuff like Winchester Wildcats, Federal Lightning, American Eagle and Remington Thunderbolts- have all been straight lead bullets.
 
Thank you all, this is fantastic, exactly what I was looking for. More proof this is a kick ass site! Copper plating it is, but I will still clean regularly
 
Just to add some people feel that the plain lead obturate to fit the bore better = better accuracy than the copper coated. Use what shoots best in your gun IMO.
 
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