Lead vs Plated vs Jacketed

[Alstro]

I am sure this has been asked before but I have been trying to find the answer and I am starting to go cross-eyed looking for it. This would probably make a good sticky topic because I am sure it is a common question.

Basically, what is the difference, advantages, disadvantages of the different types of bullets?

Thx

 

[bWONGER]

A jacket is just that, a sheet of material placed around a core. Plating involves electrolysis to place a gilding material on the core and is usually thinner and meant to be used at lower velocities. Cast bullets are made up of lead that has been poured into a bullet mould. These bullets come in various hardness levels depending upon the alloy of the lead.

 

[4n2t0]

Adding to bWONGER's post.

General rule of thumb... (nothing written is stone)

Lead = (+) Cheap, extremely accurate. | (-) Leading, smokey/dirty, velocity.
Coated lead = All the positives of lead, little to none of the negatives.
Plated = (+) Cheaper than FMJ, clean | (-) Decent accuracy, decent velocity, not an FMJ.
FMJ = (+) Extremely accurate, consistency of construction, velocity, clean | (-) Expensive