Marking bullets with colour

[slushee]

I've noticed some bullets have painted tips or bands to denote what they are. If one were to try marking their bullets with colour, what 'ink' would be safe, inexpensive and yet permanent?

 

[AKD]

once it leaves the barrel odds are you will never see it again so I think just a regular permanent marker would work. i know what ur talking about tho. like red tips on tracer rounds.

 

[Noel]

Is the goal to distinguish different loads in your box for testing at the range or for trying to identify a bullet after it is pulled out of some kind of stopping media?

Sharpie makes a nice fine point permanent marker. Often I will write the powder and charge on the projectile when testing the same bullet over several different powders.

If it is for IDing a bullet after recovery the only place you *might keep color on is the cannelure and that is only if the petals don't fold over it and hide it.
If you are really bored just etch a faint number into the base of the bullet. I do that for the ones recovered from game, the year and which animal.

Gun blue might work well too but it may also change the bullets metal structure and make it brittle.

 

[Fixit]

i use a paint pen "Jiffy artline 400 paint marker"

they come in a BUNCH of different colors

 

[superd222]

Like Noel said, a Sharpie works well for identifying loads on the case - or - you can colour the whole bullet. Good for messing with your buddies at the range. Makes them think you have some 'special' bullets!!! Green and Red looks good at Christmas too!!!