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Bullet Choice Crucial for Firearm Feeding & Terminal Performance

Choosing the right bullet for your firearm is crucial. Autoloaders need reliable feeding, while revolvers prioritize quick energy transfer.

In this image we can see the picture of a gun.
In this image we can see the picture of a gun.

Bullet Choice Crucial for Firearm Feeding & Terminal Performance

The effectiveness of bullets in both feeding and terminal performance varies greatly depending on the type of firearm and its intended use. Autoloading handguns and rifles have different requirements, while revolvers present unique considerations.

In autoloading handguns, the projectile's profile must aid in feeding while maintaining terminal performance. Flat-nose and semi-wadcutter bullets may struggle with feeding in all autoloaders, but many modern hollowpoints are optimized for reliable feeding. These hollowpoints, often match-grade or ballistic-tipped, rapidly expand upon impact, maximizing stopping power and minimizing over-penetration. In contrast, full-metal-jacket or soft point bullets, popular for hunting or target shooting, may penetrate deeper but expand less predictably.

For defensive rifle use, bullet shape's impact on long-distance accuracy is generally less relevant. Here, hollow point or specially engineered self-defense rounds are preferred. These bullets expand or fragment on impact, transferring energy rapidly and reducing the risk of collateral damage. Hard-cast-lead, flat-point designs are popular for revolvers due to their quick energy transfer. Almost any bullet profile can function in a revolver, including cylindrical wadcutters, as they are hand-fed.

Bullet shape significantly influences both feeding and terminal performance in firearms. Autoloading handguns and rifles require reliable feeding, often achieved with modern hollowpoints, while revolvers prioritize quick energy transfer and terminal performance, typically with hard-cast-lead, flat-point designs. Understanding these differences ensures the right bullet choice for the right firearm and purpose.

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