Expanding hollow-point bullets
Expanding non-lead hollow-point bullets open with 4-6 petals that nearly doubles the original diameter. They can have polymer tips that initiate rapid expansion (and typically increases external ballistics) on thin skinned game or be un-tipped for thicker skinned animals with equal expansion, but which open slightly deeper. The hollow-point opens with hydraulic pressure and retains most of the original weight (between 98% and 99.7% in tests). These bullets penetrate deeply because they do not fragment, they cause high amounts of shock due to the rapid and wide expansion, and they have sharp petals that cut effectively deep in the wound channel. These bullets differ from fragmenting-tip hollow-points in that they have high weight retention and a single wound channel. Examples include Barnes TSX & LRX, Hornady CX, Nosler E-Tip, Federal Trophy Copper, and Winchester Copper Impact.
Segmenting tip hollow-point bullets
Segmenting-tip hollow-points are similar in construction to the expanding hollow-point bullets, but have a distinct difference after expansion is started. Just like expanding hollow points, hydraulic pressure causes the tip to open into several razor sharp petals, but in this case, the petals separate from the bullet shank, causing diverging wound channels. The shank continues to penetrate deeper into the tissue and causes cavitation with a flat meplat that results in high amounts of damage to internal organs and produces an exit wound to increase blood loss and assist trailing. These bullets open quickly and can have very large initial wound cavities that dissipate energy into the tissue, as well as a deep wound channel and exit wound. Examples include: Hammer Hunter, Norma Evostrike, and Cutting Edge bullets.
Find Bullets
We understand that finding ammunition for a particular rifle can be difficult, especially so with hard-to-find calibers. While HWNL does not endorse any manufacturer or retailer over another, here are a few helpful tips to find ammo:
To find common cartridges, use a search function such as gunbot.net or ammoseek.com
If it isn’t found by using a search function, find a custom ammunition loader. Custom loaders can make any known cartridge, and some will use once-fired brass from the client to reduce costs.
Visiting your local gun store and asking for non-lead ammunition may be the most convenient way to purchase non-lead ammunition. Knowing what brands and bullet models are available in non-lead before going to your local store is always a good idea.
Bullets are widely available and we have found 293 cartridges loaded with non-lead bullets made by custom loaders.
Lastly, email nonlead@iws.org and use our experience to help you find the cartridge for you.