New Research Could Allow Frangible Projectiles to Disintegrate After Designated Distance

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Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Frangible ammunition is pretty much the same than any other ammunition, with the key difference being that it uses a copper jacket instead of a lead core. The bullet is designed in such a way that when it hits a target harder than itself at full speed, it crumbles into pieces.

While this type of ammunition is expected to reduce the risk of collateral damage as the fragments are too small to cause any major harm, one of the biggest issues with frangible projectiles, and all other types of bullets for that matter, is that stray shots can often pose serious collateral damage, severe injury, and in some cases, even death.

Turns out a new research could soon be changing how the world looks at frangible bullets. Ernesto Marinero, professor of materials engineering, recently led a research group that has come up with a new range of frangible bullets which become non-lethal and completely disintegrate after traveling a particular distance, whether or not they hit an object.

The technology combines a limitation of range to the shrapnel-eliminating features of Frangible bullets and the stopping power of normal ammunition to limit the bullet’s range.

These frangible projectiles could drastically reduce the risk of injury and collateral damage, making such bullets even more preferable in sectors such as range shooting, law enforcement and military. The bullets have been patented by the Office of Technology Commercialization at the Purdue Research Foundation and can be licensed by companies.

Lead is Back in America’s Federal Wetlands

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frangible projectiles, Lead free ammunition

The use of lead bullets for waterfowl hunting on federal wetlands was banned by the Fish and Wildlife Service in the year 1991. Lead bullets were also banned on lands within the range of Californian condors in the year 2008. On January 19, 2017, the Obama administration extended the 1991 ban to account for all hunting on all federal wildlife refuges, national parks and lands.

The problem isn’t with the lead bullet itself. It occurs when hunters clean the animal and leave its remains, including the expended lead bullet, on the field. The problem occurs when a shot animal escapes the hunter and dies later. Birds and scavengers then feed on these remains, and often end up eating parts of the lead bullets. Once ingested, the lead hinders their ability to fly, causes starvation and blindness and also leads to seizures and death.

In a complete turn of events, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke rescinded the order as one of his first acts after taking office. Jamie Rappaport Clarke, the CEO of Defenders of Wildlife states that the use of lead ammunition in an age when alternate measures such as lead free ammunition and frangible projectiles are readily available is unacceptable. “We know the incredible harm that lead poses to people and to wildlife,” says Clarke.

Secretary Zinke argues that the law was a step banning hunting on public lands. “It worries me to think about hunting and fishing becoming activities for the land-owning elite,” says Zinke.

Whether or not hunting and fishing are becoming activities for the elite, we do know that the lead bullets that are used by hunters to hunt deer can find its way into venison. So can anyone guess what’s going to be served on dinner plates soon?

It’s never too late though. Some might believe that rescinding the ban was the right thing to do, but common sense dictates that we get rid of lead as soon as possible. With alternatives such as frangible projectiles and lead free ammunition readily available, it seems unimaginable that hunters would make their families and their beloved hunting environment go through the dangers that lead poses.

Activities like hunting and fishing hold a special place in America’s heart, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they’re available for future generations to come. And while the environment around us is already suffering from the dangers of lead poisoning, it still isn’t too late, provided we act now as a society and do something about this issue that affects our children and their future once and for all.

Lead Poisoning Claims Even More Victims

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frangible projectiles, Lead free ammunition

Lead has been used by humans in various forms throughout the ages. From cooking utensils and beauty to commercial and industrial applications, this deadly toxin found its way into all walks of life before humans woke up and realized the danger that it posed in front of humanity and its future generations. Lead was consequently banned in the United States by the mid-nineties, but somewhat bafflingly, it is still used in bullets used to hunt small animals and game birds and in fish tackle. And this is when lead free ammunition is easily and readily available!

The case of lead poisoning is nothing new. Ask any resident of Flint on the dangers of lead and they would probably tell you horror stories as they recount their experience of having to deal with one of the worst health disasters in recent U.S. history. As a society, we seem to be ignorant to the dangers of lead, and that’s a huge surprise considering that agencies have been trying to promote lead free ammunition and educate people on the dangers of lead and lead poisoning for decades.

Bald eagles are the latest victims of lead with cases being reported all over the country. These birds often feed on carcasses that were killed by hunters using lead based ammunition and end up getting exposed to the dangers of lead. The problem is particularly concerning in the Midwest during deer hunting season as hunters often leave gut piles behind which are then scavenged by bald eagles.

One such bald eagle just succumbed to its death in Arlington despite the best efforts of the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center on the very same day when Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkecanceled a last-minute action taken by President Barack Obama to phase out lead based fish tackle and ammunition in national wildlife refuges by the year 2022.

Suzanne West, Director of Sarvey Wildlife Care Center recounts the plight of the dying bird. “This bird made very heart-breaking crying sounds all throughout the day and night. We can only try and hope for the best.” Such was the level of toxicity that the poor creature was subjected to that despite their best efforts, the center’s personnel couldn’t save the bird or reverse the effects of poisoning.

The order issued by the Obama administration was intended to protect these very birds from lead poisoning and promote the use of lead free ammunition. This ammunition, sometimes referred to as green ammo, is produced from frangible bullets made from nontoxic plastic or metal composite materials. However, reports state that Zinke believed that the order would have led to an increase in fishing, hunting and recreational shooting on lands that are currently managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The former congressman also highlighted the importance of consulting local communities and industry experts before passing such actions.

And it isn’t just the bald eagles or nature that is a victim of lead. Small children have also tested positive for lead poisoning after consuming meat from animals that were shot using lead ammunition. “It is bad for wildlife and it’s bad for kids,” says LessanaLahner, a Sarvey veterinarian. She urges using lead free ammunition such as lead-free frangible projectiles or copper bullets, both of which are proven save for wildlife and non-toxic for humans.

Why You Should Switch to Frangible Ammo

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frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Bullets have been around for a really long time. Man began using bullets made out of lead, stone or clay millennia before the concept of firearms was even developed and the Romans even managed to take the basic bullet to the next level with whistling bullets that traveled at speeds of 100 meters per second and were made using 1-ounce lead balls in their centers. The modern-day bullet has evolved tremendously, with one particular invention holding center stage- the frangible bullet.

The Purpose of a Frangible Bullet

Frangible projectiles were first created for shooting galleries back in the mid-20th century, but as science started to gain a foothold in the industry and the world progressed to a new era, these projectiles became more and more advanced. The main purpose of a frangible bullet is to eliminate or reduce the chance of a backsplash or a ricochet. While the early projectiles were more about minimizing injuries, the modern-day bullets are also about self defense and close-quarter battle.

The Composition of a Modern Day Frangible Projectile

The modern day frangible bullet is made with powder metallurgy, a process that requires sintering and pressing powdered metals into the shape of the bullet. Copper is the most commonly used metal because of its ductile and malleable properties, and also because it easily deforms under comprehensive and tensile stress. Other metals like tin are used as binding agents. The frangibility of these projectiles makes them the ideal choice for self defense, hunting and steel plate shooting. Not only do they offer a cleaner kill and the best chance to drop the attacker, they also disintegrate on impact to reduce the risk of wounding bystanders due to over-penetration.

A Cause for Concern?

Many shooters believe that lightweight projectiles are not accurate. However, when tested in real life situations, every caliber of frangible bullets turned out to be as accurate as non-frangible counterparts at distances that varied from 7 yards to 25 yards. With great accuracy, came great precision as well. In simple terms, accuracy is when you hit the target. Precision is when you hit the exact group where you wanted your bullet to land.

Getting the Job Done

Frangible projectiles aren’t just a great option for steel plates. They’re obviously a great choice for close quarter training, but they can also take your hunting and self defense to the next level. Permanent wound cavities, shattered bones and penetration depth ensure that they have a devastating effect on the target, while a lack of ricochet means that they only affect the intended target and not an innocent bystander. With frangible bullets, you’ll always have the option to get the job done quickly, while making sure it gets done right!

If you’re still to explore the world of frangible projectiles, it’s high time you get into the game. There’s no ricochet, no over-penetration, no backlash and the perfect aim. What’s not to love about this modern-day ammo!

Frangible Bullets Could Make the World a Safer Place

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Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Frangible projectiles, also called soft rounds, are designed in a way that they break upon impact with hard surfaces rather than ricocheting everywhere during close-quarter action. It presents a great, much-needed change in the way bullets were made for centuries, and departs from the existing school of thought, both in terms of personal protection and range shooting. Most important is that a frangible bullet is made using copper jackets, a refreshing change from the lead bullets and all the damage and lead poisoning they bring along with them.

Jason Villalba, a Texas State Representative, approached ballistic experts and members of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to determine the type of ammo that would be best used as ammunition which can be used by school marshals in active shooter situations.

Even though frangible ammunition is specifically designed to break upon impact with hard surfaces, experts raised a concern that this type of bullet could easily surpass the body of the intended target or sheet rock walls and endanger anyone in the immediate vicinity.

Based on his discussion with experts, Villalba spoke about amending the legislation to state that school marshals will not be allowed to carry the ammo unless it has been specifically been approved by TCOLE. “There are multiple types of frangible ammunition…. there are a number of different types of ammo that can work and will work and are frangible,” says Villalba.

Certain experts including Ken Alexander and Buford Boone who worked with the FBI pointed out concerns about the use of this type of ammo. After all, once a bullet is fired, there is always a chance that it pierces drywall and causes unintended damage. Villalba argued that while no ammunition completely eliminates the risk of collateral damage, frangible bullets are as close as one can get to minimizing the damage and stopping the attacker.

There are several different types of frangible ammunition in the market, and experts are currently testing ammunition that can be added to the included list by TCOLE. Sgt. Wade Parham, an instructor with ALERT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Program) believes that there isn’t any pistol ammo that fails to penetrate walls and breaks up at the same time. He also says that while frangible projectiles might shatter into pieces when it hits common materials used in schools such as concrete, brick or hard tile floors.

The act that brought the role of school marshal came into existence after the Sandy Hook school shooting back in 2013, and this position is given to a volunteer whose role is only known to the school administrator and local law enforcement. There are certain specifics such as frangible bullets, firearms proficiency, training requirements and mental health evaluation that needs to be taken into account as well.

Says Villalba, “We want to ensure legislation is revised so that it will maximize the safety of our children and safeguard against an active shooter, protecting our children, our students, and do everything we can to find the best way to provide that last line of defense and keep others safe in these horrible situations.”

Technology undergoes continuous change and this means that newer, safer and more effective means of ammunition are bound to crop up from time to time. Villalba’s openness to amend the legislation is good news for all as it can bring various experts together and help chart out the best way forward.

Ammo the Key to Hunting Deer?

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Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Anyone who has gone deer hunting probably has a fair share of horror stories of frozen torture and narratives of stopping that young buck in its tracks. Deer hunting is unlike any other. It demands persistence and patience, but most importantly it requires basic skill and a steely grit. While there is no substitute for sheer hard work and the ability to catch the animal dead in its tracks, having the right frangible projectile could certainly make the difference between a successful deer season or a few days of torture in the wild.

Hunters around the world are crediting frangible ammunition to a successful kill and you’d begin to wonder whether having the right ammunition can make so much of a difference. Could the solution to actually ending up with a deer really be so simple? Let’s find out.

Let’s say that you’ve used a particular brand of frangible projectiles

So what really went wrong? Was it just sheer bad luck? Probably not! Turns out that the deer hunting rifle shoots different brands of ammo differently. So what worked for you at the range might not work in the woods if you just happened to change the ammo. To save yourself from future embarrassment, make sure you follow these simple tips.

Choose the Right Frangible Ammunition

Try out the copper-alloy bullet. Since these bullets are less prone to fragmentation, they usually offer consistent expansion and can even retain as much as 90% of the original weight. This allows the bullet to penetrate deeper into the body, increasing the chances of a devastating wound. It also offers quicker and cleaner kills, something that every hunter loves.

Match the Load

Try to match the bullet you’re shooting with the game you’re trying to shoot. This sounds simple, but it could make a world of difference to the end result.

Carry Spares

Always make sure you have enough spare ammunition. You don’t want to run out of ammo and run to the local supply store, only to realize that your preferred brand of frangible ammunition isn’t in stock.

Use Identical Loads

The bullets you use to sight your hunting gun should have the same weight and grain to the bullets you use in the woods.

Avoid Changing the Ammo Mid-Season

If you must make a change, head over to the range to see how the new bullet performs in your deer hunting gun.

Remember, rifles tend to shoot different bullets in a different manner. If you’ve sighted your rifle with a particular brand and have seen some joy, stick with that brand for the entire hunting season. It could make a world of difference, or shall we say, the difference between ordering in some pizza or enjoying a rich venison stew.

Happy hunting!

Why Do We Keep Using Lead Bullets?

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frangible projectiles, Lead free ammunition

Today, most of us know firsthand what lead poisoning looks and feels like. Thousands have been affected in cities like Flint and news channels have been quick to educate society on the perils of lead poisoning. We’ve started to replace those old pipelines, get rid of lead paints, take preventive measures and also educate our kids. We’re just starting to do our bit as a society to remove this menace once and for all. But why do we ignore our bullets, even when we know that we have lead free ammunition available?

Poisoning the Future?

Andrea Goodnight, a vet at the Oakland Zoo, works with lead poisoning literally on a daily basis as she is tasked with treating California condors testing positive for lead in their blood. When the lead levels become too high, these condors cannot hold their food, and this means that they literally starve to death. Says Goodnight, “a very clinically ill bird is very distressing. They’re weak, they fall over, they just can’t feed themselves… it’s an absolutely horrible way to die.”

Treatment can help save these birds, but most treatments are quite stressful, and the moment they’ve been re-exposed to lead poisoning, they must go through the tormenting experience all over again. One of the main sources of lead poisoning for condors is ammunition. Lead bullets are a cost effective measure compared to lead free ammunition, but they always leave damage and destruction in their wake. Tiny fragments get scattered in the entrails left behind, and this acts as a source of food for numerous wild creatures. A 2003 study revealed that before lead bullets were banned by California in the year 2008, 30,000 lead carcasses were left behind each year by hunters!!

A Lack of Clarity

“I really strongly think that, given the right information, they will move toward using non-lead ammunition,” says Leland Brown, a non-lead hunting educator working with the Oregon Zoo. Hunters have voluntarily started switching to lead free bullets and those who still resort to using the lead bullet would do so once they comprehend the risk it poses to their own families and to the wildlife.

Do Bans Help?

Hunting waterfowls with lead bullets was banned in the year 1991. California began the process to ban lead bullets for certain types of hunting in the year 2015, which shall then extend to all types of hunting by the year 2o19. Minnesota is considering banning small-game hunting with lead ammunition. More than 34 states have regulations in place to prevent certain types of hunting with lead. Despite all efforts, most types of hunting still use lead bullets, and the existing patchwork of lead regulations don’t help. Moreover, simply implementing bans doesn’t help until hunters can be educated about the true dangers posed by lead.

Can We Afford Lead Free Ammunition?

Gun advocates believe that banning lead ammunition will mean that many hunters will not be able to afford lead fee bullets. Even though hunting may have declined in California since the ban in the condor range, the decrease really hasn’t done anything to slow down the sale of lead free ammunition. Some of these frangible projectiles may cost twice as much as lead bullets, but there are lead free bullets that can be compared to the price of the lead bullet. In fact, some turn out to be cheaper as well!

Studies also confirmed that those using the lead free bullet don’t have to sacrifice or compromise on performance either. “The few times since then when I’ve used lead ammunition, I’ve actually been less pleased. It didn’t do what I had gotten used to non-lead ammo doing,” says Brown, praising the performance of a lead free bullet.

Changing Concepts of the Big Game Bullet

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frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

American hunters love bullets, and for good reason. Ultimately, it’s the bullet that is responsible for making the kill. Jacketed bullets were the thing in the 1880s, and the ability to expand or mushroom the bullet was developed in the 1890s. Velocities increased to the 3000 f.p.s mark by 1910 and expanding bullets really upped the ante between WWI and WWII. So many bullets have come out ever since, and it’s impossible to claim that you’re entirely aware of everything that’s available.

The Underlying Principles

The basic principles used to make frangible projectiles haven’t changed for more than a century. Two underlying principles you need to be aware of are that velocity has always been against bullet performance and bullet expansion causes greater resistance, decreasing the chances of a successful penetration. Varmint bullets often come apart upon impact and this is great for non-edible pests because it reduces the chances of a ricochet. However, you need a bullet that stays put when dealing with big game. Some prefer complete penetration, stating that exit wounds make it easy to follow the animal. Others want their bullets to stay within the animal, making sure that the energy isn’t wasted on trees and rocks. And both choices deserve equal merit. The third thing that you need to understand is that bullet weight can actually help cover up flaws in bullet perfmance.

The Bullet Shape

Bullets tended to be round or flat-pointed when the tubular magazine lever action was popular. However, modern day frangible bullets rely on sharp points to retain better velocity. However, increased velocity isn’t usually a thing for many. Take the case of a deer hunter. One would always prefer a blunt-nosed bullet knowing all too well that it tends to deliver a far better impact.

The Tipped Bullet

Tipped bullets were introduced in the eighties with Nosler’s Ballistic Tip. The tip is driven into the bullet upon impact, allowing for quick expansion. However, the absence of design features often meant that the bullet wasn’t the most beautiful thing to look at once recovered. Many preferred the Bronze Point, but most would agree that it expanded way too quickly. These frangible bullets are great for mid-sized game, but one would always prefer a tougher companion while hunting larger game.

The Bonded Bullet

The Bitterroot Bullet of the 60s was the first chemically bonded bullet, a bullet that uses chemical bonding in its core for excellent expansion without having to suffer from weight loss. These bullets may not offer the most penetrating designs, but they retain most of their weight while penetrating the body to offer a decent combination of penetration and expansion. However, bonded bullets aren’t always the most accurate choice and their complex design often makes them more expensive as well.

The Homogenous Bullet

The Barnes X was the first bullet made without a lead core. These lead free bullets have polymer tips and they tend to expand due to their skived noses. Expansion in such bullets is usually limited and the bullet can only shed off its weight by shearing off its petals.

Today, manufacturers are concentrating on frangible bullets that offer greater reliability and better aerodynamics across the velocity spectrum. Bullets like the Browning BXR Deer Centerfire Rifle Ammo present rapid expansion ballistic tips that offer a decent balance between design features and expansion. ELD-X is another popular hunting bullet that offers consistent expansion from up close to a distance of roughly 300 yards.

The Benefits of Using Frangible Projectiles

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frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Before we dive into the advantages of using frangible projectiles, it is necessary to understand what makes them so unique. The word “frangible” is used to describe a bullet that breaks up upon impact with a target or a substance that is harder than itself. Think of the bullet as throwing a sugar cube on a tile wall using a slingshot. The effect is quite similar, but way more controlled.

So what why is that exciting?

Well, there are a number of reasons to get excited, but the following are just some of the benefits that these frangible bullets offer.

Shooting Frangible Projectiles is a Lot of Fun

Shooting steel targets is actually a lot of fun. These targets give you immediate feedback, something that isn’t exactly possible on paper targets. It is far more dynamic as well. These projectiles are a lot of fun in competitive situations as well, allowing shooters to shoot side by side, one shooting from right to left, the other from left to right.

Eliminates the Scope of Ricochets

Using frangible bullets reduces one of the biggest dangers of a shooting range – ricochets. When these bullets hit their target, they break down into their original compositions of polymer and copper powder, falling harmlessly, greatly diminishing the chances of serious injury.

Eliminates the Scope of Lead Poisoning

The biggest benefit of using frangible projectiles is that they do not contain lead. This helps you stay away from lead poisoning and save yourself as well as those around you from the dangers of lead exposure. Just think of how damaging the Flint fiasco turned out to be. Wouldn’t you want to do everything possible to stay as far away from that ingredient as possible? The lack of lead also makes this bullet a great option for hunting.

Better for Self Defense

Frangible ammunition is far better in terms of self-defense as well. The bullet begins to break up upon impact with a medium but it still offers enough penetration, giving you the best chance of successfully stopping any advancing threats. Furthermore, in a situation where rounds are constantly flying, frangible bullets have a lesser risk of collateral damage to innocent bystanders as the round begins to dump energy the moment it strikes a medium.

Cheaper

Simply put, frangible bullets are way cheaper than solid copper, jacketed or traditional bonded hollow points. In fact, in many cases, the price difference is as much as half to the consumer in comparison to other high HP rounds.

Frangible projectiles have specifically been created for dynamic training ranges where you can shoot on steel targets and double your fun. They always offer a far more exciting experience and make it easier for you to hone your skills when compared to traditional modes of ammunition.

The Future of Ammunition

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Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

You’d think of Q’s inventions as urban legends, specifically created to make James Bond movies seem larger than life, but many of those legends could turn out to be the future of ammunition. Just take a look at the Radically Invasive Projectile (RIP) bullet for inspiration.

The RIP bullet uses a standard metal jacket, but its nose has been split into trocars which open up and split into different directions upon impact, shredding anything that comes in their way into pieces. These frangible bullets have been marketed as the ‘last bullet you’ll ever need’ and the ‘premium self-defence round’, and rightly so.

The Dawn of a New Era

To truly understand the future of bullets and the projected role of frangible projectiles, you need to take a look at the latest trends in the world of ammunition. The RIP technology has been around for a while, but it’s only now that new concepts are coming up. Consider the MIB bullet for a moment. This isn’t a bullet that waits for impact to split up. It comes with a main core and three parts that are joined to the core using a string. So as the bullet leaves the barrel, the petals break off, moving into different directions, giving you a far wider zone of impact. Technology has dramatically helped in creating these bullets as experts resorted to the use of CAD software to build new prototypes.

The Good

The good thing about these frangible bullets is that you shoot to kill, pretty much like Bond himself. Often called the finger of god, these bullets are sure to kill anything that comes in their way. They are made from copper which allows them to retain their shape for a longer period of time, and the absence of lead saves you and the environment around you from the horrible dangers of lead poisoning. ‘They really changed the game’, says Phil Massaro, a pro hand-loader, and thousands others echo his sentiment. Recent developments also allowed for reforms that not only prevented fouling, a common issue with all-copper bullets, but also helped to improve shooting accuracy.

Frangible ammunition has often been accused of over-killing. However, if ammo is instantly lethal, it has a far better chance of killing gently and quickly. Yes, it expands and the shredding fragments cause havoc in their wake, but ultimately, the target suffers less and dies faster. This certainly sounds great when you’re talking about hunting. The animal suffers less and the environment doesn’t have to bear the cost of a lead-based projectile. However, it does pose an entirely different problem when considering human situations, because often, innocent bystanders get in the way.

The Not So Good

Despite their advantages, frangible projectiles are sure to come under criticism for the simple fact that they ‘look expensive’. The RIP bullet sells for $45 a box which contains 20 9mm bullets, while you can get 50 regular ones for just $20. However, when you compare the cost to the long-term damage caused by lead-based ammunition, it really does seem to be worth it, doesn’t it!

The future of bullets is rapidly changing and it’s incredibly difficult to predict the developments that may take place over the next decade. Experts predict to witness a greater demand for frangible ammunition as the world tries to move beyond lead, but the real action should start once manufacturers manage to combine the best of monolithic and frangible technology and weaponry starts catching up with the advancements seen in the field of ammunition.