Q: Bullets such as the Barnes-X, Hornady GMX and Nosler E-Tip feature monolithic construction, contain no lead core and are made of copper or gilding metal — materials that are less dense than lead.
Am I correct in assuming that for a given calibre and weight, their sectional densities are lower than that of conventional jacketed bullets with a lead core?
It would seem that a .30-calibre 180gn X-Bullet would have a lower sectional density than, say, a 180gn Hornady ELD-X of the same calibre. Correct?
– Stanley Ellis
A: Wrong! Your assumption is not correct.
As long as weight and diameter remain the same, sectional density will be the same regardless of what materials the two bullets are made of.
Taking it to an extreme, a .30-calibre 180gn bullet moulded out of plastic would have the same sectional density as an X-Bullet or ELD-X of the same calibre and weight.
The plastic bullet would, however, be a couple of inches long!
Monolithic bullets are typically slightly longer than lead-cored bullets of the same weight and calibre, but sectional density is identical.
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