Michael

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http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

Premium bullets will weigh more nearly the same from one to the next. Variations in bullet weight, particularly at small calibers and in light bullet, can be significant.

Formation of the tip of the bullet can vary one to the next. This results from the jacket being formed over the core and extended to the tip in varying tolerances. The ogive on the bullet -- where it sits against the lands in the bore -- may be at the same spot from one to the next, but the distance from the ogive to the tip of the bullet may vary. This will result in variations in OAL even though all the bullets seat at the same distance from the lands.

All these variations are minor. But if you're trying to shoot .2xx MOA, every variation will affect accuracy. For most ammo and shooting these variations are of little concern.

Finally, "premium" bullets are often labeled "match" grade. Expect to pay about three times as much for match grade bullets.

For HUNTING bullets . . . (I'm NOT a hunter) "premium" will refer to variations in core, expansion characteristics, etc. Lots of marketing jargon here: "partitions" "core lokt" "ballistic tip" -- Premium bullets in defensive loads for handgun are similarly marketed . . . "hydro-shok" "black talon" . . .

Shopping and asking questions helps sort out the hype from the ballistics.

[This message has been edited by Genghis (edited 02-06-2002).]

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Originally posted by ricciardelli:
"Premium" bullets are those which cost twice as much for half as many!

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I kind of thought the same thing.

Generally speaking, a preium bullet is one where steps have been taken to insure the core does not seperate from the jacket. This is done by chemically bonding the core and jacket so they are inseperable, using a partition (go to Nosler bullets site)or using a physical "lock" in the jacket to retain the core (Grand Slam). This ensure deep penetration.

Bonded bullets are Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Swift A-frame, to mention the most common.

Premium bullets are quite a bit more expensive then "standards", but performance is generally considered far more reliable.

I think premiums are most needed in high velocity magnums - may or may not be wrthwhile in standard calibers, that seems to be a personal choice. Gotta get to work, hope this helps!

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Originally posted by mbundy:
I've been doing alot of looking and reading about 'premium' bullets available to the reloader. I find myself doing alot of wondering about what a premium bullets really is! There are alot of terms one sees thrown around in discussions like this. Terms such as 'welded core', 'solid shank', 'controlled expansion', 'solids', etc. Some of these terms are self explanatory, others seem to be jargon. Can someone explain the different bullet technologies in use today, their pros/cons, etc?

Michael

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Permium Bullets are the ones that shoot the consistently small groups and provide the ONE SHOT KILLS(we all try to make) in your gun!!

You wanna really get cornfused? Now we don't just have "premium" bullets, but we have "super premiums". "Premium" designation refers to controlled expansion and deep penetration characteristics: Grand Slams, Partitions, etc. "Super Premiums" are so well built that they almost meet the requirements for military use under the Geneva Convention, and include Swift A-Frames, Barns X, and Trophy Bonded Bear Claws. Super premiums are best suited for thick-skinned game like buffalo, Brown Bears, T-60 tanks and hardened bunkers.

Hope this completely clears up the issue.

GAHUNTER - I'm STILL laughing..great post.

There is very much a feeling on this forum, that you should use premium bullets, least expensive part of a hunt, etc, etc.
And in Magnums, I agree with this line of thought. But the thinking here, even with standard calibers, is that "standard" bullets are so UN-premium, and UN-reliable, that IF you use them, you are likely to have a failure. In my experience, that hasn't been the case at all.

Reloader66 - what brand of "premiums" was your friend using??

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Gerard Schultz
GS Custom Bullets

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Gerard Schultz
GS Custom Bullets