Some say the best is the old standby bone-breaker, CastCore 180 grain hard lead. But recently I've heard that solid copper, such as the all copper Barnes X bullet, is better because, although lighter than lead, it's harder and faster. From a 4" .357 handgun, would you opt for the CastCore lead or the Barns X Bullets?
The x bullet although will retain its weight is designed to expand. Expansion might keep it from penetrating as deep. I think you would be fine with either on your average wild hog. If you see one of the bigger hogs you might want more gun.
Interesting. I'd always assumed that the pure copper bullets would be softer than lead, but maybe not. My guess now is that it depends upon the lead. Hardcast lead would probably be harder.
"Hardcast lead would probably be harder. "
I thought so, too. But at the OKC gun show last weekend, the fellow selling bullets for guys who roll their own told me copper bullets were harder than Federal CastCore lead. It probably depends on the specific alloy used. In any case, I don't reload so I'm trying to determine whether there is a factory cartridge that uses a solid copper (or copper with lead core) bullet that penetrates just as well or better than the 180 grain Federal CastCore load.
I thought so, too. But at the OKC gun show last weekend, the fellow selling bullets for guys who roll their own told me copper bullets were harder than Federal CastCore lead. It probably depends on the specific alloy used. In any case, I don't reload so I'm trying to determine whether there is a factory cartridge that uses a solid copper (or copper with lead core) bullet that penetrates just as well or better than the 180 grain Federal CastCore load.
