Introduction
Hornady, a reputation synonymous with innovation and high quality on the planet of ammunition and reloading parts, has lengthy been a trusted supplier for shooters of all disciplines. From looking to aggressive goal capturing, Hornady’s dedication to efficiency and cutting-edge design has established them as an business chief. When trying to find bullets to load into your favourite cartridges the choices can appear countless, every promising superior efficiency. As we speak, we’ll delve into a selected, albeit doubtlessly not-widely-advertised, class inside Hornady’s choices: Hornady “COM Free” bullets. This text is your information, offering insights and knowledge that will help you perceive and doubtlessly make the most of these bullets in your capturing endeavors. What are they? What benefits do they provide? And how are you going to incorporate them into your reloading practices to maximise your outcomes? We’ll discover all of this and extra.
Understanding Hornady COM Free Bullets (Assumed to be Copper or Non-Poisonous Based mostly)
The phrase “COM Free” on this context *hypothetically* refers to bullets that prioritize sure development traits, such because the elimination of lead and industrial coating. This assumption means the bullets are constructed with out the usage of lead cores, presumably using a design that’s fully copper or different non-toxic materials. This distinction is critically vital, because it impacts the bullet’s efficiency traits, the reloading course of, and, doubtlessly, environmental issues. Using all-copper bullets has gained momentum in recent times, pushed by environmental issues, laws in particular looking zones, and a need for improved terminal efficiency.
The important thing takeaway right here is that the bullet’s development will usually prioritize sturdiness, and sometimes, the bullet is designed to broaden reliably upon affect, producing vital wound channels. In comparison with conventional lead-core bullets with industrial coatings, these bullets can have a repute for producing excellent accuracy, providing an elevated ballistic coefficient because of the form of the bullet, and naturally the shortage of the frequent lead content material.
Distinguishing Options of Hornady COM Free Bullets
Assuming the “COM Free” designation signifies a development specializing in copper and/or non-toxic designs, you may count on particular traits:
Building
The core, if any, would probably be made from supplies aside from lead, corresponding to a copper alloy or, presumably, a strong copper composition. The outside may need a skinny coating to cut back friction or to manage enlargement at affect.
Form
The profile could also be designed to maximise ballistic effectivity. This usually means a streamlined form (e.g., secant ogive).
Supposed Goal
These bullets are ideally designed for looking and goal capturing, however they may very well be appropriate for self-defense, relying on the precise bullet design and caliber.
Terminal Efficiency
With the absence of lead on the core, the bullet’s conduct upon affect is extra uniform and might broaden into a bigger diameter than lead core bullets of the identical weight and form. This results in extra constant and sometimes devastating terminal results.
Benefits of Using Hornady COM Free Bullets
Shooters have a compelling cause to think about incorporating “COM Free” bullets into their reloading practices:
Efficiency Benefits
Accuracy
All-copper bullets, recognized for precision and stability in flight, regularly supply distinctive accuracy, making them supreme for precision capturing. The development usually permits for tighter teams at varied ranges.
Ballistic Efficiency
The bullet’s design regularly incorporates aerodynamic shapes. This promotes a positive ballistic coefficient (BC), serving to the bullet retain its velocity over prolonged distances. This leads to flatter trajectories and lowered wind drift.
Terminal Results
The absence of lead within the core and the design, leads to uniform enlargement upon affect. This creates massive wound channels, guaranteeing efficient switch of vitality to the goal, providing fast and humane harvests.
Sturdiness
All-copper bullets supply the energy required to carry out in varied conditions, from thick hides to exhausting supplies.
Consistency
The manufacturing strategies of all-copper bullets usually produce excessive consistency within the bullet-to-bullet consistency.
Value-Effectiveness
Whereas the preliminary value of those bullets could also be increased than lead-core options, you get what you pay for. The improved efficiency traits can present a terrific worth.
Availability
Hornady bullets are broadly accessible by way of on-line retailers. Native gun retailers usually inventory them.
Potential Environmental Issues
The shift away from lead-core bullets reduces lead contamination within the atmosphere, which is critical. That is significantly related in areas with looking restrictions.
Issues for Reloading Hornady COM Free Bullets
Reloading these bullets requires an identical course of to reloading different jacketed bullets, with some vital issues:
Powder Choice
Choose a powder applicable in your caliber, bullet weight, and desired velocity. Examine the Hornady reloading guide or dependable on-line sources. Probably the most fashionable reloading knowledge will at all times present the best accuracy when hand loading ammunition.
Think about the powder’s burn price and its impact on accuracy and barrel stress.
Reloading Knowledge Sources
Depend on the Hornady reloading guide. That is your main and most trusted supply.
Seek the advice of dependable on-line assets for confirmed load knowledge, paying cautious consideration to the supply.
Seating Depth
That is essential for accuracy. Experiment to seek out the best seating depth in your firearm and bullet.
Check and observe, adjusting seating in small increments.
Take measurements.
Particular Issues
The copper alloy or the strong copper development might supply larger resistance to the rifling. This requires a larger stress, or a extra aggressive powder.
Guarantee correct case preparation.
Purposes and Use Circumstances for “COM Free” Bullets
The versatile nature of those bullets makes them appropriate for a variety of purposes:
Looking
Wonderful for a wide range of recreation species. The copper alloy is designed to carry out properly on bigger animals. The accuracy potential extends efficient vary.
Goal Capturing
The development is superb for accuracy, which makes them a terrific selection for paper targets.
Copper alloy bullets supply an extended lifespan.
Firearms Compatibility
Choose applicable firearms based mostly on the caliber and bullet weight.
Guarantee your firearm is in good situation.
Potential Limitations
The price of the bullet might be increased.
They’re usually a specialised bullet sort.
Evaluating In opposition to the Competitors
Whereas it is inconceivable to call particular fashions of “Hornady COM Free” bullets with out figuring out which of them qualify, this is a basic comparability:
In opposition to Barnes Bullets
Barnes is a number one model for all-copper bullets.
Comparability is dependent upon the precise Hornady and Barnes fashions. Evaluate BCs, designs, and terminal efficiency knowledge.
In opposition to Nosler E-Tip Bullets
Nosler E-Suggestions are a preferred lead-free bullet.
Evaluate development, enlargement traits, and velocity necessities.
The place To Discover Hornady COM Free Bullets
On-line Retailers
MidwayUSA: A complete collection of reloading parts.
Brownells: One other huge provider for shooters.
Cabela’s/Bass Professional Outlets: Each firms supply an intensive stock.
Native Gun Shops
Search domestically.
Ultimate Ideas: Embracing Innovation and the Advantages
Hornady “COM Free” bullets (assuming copper or non-toxic based mostly designs) are an attention-grabbing various that provides tangible benefits for devoted shooters. They mix accuracy, efficiency, and moral issues, presenting a compelling case for adoption. They’re a terrific funding that’s well-suited for the trendy shooter. By understanding their particular options, advantages, and reloading necessities, you may decide in the event that they’re the appropriate selection in your capturing endeavors.
Embrace the chance to experiment and uncover. Reload your personal ammo, and discover a recipe that is the very best in your talent, gun, and particular goal! Share your outcomes and experiences with fellow shooters.
Sources
Hornady Reloading Handbook: The definitive information for reloading.
Hornady Web site: For product specs and updates.
On-line Boards and Capturing Communities: For peer evaluations and cargo knowledge.