Short lengths with normal weight bullets

Using a dense material also means that the length of a normal weight bullet can be shortened, for such purposes as gaining additional powder capacity in the case, fitting into a short throated barrel without impacting against the rifling, or allowing the innovative use of longer wildcat cases (such as arimmed .30 rifle case cut back to make an extra long .44 handgun case, which could fit a .44 Magnum revolver cylinder). In some situations where the limit of bullet length is all that prevents an innovative idea from working, using a normal weight with a tungsten core can reduce bullet length, and thus reduce the overall cartridge length enough to try a new concept.

The amount of reduction in length is approximately 60 percent of the original lead core bullet length, when filled with tungsten powder. This will vary with the ratio of jacket to core weight, of course, but it is normally safe to assume that a minimum of 25% shorter length will result in the same weight of bullet, when changing from a lead core to a tungsten core. A simple example is the use of a slower burning, bulkier powder behind a normal weight .380 or .25 ACP bullet when used in a pisto that has been equipped with a longer than usual barrel. The shorter bullet allows more powder room in the cartridge, which can then be used to develop safe loads that deliver a longer burn curve to accelerate the bullet through a longer barrel than would normally be used in that caliber.

You may visit our website www.tungsten-powder.com to get more information.