While on a recent deer and bear hunt, I had the opportunity to hunt with individuals from across the Northeast. And despite having never met before, being from different states and with varying hunting experiences, it was not long before we all settled in and made hunting camp feel like home. Before long, we were sitting around the woodstove, sharing some beverages and telling stories of hunts gone by. Before long, the topic turned to ammunition, more specifically, what everyone was relying on to fill their tags. Of course, everyone had their own opinion, but it got me thinking — is there such a thing as the perfect bullet?

The shelves are lined with bullet choices, each claiming to be the best. But when it comes down to it, there is little difference between one brand and another. Some manufacturers may be a little higher quality, and others may offer the weight you desire, but when compared side by side, there are only three different types of hunting bullets.

¯ MONOMETAL

As you might guess by the name, monometal bullets are made from a single type of metal. Initially, this would have been lead. Nowadays, it is either copper or a copper-zinc alloy. With a deep, hollow-point, and heavy weight, a monometal bullet will offer the best penetration. At higher velocities, a wide mushroom shape with very little weight loss creates devastating wound channels and efficient energy transfer, whereas at lower speeds, this effect is significantly reduced.

¯ CUP AND CORE

This is one of the more popular styles of hunting bullets, consisting of a lead core and a harder metal jacket, usually copper. The thin jacket helps maintain the lead shape until impact, then peels back to allow mushrooming. Many brands will use a thicker copper base to prevent overexpansion and help retain weight. While cup-and-core bullets are tried and true, having taken countless big game over the years, they do have two significant drawbacks: loss of copper jacket and overfragmentation. Either event can result in poor penetration, loss of energy, and failure to inflict a fatal wound.

¯ BONDED CORE

While similar to cup-and-core bullets, this design bonds the jacket to the lead core. This extra step helps to prevent shedding and eliminates fragmentation. However, penetration varies from so-so to exceptional. On the plus side, bonded-core bullets provide devastating wound channels and increased range, making them a good all-around choice for many hunters.

¯ EVERYTHING ELSE

So, what about the other designs? Where do they fit in? Well, everything else you see on the shelf is a version of the above three or a hybrid of multiple designs: controlled expansion, bonded core with cup, etc. By combining features, manufacturers can design specialty bullets for a more extended range, dangerous game, or specific firearms.

See BURRELL / B2

¯ SO WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Most Pennsylvania hunters are going to be targeting one species of big game – the white tail deer. With a perfect broadside shot, white tails offer little resistance regardless of the bullet used. A thin hide, a moderate layer of tissue, and a few small ribs are all that protect the vital organs. Broadside shots on a white tail are not an issue of having the right bullet but of having the proper shot placement.

Where things get more challenging is when you do not get a perfect shot. If you need to shoot at an angle and potentially penetrate a shoulder with thicker hide and heavier bone, followed by heavier muscle, and then a rib or two before reaching the vitals, a little more will be needed. For this reason, bonded-core or hybrid designs are preferred. Not only will they punch through the added protection of an angled shot, but when offered a broadside white tail, they will produce a massive through-and-through wound channel.