Is most .223/5.56 ammo exposed lead at the bullet base?
I just bought some brown bear 55gr FMJ and was assuming it is exposed lead, but not sure.
How about M193 M855?
Commercial .223 like PMC Federal Fiocchi?
Does a boattail always mean its a fully enclosed lead core or no?
I have read a few places that the exposed lead fouls up the barrel/gun/gas system alot more. If all cheap ammo, brass or otherwise is exposed im not worried, but if its only the russian stuff I might avoid it.
Thanks
Just posts where forum members state it. Not any professionals, and not necessarily on this forum.
The theory is that the hot gasses deteriorate the lead and spread it throughout the gas system.
I could try to dig up the threads or forums where I read it, but I really have no idea where to start.
I know I have read it multiple times regarding pistol ammo and lead fouling near the muzzle crown
And a simple “no I dont believe that”, or " I havnt heard that", would suffice.
M193 is an exposed bottom. It CAN just mean more lead smoke but that’s it really for M193 purposes. Typically lead bottoms are just responsible for less precision as the lead is far too often inconsistent at the base as opposed to a TMJ round. The Lake City M193 component bullets I have are all exposed bottoms. The base is not consistent on them but it’s not like M193 bullets themselves are consistent in many other regards.
The exposed lead base is a result of the manufacturing process. All copper jacketed FMJ bullets that I know of have an exposed lead base. Open tipped match, or soft point bullets generally do not, as the lead is exposed on the leading tip of the bullets.
Boat tail does not always mean it does not have an exposed lead base. I have Hornady bullets (and I believe my Lake City bullets too) with exposed lead and a slight boat tail.
I do not see a difference in buildup when shooting exposed lead vs. open tip match bullets.