A question about pistol ammo.

[rojodiablo]

Why are they nearly always a blunt bullet? I understand space constraints, and I understand the low barrel length not giving up spectacular velocities.
But look to a rifle round. The shape has everything to do with the flight, and much to do with the loss of velocity, which aids penetration a bit. It seems to me the bullet could be a better frontal shape and give a pistol round more accuracy and a flatter trajectory vs most of the rounds currently used.
I know the FN5x27 is a rocket, and it is along the lines of what I am describing. So why not a better shape for some of the chambers that could accommodate such a bullet? For instance; a 357 mag. is a very good hunting bullet for the right game. I feel it could be a much better flier were the projectile shape a slicker taper. The round as a whole is fairly long, so I feel the bullet itself could be seated a touch deeper to avoid excessive length.
Please elaborate a bit for me; I have shot pistols my whole life, and this has been in my mind for a long time. I know we have many really experienced gunsmiths and reloading gurus, I hope to get some more information.
Thanks, Paul.

 

[Steve C]

Why are they nearly always a blunt bullet?

Mainly because there no advantage to making them pointy while there is an advantage to making them blunt or flat nose.

Handguns are a short range weapon and generally low velocity. Gain from a more aerodynamic design is so minimal its insignificant at ranges under 100 yds. Most handguns shot at targets use wad cutters or semi wad cutters as this bullet type cuts a nice round hole for ease of scoring. JHP's and JSP's need a wide frontal area to ensure effective upset at the low velocities of handguns. The greatest advantage to round nose bullets is the ease in which they feed into revolver cylinders and chamber in semi automatics.

 

[SMSgt]

Rifle bullets rely on heavier construction and velocity to perform. Handguns don't achieve that velocity and require more frontal exposure to perform correctly.

 

[OKFC05]

I feel it could be a much better flier were the projectile shape a slicker taper.

Feelings aside, the ballistics tables show that at subsonic speeds and distances under 50 yards, the difference is a few fps and maybe 1/4 inch drop. If your shooting is hampered by 1/4" extra drop in 50 yards, you're doing a whole different kind of pistol shooting than I am.

 

[rojodiablo]

Feelings aside, the ballistics tables show that at subsonic speeds and distances under 50 yards, the difference is a few fps and maybe 1/4 inch drop. If your shooting is hampered by 1/4" extra drop in 50 yards, you're doing a whole different kind of pistol shooting than I am.

I am not thinking this would be ideal for all pistol rounds. More specifically, for long ammo like the 357 magnum. And this ammo would be specific to hunting, so longer barrel length would also apply (6-9").

 

[moxie]

I am not thinking this would be ideal for all pistol rounds. More specifically, for long ammo like the 357 magnum. And this ammo would be specific to hunting, so longer barrel length would also apply (6-9").

As noted above, handgun rounds, including the .357 Magnum, do not go fast enough to benefit from a better aerodynamic shape or ballistic coefficient. The .357 chugs along at 1400-1500fps compared to the 3000fps or so of the .223, for example. Extra barrel length only adds a few hundred feet per second.

 

[rojodiablo]

As noted above, handgun rounds, including the .357 Magnum, do not go fast enough to benefit from a better aerodynamic shape or ballistic coefficient. The .357 chugs along at 1400-1500fps compared to the 3000fps or so of the .223, for example. Extra barrel length only adds a few hundred feet per second.

Yeah, I understand it. It was just food for thought more than anything; I have a lever action 357 mag as well as a pistol.

Thank you everyone for the discussion!!!! I do appreciate it.

 

[Jefftyler]

Looking in my ABC's of reloading by Dean Grennal, he goes into quite a bit of details about different bullet shapes and their performance out of handguns. I found out a lot I didn't know. Worth checking out if you get a chance.

 

[rojodiablo]

UPDATE: I found Hornady leverRevolution ammo for the 357 magnum with a polymer tip. It looks to be a good improvement for those who have a Contender type pistol, or a lever action 357. It might be too long for a revolver; I will try to find out.
In the 30-30, this ammo is worth 1" less drop at 100 yards, and 1.5" less at 200 yards. I am excited to get some and try it out!