Missouri Bullet Company
What is the Hi-Tek coating and how is it applied?
The coating is made in Australia and imported here. We are currently lined to up distribute this coating along with unsized/unlubed bullets so that folks can apply the coating themselves. The coating itself consists of a catalyst which binds a polymeric colorant agent with acetone which is then applied in bulk to raw bullets and baked onto the bullets' surface at nearly 400 degrees. The coating is a polymer (bonded with metal) and forms an extremely tough new surface for the bullet. The application of the coating is repeated for an additional coat. The bullets are then sized normally but not lubricated, as the coating itself acts as bullet lube. Nominal bullet diameter is not affected.
What are the advantages of Hi-Tek coated bullets?
Many indoor ranges prohibit the use of lead bullets but allow the use of coated bullets due to the fact that no lead is exposed to the environment.
Leading of the bore is dramatically reduced, as is lube smoke. Long shooting sessions do not have to be interrupted by bore cleaning.
Higher velocities can be attained with coated bullets.
Health benefits for the reloader, as there is no touching of bare lead.
Reduced force required to seat and crimp because the bullets are slippery.
2-Extreme Hi-Tek catalyst – We use this newest catalyst from the manufacturer because it has superb lubricity. It is well worth the extra cost relative to the standard catalyst. The bullets actually look "wet" and are very slippery. This lubricity reduces friction-related heat as the bullet traverses the bore.
In summary, Hi-Tek coated bullets offer the advantages associated with plated bullets without the expense.
Lubaloy
Non-jacketed Bullets- The most common material used in the manufacture of non-jacketed bullets is lead. Lead bullets are usually an alloy of lead and antimony which is added to give the bullet some additional hardness. Variations are the norm when it comes to the materials used in bullets and it's not uncommon to find lead bullets with a thin coating of copper or brass plating. Bullets having this thin coating is sometimes referred to as a copper-washed or "Lubaloy" bullet. This thin coating can be easily scratched away from the surface of the lead causing problems for firearm examiners when these bullets are damaged. Another example of a coated bullet is the Federal "Nyclad" bullet that is designed to reduce lead emissions.
In 1922, the
Western Cartridge Company introduced a copper-washed
bullet jacketing called Lubaloy which stands for lubricating alloy. Lubaloy replaced standard bullet jacketing which had been
cupro-nickel coated steel or solid cupro-nickel. The original jacketing was found to be detrimental to firearm performance over time. Lumps of the hot jacketing were deposited near the end of the barrel during firing, eventually creating a hazard or destroying the barrel. The Lubaloy-Palma ammunition jacketing was a breakthrough solution to this persistent dilemma. It was composed of 90% copper, 8% zinc, and 2% tin.
