Does modifying a RNL bullet potentially make it a better stopper?

[GatorFarmer]

Of course we have JHP these days in the USA, but not everyone lives in the states. Inye olden days I remember the "trick " of modifying round nose lead bullets. Usually this involved trying to get a flat point either by filing or reloading a bullet backwards. Another theory was to try to cut a cross in the lead. During the days of the 38 Long Colt this was apparently common enough.

Today in India only LRN ammo is easily had for the local 32 S&W Long revolvers. These are sold and carried for defense. Would it be worth the trouble to home brew flat points under those conditions? The idea of flat point as better stopper continues with the CCI small game bullet in 22lr doesn't it?

 

[APS]

It creates a marginally "better" wound profile. As to whether or not that would make it a better stopper, perhaps in percentages so low as to be meaningless.

 

[Texas Star]

You'd essentially have a .38 Colt Special, in which the flat meplat wasn't large enough to matter. And I think they'd have accuracy problems, as the flats wouldn't be really uniform.

 

[leas327]

That round is kinda weak by todays standards. IMO if that is all you have, practicing with the gun and shot placement would be the best for self denfense.

 

[Steve C]

Drilling a hollow point in a soft lead bullet that only has a modest velocity is probably the best alternative and more likely to increase the bullets performance. A tool like this Hollow Pointer Accessory - Forster Products will be the best. It will self center the bullet so you drill the HP in the middle.

 

[Leonard]

On large game where deep penetration is important blunted bullets seem to cut a straighter hole and round nose seem to be more easily steered by tissue, muscle, bone.

 

[Sebago Son]

Foster Products Hollow Pointer....

Drilling a hollow point in a soft lead bullet that only has a modest velocity is probably the best alternative and more likely to increase the bullets performance. A tool like this Hollow Pointer Accessory - Forster Products will be the best. It will self center the bullet so you drill the HP in the middle.

I've used this tool with good results. I used to drill out the Lyman 358429 in a .357 Magnum case over 7.0 Unique. If the lead was soft-ish there was noticeable expansion.

Back in the bad old days of the early 1970's we couldn't buy projectiles through the mail and jacketed slugs were very expensive. Casting bullets was very popular among folks that liked to shoot alot.

Drew

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Drill a hollow point into the bullet and fill it with a dab of silicone and you have a new Hornady type bullet...

 

[358156hp]

Paco Kelly's Improved ACU-RZR and NASTINOSE Rimfire Bullet Tool

Like this?

 

[crsides]

I flat nose CB caps and it makes for a cleaner kill on tree rats. You can hear it smack them.


Charlie