Lead or Copper

[Shooting Padre]

I would like to hear pros and cons on using either type of .22 ammo in my 15-22. At present I use copper coated or washed but never really examined the options. Let's hear what you have to say.

 

[Nevada Ed]

They are all coated and will leave very little if any debree
in the barrel after a full box............modern ammo is almost self cleaning.

Just find a brand that shoots well and buy a bunch of it.......never know when or if the company will stop making it.

 

[DWalt]

Copper neither adds to nor detracts from bullet performance. It may help a little in prevention of lead oxidation. It is extremely thin.

 

[desi2358]

Not much real difference at 22 velocities. The copper is a very thin coat and was originally intended as a less messy form of lube to handle than the older grease and wax types. Western cartridge called theirs "Lubaloy" for instance. It's usually best to try several loads and find one that shoots well and stock up with it. Most visible 22 fouling is from the powder anyway.

 

[JohnK]

They are not all copper coated.

Many are simply lead, with a waxy coating.