HIGH QUALITY COMPONENTS
Both space and time do not permit a full listing of every component on the market. Experience and testing have formed most of my recommendations, and here are a
few.
Bullets
Here is a category that could take up several nets, all by itself. In years of shooting, I have used most of the offerings from the
players in this field, and have found that the vast majority make outstanding products. With a constant eye on CONSISTENCY, I have discovered that there are several companies that have earned a reputation for excellence. I mention only a few here just to give an example of the extent to which bullet technology has improved.
Cutting Edge Bullets -
https://cuttingedgebullets.com/
CE's bullets are about as precise as humanly possible, with the aid of computer guided machines. Their product line is entirely copper and suitable for both long range target shooting and hunting. They are packaged individually to protect each bullet. To look at them, brings to mind a work of art. If one has an objective of consistency, Cutting Edge bullets is at the top of the heap (along with a few others.) Incidentally, their line of bullets should be of interest to those who are now required to use non lead ammunition, (and they are certified by the State of California.)
Our Manufacturing Process
CNC Swiss Style Automatic Lathes are second to none when it comes to machining small precision parts.
They are typically used in machining complex parts in a single operation verses multiple operations using other methods. This is accomplished by the machines being equipped with live tools (meaning tools that rotate) for milling, drilling, tapping, reaming, etc. for machining done crosswise through a part. A hex, square, or any other shape can be cut on a part with these tools as well. Our machines are equipped with a pick-off spindle, or sub-spindle, so after a part is machined on the front spindle, the part can be grabbed with the sub spindle and cut off to prevent the part from falling and getting damaged. Once the part is in the sub spindle there are separate tools that can be used to machine the part on its backside which also prevents having to perform another operation on another machine. This is how the shape is cut into the rear of our bullets.
Once the part is machined complete, the part is ejected into a rubber lined part chute and onto a conveyor. The part then travels on the conveyor to the outside of the machine.
Here are a couple of pictures of rifle and handgun bullets:
- CE Bullets Handgun.jpg (18.72 KiB) Viewed 39787 times
- CE Bullets rifle.jpg (10.41 KiB) Viewed 39787 times
Berger Bullets,
http://www.bergerbullets.com/
Berger bullets have a well earned reputation for precision, which in their case has seen constant improvements over the years. Again, if consistency is your goal, Berger is at the top of the heap (along with a few others). Their bullets are all of a jacketed lead core design and are suitable for hunting, long range shooting and competition. They sell both loaded ammo and bullets.
Here is what they say:
All tooling is precision made using dimensional tolerances in the .00005. Using precision-made tooling is an absolute requirement. The companies who make our tooling are specifically in the precision tooling business. We meet with them regularly to communicate our tooling needs and special projects. Those who understand precision tool making know that these things are possible but not without deliberate effort and experience.
J4 Precision Jackets are the only bullet jackets in the world known for less than .0003 total wall thickness variation on every size and lot. This has been true for decades and is provable by checking any lot. There are those who claim that they can meet this tolerance and we know that they can every once in a while, but to do this with every single lot is something that only J4 has perfected. Anyone who wants to can order jackets and check them yourself. This is an absolutely critical aspect of precision bullet performance and we are the only bullet company with this capability.
A couple of pics:
- Berger classic-hunter.gif (8.83 KiB) Viewed 39787 times
- Berger vld-design.gif (8.91 KiB) Viewed 39787 times
Lehigh Defense -
https://www.lehighdefense.com/
Lehigh Defense offers an impressive line of bullets and loaded ammo for self defense, long range target shooting, and hunting. A great deal of their line is lead free and certified by the state of California for use in hunting. The Lehigh technology in making their bullets is quite unique, and a visit to their website will be very informative. Several versions of Lehigh's bullets are suitable for hunting, and here is what they say about one such bullet.
Controlled Chaos Technology
Controlled Chaos The development of this technology was the result of an animal control agency's request for a no lead .243 bullet that would provide extensive wound trauma with little minimal pass through energy. Basically the idea was to burst the bullet into numerous particles at a predetermined depth creating many wounds and a large temporary cavity with shot placement at or near the central nervous system. The agency had tried copper matrix frangible rounds and found the penetration depth and particle size were less than what was require for proper terminal performance.
The bullet is designed to penetrate to a specific depth and to fracture as the internal hydraulic pressure exceeds the hoop strength of the nose design. At the time of fracture, a massive energy spike is released as the particles break away and radiate outward from the initial trajectory path.
- Lehigh bullet.jpg (122.52 KiB) Viewed 39779 times
Brass (cases)
Much like bullets, there are several brass manufacturers whose products are top notch. Again, if exceptional consistency is your objective, the field narrows. I will only mention three companies that offer some of the finest brass. I have used Norma and Lapua brass and can confirm their excellence. I mention Nosler due to several very favorable reports I have read.
I will single one company out, not because it is superior to the others, but because it ships its brass in a very nice, very durable, reusable plastic container - Lapua!
There are several attributes that one looks for in excellent brass, and this is a topic which we will discuss on the net (time permitting.)
Norma -
https://www.norma.cc/us/Products/Components/Cases/
Norma products are known worldwide for high quality. Cartridge cases are an important factor in this reputation. Superior quality ensures a long life and many reloads. Norma cases are made of the best possible raw materials with the narrowest tolerances, and they deliver accuracy round after round.
The case neck is annealed to become softer. This prevents gas leaks and enables the case to hold the bullet firmly for at least 10 years without cracking as a result of aging material.
Further down on the case body, the hardness increases to avoid unnecessary stretching. If it is too hard, it would bring the risk of cracks.
Furthest down, around the primer pocket, the brass should be firm. Here, the hardness is nearly twice that of around the neck.
The structure of the material reveals the hardness. During processing the large, soft grains are broken down into smaller ones, which makes for a harder material. At the annealing, small grains become bigger and the hardness decreases.
Lapua -
http://www.lapua.com/en/reloading-compo ... llets.html
The base, body and neck of Lapua brass have been designed to maintain exact tolerances over multiple reloading cycles. Advanced metallurgical research and manufacturing techniques ensure that Lapua cases are leaders in uniformity and quality.
Lapua cases are the best in the world, a statement supported by all top marksmen. The .220 Russian, for example, is the number one brass choice of the best benchrest shooters all over the world. All our cartridge cases are strong and uniformly precise. Lapua brass is manufactured to be reloaded, again and again. For reloaders who require absolut reliability from their ammunition, Lapua's pistol and rifle cartridge components is the answer.
The Lapua case heads are drawn exceptionally hard for unmatched reloadability and for an exceptionally long life cycle to serve top shooters time and time again. The brass dimensions remain constant and will hold primers tight in their pockets even after many reloadings.
The brass body
The brass body section of Lapua cases is hard and resilient for unmatched durability. It is easy to extract after firing, whether the reloader opts for full sizing or neck sizing only.
The case neck
Strict tolerances in concentrity and wall thickness are used in manufacturing of the case neck. The neck and shoulder of Lapua cases are annealed to withstand repeated reloading.
Nosler -
https://www.nosler.com/brass/
Build the perfect load has long been the motto of hand loaders loyal to Nosler brand bullets–and was the sole reason we developed Nosler® cartridge brass. Introduced in 2005, the Nosler® cartridge brass line is ready to load. Manufactured with the traditional Nosler philosophy of uncompromising attention to detail, Nosler® cartridge brass is created to exact dimensional standards and tolerances, using quality materials for maximum accuracy and consistency potential while extending case life. Nosler® brass also undergoes the rigorous quality control that premium Nosler bullets have experienced for over 60 years.
Fully prepped, ready to load
Case mouths are chamfered and deburred
Nosler Brass is hand-inspected and weight-sorted
Flash holes are deburred and checked for proper alignment
Quality made, Nosler Brass is packaged in quantities of 25, 50 and 100 count boxes
Each piece of brass is full length sized and trimmed to proper lengh
