Frequently Asked Questions and Tips For Loading
Q: What are 'Polymer Coated Bullets'?
A: Eggleston Polymer Coated Bullets are hard cast bullets with a tough polymer shell which encases the lead projectile. They are similar in concept to copper plated bullets, except the plating is made out of polymer instead of copper or copper alloy. Also, while many plated bullets are made of soft lead and can't stand up to powerful pistol loads, our hard lead alloy allows these bullets to hold up under these higher levels of stress.
Q: What type of lead is used? What is the Brinell hardness rating (BHN)?
A: We use only certified 92/6/2 Hardball Bullet Alloy from our lead manufactures. This is 92% lead, 6% antimony, and 2% tin. The BHN rating is 16.
Q: What are the advantages of polymer coated bullets?
A: There several disadvantages to plain hard cast lead bullets, as well as plated and jacketed bullets.
Q: How fast can these bullets be fired?
A: The maximum recommended speed is 2,400 feet per second (f.p.s.). They can safely be pushed up to 2,700 f.p.s., although the amount of smoke during firing increases significantly at those speeds, however the coating will still protect the bore from leading.
Q: Why are multiple sizing diameters offered? Which size do I choose?
A: Since barrels can vary drastically from pistol to pistol, finding the ideal size bullet for your particular firearm is the best way to increase accuracy. Since polycoated bullets are softer than jacketed bullets, you can also safely shoot slightly larger sizes. We offer sample packs which can be ordered in various sizing diameters to find the best match for your particular gun. The sample packs are available HERE.
Q: Is the diameter of the bullet measured before or after coating?
A: The sizing diameter always includes the coating, bullet are not sized until they have been coated.
Q: Can I shoot these through a Glock?
A: Yes, the coating on these bullets allows them to perform just like a plated or jacketed bullet, they will fire accurately and cleanly through polygonal rifled barrels such as those found on Glocks.
Q: When will rifle bullets be available?
A: Rifle bullets are currently available in .30 caliber for the .300 AAC Blackout and can also be used in other .30 caliber rifles, but should not exceed 2400 FPS.
Q: Don't hard cast bullets need to be lubricated?
A: The polymer coating is self lubricating and prevents lead from ever coming into direct contact with the bore. The polymer also will never leave residue or streaking in the bore. Many shooters have commented that their bores are cleaner after shooting our bullets.
Q: I want to run these bullets in my open gun, will they work?
A: Yes, our polymer coated bullets work great with major power factor and do not leave residue in compensators or muzzle brakes. You also need not worry about smoke obstructing your vision during rapid fire.
Q: How should I load polymer coated bullets?
Q: Is it safe to shoot steel targets with polymer coated bullets?
A: Yes, these bullets will deform and splatter just like regular hard cast lead bullets when shooting steel plates. In fact, our poly-coated bullets are even safer than copper jacketed or plated bullets when shooting steel, since the bullets splatter into smaller pieces instead of sharp jacket fragments. Always wear eye and ear protection and follow all safety precautions for shooting steel.
Q: Does Eggleston Bullets accept custom orders?
A: We are always planning on expanding our line of bullets, so contact us and see if the bullet you're interested in is already in our queue. If not, we can accept custom orders if you're willing to pay the fee for a set of molds (between $800 - $1,100) and order a minimum quantity of 4,000 bullets. We will work with group orders if you are interested in putting together a group of friends to split up the purchase with.
Q: Can my sample pack include multiple colors?
A: Yes, our sample packs do include multiple colors that vary by order.
Q: What coating is used for Eggleston coated bullets?
A: The coating we use is called EM Polycoat. It is a proprietary coating mixed in-house which outperforms other off-the-shelf coatings on the market today. Our coating stays intact at higher speeds, hotter temperatures, and higher pressures compared to other coatings available, and is also possible to manufacture in a much wider variety of colors.
A: Eggleston Polymer Coated Bullets are hard cast bullets with a tough polymer shell which encases the lead projectile. They are similar in concept to copper plated bullets, except the plating is made out of polymer instead of copper or copper alloy. Also, while many plated bullets are made of soft lead and can't stand up to powerful pistol loads, our hard lead alloy allows these bullets to hold up under these higher levels of stress.
Q: What type of lead is used? What is the Brinell hardness rating (BHN)?
A: We use only certified 92/6/2 Hardball Bullet Alloy from our lead manufactures. This is 92% lead, 6% antimony, and 2% tin. The BHN rating is 16.
Q: What are the advantages of polymer coated bullets?
A: There several disadvantages to plain hard cast lead bullets, as well as plated and jacketed bullets.
- Plain, lubricated hard cast lead bullets, while inexpensive and capable of exceptional accuracy, can leave lead fouling in your gun's bore, and can cause even more fouling and poor performance if they are loaded to higher velocities. The lead and lubricant use can also cause excessive smoking while shooting, particularly with hot/fast burning powders and rapid fire.
- Plated and Jacketed bullets can perform well at both lower and higher velocities, but can be expensive and also wear out your bore faster than softer metal projectiles.
- Polymer coated bullets combine several of the advantages of hard cast lead and jacketed bullets. They smoke less, are inexpensive, are more accurate, and won't lead your barrels even in hot pistol loads.
Q: How fast can these bullets be fired?
A: The maximum recommended speed is 2,400 feet per second (f.p.s.). They can safely be pushed up to 2,700 f.p.s., although the amount of smoke during firing increases significantly at those speeds, however the coating will still protect the bore from leading.
Q: Why are multiple sizing diameters offered? Which size do I choose?
A: Since barrels can vary drastically from pistol to pistol, finding the ideal size bullet for your particular firearm is the best way to increase accuracy. Since polycoated bullets are softer than jacketed bullets, you can also safely shoot slightly larger sizes. We offer sample packs which can be ordered in various sizing diameters to find the best match for your particular gun. The sample packs are available HERE.
Q: Is the diameter of the bullet measured before or after coating?
A: The sizing diameter always includes the coating, bullet are not sized until they have been coated.
Q: Can I shoot these through a Glock?
A: Yes, the coating on these bullets allows them to perform just like a plated or jacketed bullet, they will fire accurately and cleanly through polygonal rifled barrels such as those found on Glocks.
Q: When will rifle bullets be available?
A: Rifle bullets are currently available in .30 caliber for the .300 AAC Blackout and can also be used in other .30 caliber rifles, but should not exceed 2400 FPS.
Q: Don't hard cast bullets need to be lubricated?
A: The polymer coating is self lubricating and prevents lead from ever coming into direct contact with the bore. The polymer also will never leave residue or streaking in the bore. Many shooters have commented that their bores are cleaner after shooting our bullets.
Q: I want to run these bullets in my open gun, will they work?
A: Yes, our polymer coated bullets work great with major power factor and do not leave residue in compensators or muzzle brakes. You also need not worry about smoke obstructing your vision during rapid fire.
Q: How should I load polymer coated bullets?
- Work up loads based on data for hard cast lead or plated bullets of the same weight.
- Always gauge or test chamber your cartridges to ensure proper O.A.L. Some of our bullets are shorter than typical lead or plated bullets, and use a shorter C.O.A.L as a result.
- Use of 'Factory Crimp' dies is discouraged, but careful testing can yield successful results.
- A light taper crimp is the preferred method for crimping, if the body or base of the bullet is squished by too much crimping the result may be poor accuracy and/or keyhole issues.
- Flair the case mouths enough that the polymer coating is not being shaved off during bullet seating, this is crucial in preventing leading.
- Unlike regular hard cast lead bullets, fast burning powders such as Titegroup will work exceptionally well with EM Polymer Coated bullets.
- As always, start light and work up to more powerful loads.
- Visit out Articles section for much more in-depth information!
Q: Is it safe to shoot steel targets with polymer coated bullets?
A: Yes, these bullets will deform and splatter just like regular hard cast lead bullets when shooting steel plates. In fact, our poly-coated bullets are even safer than copper jacketed or plated bullets when shooting steel, since the bullets splatter into smaller pieces instead of sharp jacket fragments. Always wear eye and ear protection and follow all safety precautions for shooting steel.
Q: Does Eggleston Bullets accept custom orders?
A: We are always planning on expanding our line of bullets, so contact us and see if the bullet you're interested in is already in our queue. If not, we can accept custom orders if you're willing to pay the fee for a set of molds (between $800 - $1,100) and order a minimum quantity of 4,000 bullets. We will work with group orders if you are interested in putting together a group of friends to split up the purchase with.
Q: Can my sample pack include multiple colors?
A: Yes, our sample packs do include multiple colors that vary by order.
Q: What coating is used for Eggleston coated bullets?
A: The coating we use is called EM Polycoat. It is a proprietary coating mixed in-house which outperforms other off-the-shelf coatings on the market today. Our coating stays intact at higher speeds, hotter temperatures, and higher pressures compared to other coatings available, and is also possible to manufacture in a much wider variety of colors.