Punch bullets information needed.

[eagle1899]

Doing some mental research on Punch bullets. They are no longer available.

I'm curious if there would be enough interest in them to bring them back. As bullets for reloaders and loaded ammunition for shooters.

Those of you familiar with the original design, what caliber and weights were most popular?

What changes would you have made?

What would you like to see made?

Thanks fellas

[bigbore5]

I would like to see a copy of the SSK bullets shapes in the Punch style. That'd be a great dangerous game bullet. Also add 475, 500, and 510 diameter in the same design.

[eagle1899]

Thank you. I have caliber weights in mind. Thoughts?

.430 @ 280
.454 @ 305
.458 @ 400
.475 @ 385
.500 @ 400
.510 @ 410

[bigbore5]

I would like to see the .510" a little heavier, maybe even a copy based on Lee's design but with an SSK-style tc nose. Accurate catalog #51-540A. Not sure what it would weigh in the lead cored brass bullet, but it should be a real penetration bullet if the accuracy is there.

[eagle1899]

I'm not sure on the weight either. Having one lead core size would simplify the process but it might not provide the necessary weight for the larger calibers.

I guessed at weights based on the articles I could find on the originals.

COAL per cartridge would dictate the final design. Would the COAL on a BFR cylinder be appropriate?

[eagle1899]

Accurate catalog #51-540A is a great looking design. Getting the balance right for it to fly straight would be important.

I wonder where to center of balance would need to be?

How much nose vs lead core?

Core size vs wall thickness?

Lots of questions. Lots of research.

[bigbore5]

The owner of Belt Mountain is a member here. Maybe he will chime in since he did that research successfully before he sold the rights to his bullet. Too bad the purchaser hasn't carried on.

[ideal]

There are latecomers to the party. Lehigh Defense offers turned bullets in a few different formats, one of the neatest is probably their versions of LBT WFN designs. There is also their Extreme Penetrator line as well. I've also heard that Cutting Edge makes a large selection of copper bullets as well in many sizes.

The only problem I have with this is that I've never personally tried either brand to vet them myself, I'm going off the recommendations of others. Personally, all of my needs for bullets, penetrating or otherwise, are still met with my LBT LFN, WFN, and WLN molds. For that matter, add proper design Keiths and Thompsons to that list. We're bouncing off of 100 years for the first of Elmers designs and over 70 years for Rays offerings and they still remain relevant and in production uninterrupted since their release dates.

[bigbore5]

The difference between the solid copper bullets and the punch type bullet is the extra weight of the lead core leads to increased penetration.

The punch was a lathe turned brass bullet hollowed out and filled with a lead core. It didn't deform on impact, even against heavy bones, but due to the added weight, would penetrate deeper and straighter than a lighter solid copper or a pure lead bullet. The strong brass outer also resisted any deformation or fragmentation better than a regular jacketed bullet.

Their only draw back was the expense, but it's better than a bullet failing on a very expensive hunt for something that may kill you.

[bigbrowndog]

In the .500 and .510 diameter I think 430-440 for .500, and 440-460 for .510 would be a nicer range of weights. If I want to shoot a 400 or 410gr bullet I’ll order CEB.

Trapr

[ideal]

Feb 3, 2024 13:39:46 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

The difference between the solid copper bullets and the punch type bullet is the extra weight of the lead core leads to increased penetration.

The punch was a lathe turned brass bullet hollowed out and filled with a lead core. It didn't deform on impact, even against heavy bones, but due to the added weight, would penetrate deeper and straighter than a lighter solid copper or a pure lead bullet. The strong brass outer also resisted any deformation or fragmentation better than a regular jacketed bullet.

Their only draw back was the expense, but it's better than a bullet failing on a very expensive hunt for something that may kill you.

Thank you! We don't have a lot of big, mean, nasty, stompy, bitey critters in Nebraska so I'm obviously not well experienced with the premium stopping type bullets. I always appreciate good information.

Although some of the squirrels around here are known to charge when wounded.

[bigbore5]

So we need a Punch bullet in 32cal for the rampaging thick skin squirrel as well. I'd hate to be trampled by one of those beasts.

[kelye]

I've got some in 357, 150 gr single crimp groove, 160 gr. double crimp groove. They would work on those Nebraska squirrels.

[bula]

I've a friend not seen in many years, can tell you chipmunks will charge, sorta, and bite. Ok, so being a brass jacket, need to be tighter to a diameter per cartridge than the round numbers we generally use ? REALLY want 475/500/510" ? Or..? I never miked the Lehighs that were here. Like, want .429" or .430" for 44's ?

[zeus]

Feb 3, 2024 9:34:27 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

I would like to see a copy of the SSK bullets shapes in the Punch style. That'd be a great dangerous game bullet. Also add 475, 500, and 510 diameter in the same design.

That’s interesting. I was never a fan of the SSK style nose design. I liked Kelyes LBT looking bullet as it was.