Premium Gullets �� Factory Ammo - Brief Article

Not long ago anyone wanting a premium-type or specialty bullet had to be a handloader, because independent manufacturers produced most such offerings only as components. Indeed, no self-respecting ammo company would have dreamed of loading someone else's bullets in their product -- that would have been a tacit admission that the other manufacturer's bullets were at least as good as their own!

Then, about 20 years ago, a funny thing happened. Federal Cartridge introduced their Premium line and started advertising the fact that they were using Sierra and Nosler bullets! The rest, as they say, is history,

Today, just about every premium/specialty bullet that has made a name for itself is available in Federal, PMC, Remington or Winchester brand ammunition. In fact, it's not unusual for a component bullet to become available in ready-rolled factory ammo within a year of its introduction.

As an example, Federal has added Barnes' new XLC-coated X-Bullet to the Premium line. XLC is Barnes' proprietary process similar to moly which claims to have the same benefits -- decreased friction (thus slower heat build-up) longer accuracy life for a barrel and less frequent cleaning intervals. All without the mess that accompanies conventionally applied moly that's been burnished onto the bullet jacket and easily rubs off onto hands and clothing. With XLC the coating is sprayed on one bullet at a time, then baked at high temperature. It does not rub off.

The demand for these new bullets is such that Barnes can barely produce enough for their own component bullet sales, so Federal is getting enough for only two initial loadings: a 130 gr. .270 Win., and a 180 gr. .30-'06. As Barnes' production catches up with demand, other calibers and bullet weights will be added.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group