AFTE Store - Non-Lead Rimfire Ammunition: New Problems For Examiners

This article summarizes the qualities of non-lead rimfire ammunition currently manufactured by CCI/Speer and Winchester. Specifically, the report summarizes aspects of the appearances of the engraved surfaces of these bullets after firing, with comparisons to earlier sintered iron bullets manufactured by Remington and Winchester. The .22 LR Winchester bullet, made of tin, takes matchable striae from rifling lands. Gas cutting of the bullet base indicates vaporization of tin which should be present in GSR from these bullets. Compressed powdered-copper LR bullets from CCI take no matchable striae. CCI TNT GREEN .22 JHP WMR takes matchable striae on the jacket, though the powdered copper core tends to cause major fragmentation of this bullet at short ranges.