Not long ago, I started a thread in the reloading section here, asking if anyone knew about the difference in accuracy, if any exists, between a FMJ bullet and a frangible bullet. I learned information is scarce..as I spent several hours searching on the net, trying to find some information on the subject.
Until recently, I had no- to -little interest in frangible bullets, but I've been shooting more 223 rds lately, & noticed my supply of 55gr. FMJ's was rapidly disappearing. Started looking for some, & learned my sources for bulk bullet purchases had dried up...none available @ reasonable price.
I did find a source for some reasonably priced 50gr. frangible bullets, so decided to order 1K & give them a try.
My logic would be that a 50 gr bullet would require less powder to reach a set velocity than a 55 gr. bullet. After researching online, I
learned that for a 50 gr. frangible bullet, load data for a 62 gr. conventional bullet should be used. Reason for this is the much longer bearing surface of the frangible bullet. The 50 gr. Frangible bullets I ordered were considerably longer than a regular 55gr FMJ pill. The longer bearing surface of the
Frangible bullet results in more friction against the barrel, necessitating a lighter powder charge, to keep down pressure.
I'm not a math whiz or physics major, so I accepted what I read as fact,,and started with a lower than usual powder charge.
My results, so far, have been consistent with what was posted in my thread. My loads with the Frangible bullets are almost as accurate as my FMJ loads..I try shooting tight groups & so far, the groups I've shot with the Frangible bullets are a little larger than those shot with FMJ's.
I decided to post this as some who handload may find, as I did, that finding the usual loading components in the future may not be as easy as
it has been in the past. I was going to get into actual measurements of bullet length, group sizes, etc..but I'm tired of typing already &
have doubts that this subject will be of interest to many others.