Quick Answer
When copper bullets reach terminal performance, they fragment into multiple small pieces, causing massive tissue damage and blood loss, with penetration depths of up to 36 inches in gelatin and 24 inches in bone. This is due to the bullet's kinetic energy being transferred to the surrounding tissue, resulting in a large wound channel. The bullet's fragmentation also reduces its weight, allowing it to continue traveling further.
Fragmentation Characteristics
Copper bullets, when designed to fragment, typically break apart into 5-7 pieces, with each fragment measuring around 0.25-0.5 inches in diameter. This fragmentation occurs due to the bullet’s high velocity, typically above 2,000 feet per second, and its design, which includes a soft core and a hard external jacket. The fragmentation mechanism is critical in transferring kinetic energy to the surrounding tissue, increasing the bullet’s lethality.
Wound Channel Characteristics
The wound channel created by a copper bullet is typically wider than that of a traditional lead bullet, measuring up to 2 inches in diameter. This is due to the bullet’s ability to fragment and transfer kinetic energy to the surrounding tissue, resulting in a larger wound channel. The wound channel also tends to be deeper, measuring up to 36 inches in gelatin and 24 inches in bone, due to the bullet’s ability to penetrate the tissue and continue traveling before coming to rest.
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