Copper or Lead, Amigo?

With Lead Bullets Facing an Uncertain Legal Future, It’s a Good Time to Ask If Copper Holds Up to Lead for Big Game Hunting?

by Richard Baimbridge

Whenever the subject of copper versus lead bullets arises, I hear the voice of Pablo Escobar from the show “Narcos” in my head, asking in a menacing tone, “Plata o Plomo?” Translation, “Silver or Lead?” …Meaning, do you prefer bribe money or a bullet to the head?

“Copper or Lead?” is, of course, a far less intimidating question – one that has more to do with ballistics, the environment, and big game hunting than Colombian drug cartels. But it’s still a fascinating topic, nonetheless – especially if you grow a big bushy moustache, speak in a Colombian accent, and conduct some ballistics tests in your backyard, as I have done.

All jokes aside, the question is particularly relevant today considering that some states and jurisdictions are outlawing lead bullets due to environmental concerns, particularly large birds of prey like eagles, hawks and condors, as well as predators like bears and wolves that are allegedly dying from lead poisoning. California has (surprise!) led the way in banning lead bullets for hunting, while some other states like Oregon, West Virginia and Maryland have initiated softer voluntary, incentive-based programs to motivate hunters to switch to copper.

Of course, it’s good to be skeptical whenever non-hunters start talking about the environmental impacts of hunting. Since California banned lead bullets two years ago, condors have shown no signs of decreased lead exposure levels, which may in fact come from other sources, like old paint fragments. But there’s still some convincing evidence to support the claim. And as protectors of wildlife, hunters have an obligation to take notice. If birds and other animals are indeed affected by lead fragments in carcasses, it’s not unlikely that humans who consume the meat could also be at risk.

Traditional lead bullets are made by mechanically combining a soft lead core with a harder copper jacket, whereas copper bullets are a monolithic piece of copper or copper alloy with no lead core. These bullets are then usually given a hollow point, nose cavity, or polymer tip to aid in expansion.

Copper, being non-toxic, eliminates any health/environmental concerns. There’s no risk of poisoning scavengers, and hunters don’t have to worry about ingesting lead from their harvested game. Naturally, though, the concern is whether a copper bullet has the same velocity, accuracy, expansion and lethality as a lead bullet? The answer is complex, and depends on multiple factors – chief among them being distance.

Lead Bullets: Reliable Workhorses

Lead bullets are the old workhorse of hunting ammunition. Their reliability, affordability, and versatility have made them the standard option for hunters for generations. Yet despite their long-standing popularity, lead bullets have their drawbacks. But first let’s look at the positives…

One of the main advantages is cost. Lead is much cheaper than copper. This makes lead an attractive option for hunters who practice extensively at the range, while copper rounds are about the same price as premium bonded lead ammunition. Lead is also denser than copper, allowing for smaller bullet profiles at the same weight. Bonded Core bullets are known for reliable expansion and energy transfer, which can be the difference between killing, or just wounding, big game animals – especially when you encounter bone mass.

Disadvantages of Lead:

Fragmentation: Lead bullets can fragment upon impact, leading to less predictable wound channels and reduced penetration on large or tough game. Bonded bullets are the exception, doing a far better job of holding together for increased terminal effect.

Health Risks: Handling and ingesting lead fragments in game meat poses health risks to hunters and their families. Some studies have shown elevated lead levels in hunters who consume wild game. Just a reminder, there are no “safe” levels of lead exposure.

Copper Pros and Cons:

Weight Retention: Copper bullets typically retain nearly 100% of their weight after impact, which means they create deep, consistent wound channels and offer reliable penetration.

No Fragmentation: Copper bullets don’t break apart upon impact.

Legal Compliance: As lead ammunition bans expand across states, counties and even some countries, copper bullets allow hunters to comply with regulations, and are superior for health & safety issues.

Harder Material: Copper is harder than lead, which can lead to less dramatic expansion compared to soft-point lead bullets. While this is beneficial for penetration, it may not transfer energy as effectively.

A Close-Range Powerhouse

As regulations and attitudes evolve, copper bullets are likely to become the standard for big game hunting in North America. But how do they perform in the field?

Copper bullets are tough, durable, lightweight and designed to perform best within 200 yards -- which describes about 80% of white tail hunting in North America. One of copper’s biggest strengths is its weight retention. Unlike your typical cup-and-core lead bullets, which can fragment and lose mass, copper bullets hold together nearly 100% of the time. This results in deep, predictable wound channels and excellent penetration. Surprisingly, hitting bone only seems to increase their devastation, as ballistics tests like this one from MeatEater demonstrate.

Beyond 200 yards, as bullet velocity drops, their harder material can struggle to expand as effectively. Expansion depends on speed, and without sufficient velocity, copper bullets leave smaller wound channels, which could lead to less immediate lethality and smaller blood trails.

Bonded lead bullets are a different beast. They shine because of their density and malleability, making them outstanding performers at longer ranges of 300 yards or more. At extended distances, bonded lead bullets are capable of consistent expansion, even at lower velocities. The softer lead deforms on impact, creating the violent “mushroom” expansion. This combination of expansion and penetration gives lead bullets the edge when you’re taking long shots across a canyon or open plains – with the added benefit of being less affected by updrafts and crosswinds.

End of the day, every bullet has its own unique advantages and particular use-cases. So, while you can choose to take the lead poisoning claims with a grain of salt, ultimately the question of “Copper or Lead?” is up to you, amigo.

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