Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/237213
FIREARMS TRENDS Stires says in shooting lead-free, full metal jacket, and duty rounds side by side his officers reported no appreciable difference in point of aim/point of impact between the three types, nor did shooters report a difference in perceived recoil. "I have noticed a higher number of misfires from the lead-free frangible rounds than full metal jacket or duty rounds," he says. Some tests indicate leadless ammo may be easier on weapons systems and therefore weapons require less frequent cleaning. The harder metal with nickel plate (tougher than lead) may also prevent deformation in the round. The ammunition company Corbon looks to copper for improved performance in law enforcement, competition, hunting and self-defense. Their DPX round uses a solid copper bullet with a hollow cavity. Vice President of Public Relations Mike Shovel says this ensures consistent reliable expansion as well as optimal soft tissue penetration. "Duty ammunition needs to be able to penetrate heavy barriers without over-penetrating soft tissue," says Shovel. "Training ammunition should simulate duty ammunition as close as possible." Down the line Thompson says, "The most noticeable trend right now is the lack of ability to find ammo. Period. Buy what you can, when you can with today's climate. Ammo is going to continue to be hard to find for another few years." Some of these new offerings may be worth investigating—not just for what they are not, but for how well they hold up in practice. Still, talk about materials and performance is a moot point if agencies still can't get their hands on the stuff they need for training and duty, or if it is generally unaffordable. During a recent ammo purchase Sgt. Stires commented rifle ammunition is now readily available; however, he found handgun rounds in 9mm, .40, and .45 are still on about a six-month backorder. Lead-free may be a viable alternative to full metal jacket training rounds… if the price is right. "The advantages of shooting on steel plates in our own building used to justify the higher cost of lead-free frangible rounds," says Stires, "but the increasing costs are becoming concerning, and I find myself scheduling training shoots at outdoor venues to allow more training for the same cost. ■ M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N For more information on these companies, circle the corresponding number on the Reader Service Card COMPANY Corbon Liberty Ammunition READER SERVICE NO. 92 93 Circle 91 on Reader Service Card www.officer.com January 2014 Law Enforcement Technology 9