{"id":2126,"date":"2018-01-08T21:00:37","date_gmt":"2018-01-08T21:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=2126"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:20:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:20:30","slug":"what-is-bonded-ammunition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/what-is-bonded-ammunition\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Bonded Ammunition?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bonded<\/p>\n

Bonded ammunition is essentially jacketed ammo (or any ammo with a metal jacket and soft lead core) that has gone through a process that bonds the two elements together. The lead core is molecularly bonded to the jacket. This creates a solid structure that keeps everything together in one solid piece as it hits a soft target.<\/p>\n

Manufacturers use various methods to bond the core and jacket together. One technique is basically a soldering process, where the lead core is melted inside the copper jacket at high heats. This allows the liquid lead to fill tiny spaces inside the jacket, which would not be filled if the two were simply pressed together.<\/p>\n

Another process for bonding the core to the jacket is an electrochemical process. During this technique, the jacket is essentially applied to the outer surface of the already-formed core as exterior plating.<\/p>\n

There are also proprietary processes that manufacturers use to bond the ammunition into one solid piece. Since it’s proprietary, the manufacturer does not disclose exactly what they do in hopes their competitors won’t steal their “secret sauce.”<\/p>\n

Why Choose Bonded Over Non-Bonded Ammo<\/h3>\n

\"Bonded<\/p>\n

So what is the purpose of having the core molecularly bonded to the jacket? Why is it important the bullet stay together in one piece, instead of splintering into multiple fragments? It all comes down to penetration.<\/p>\n

Because the bullet holds together after impact, it maintains energy and velocity after initial penetration. While it will mushroom, expand, or change shape (depending on the product you are using), the chances of the bullet splitting into two or more pieces are reduced. In the end, you have one bullet keeping its weight and mass, driving force deeper, than you would if you had multiple fragments.<\/p>\n

Weight retention is a common factor in ammunition and is essential for penetration. Bonded ammo, therefore, is more reliable when you need penetration. This makes it a common choice for big-game hunters as well as gun owners concerned with self defense.<\/p>\n

Primary Purposes for Bonded Ammo<\/h3>\n

Large-Game Hunting<\/h4>\n

When hunting large, dangerous animals, you need a bullet that will maintain its shape and deliver a clean, fast, effective kill. A bullet that fragments in a heavy animal could be dangerous for the shooter, and could lead to slow-acting wounds. For this reason, it could be argued that using bonded ammunition like Winchester’s Power-Max ammo<\/a> is a more humane way to hunt.<\/p>\n

Deep penetration through thick, dense hide, skin, muscles and bone, and then striking the vitals with force, is essential for taking large game. This makes bonded ammunition a good choice for:<\/p>\n