Barnes RangeAR Zinc core training 5.56/300 BLK

[Yute]

It looks like Barnes is coming out with a line of lead-free training ammunition that has a copper jacketed zinc core, available in 52 grain 5.56 and 90 grain 300 Blackout, all open tip flat base. No word on price yet. Curious why they have gone down this route - has zinc core rifle ammunition been done before? Any advantages or issues with zinc in general?

https://www.barnesbullets.com/produc...ition/rangear/

[rob_s]

Lead contamination is an issue raised by people trying to shut down ranges.

Also, lots of indoor ranges have restrictions against lead ammo.

It's a niche, but there is a market.

[rsilvers]

It is a huge win for 300 BLK because normally when you make lead bullets under 120 grains, they get too short to feed well (unless you use a plastic tip or have an air-pocket in the nose). Or they may have too short a bearing surface to be accuracy. By going to a lower-density material like Zinc, you can get both light weight for higher-velocity as well as a longer bullet to fill out the magazine and be optimal for feeding.

[Yute]

Thanks for the info folks! Will be exciting to see what Barnes has come up with.