In the United States, lead remains the most popular type of bullet. In fact, statistics find that of a large number of ammunition rounds purchased annually, approximately 90 percent contain lead. In fact, bullet lead for sale continues to ensure the viability of many bullet manufacturers. In fact, lead has long been the traditional source for ammunition.
Early Origins
Bullets are projectiles. Lead ammunition began to fill this role as early as the Ancient Greeks. They and the Romans utilized cast lead pellets/balls in various weapons, including slings.
Medieval Times
The increased use for lead shot did not occur until the Europeans discovered gunpowder – learning of it from various Asian sources. Gunpowder made the firing of large projectiles from such weapons as cannons easier. By 1249, the combination was becoming the norm.
Soon personal firearms came into being. They adopted the use of gunpowder and lead shot by the middle of the fourteenth century. Together with various lead alloys, this metal was the favorite by 1550.
Time Changes Everything
Between 1500 and 1800, the shape of ammunition was the round shot. Even muskets and rifles used round balls of lead called rounds. However, rifles had trouble with traditional rounds. It took more time to load and fire them. Only a paper patch kept them in place. However, change finally arrived in the 19th century.
While earlier attempts by British Captain John Norton of the British Army (1823) and William Greener (1836) were rejected, the advances in rounds were pushing the bullet into modernity. Sir Joseph Whitworth experiments from 1854 and 1857 and those of W. E. Metford in 1862 resulted in a change in ammunition. Soon military personnel began to purchase bullet lead for sale from various blacksmiths and armorers.
Bullet Lead for Sale Today
Today, bullet lead for sale is commonplace. Hunters, target shooters and the military commonly use lead ammunition. Lead remains the traditional and most popular choice.
