Bullet Evolution & Future Advancement

Bullets have been used in various forms throughout the ages. From early slings to modern day firearms, these projectiles have been used to support human progression in cultures all over the world. Shepherds would use them in defense of their flocks, hunters to take game, citizenries to defend or take life, and armed forces in conflict. Over this time, bullet design has developed from stones and metal balls to sophisticatedly calibrated and multifaceted projectiles. “Roman soldiers drilled holes into the lead shot to create a whistling sound,” to psychologically affect opposing armies. (Schell. n.d.) Today, modern bullets feature a multitude of designs, metallurgical compounds, and synthetic materials to increase performance in various roles. 

Bullet design remained unchanged for centuries; spherical balls of lead or another common material fired or thrown from primitive weapon systems. With the evolution of firearms, bullet evolution would begin to change to accommodate new innovations. Knowledge of aerodynamics would shape the round balls into conical forms, rifling would be introduced to increase stability, and chemical engineering would advance the propellants and materials used to make the bullet itself. 

Some of the newest of these innovations I find most interesting to the development of bullet design and use are the use of synthetic polymers. The creation of new polymers and ways to use them provides us with a whole new world of possibilities. Recently, scientists at MIT have discovered a new way of creating polymers; engineering a material that is “stronger than steel and as light as plastic, and can be easily manufactured in large quantities.” (Trafton, 2022) In addition, researchers state that, “Another key feature of 2DPA-1 is that it is impermeable to gases.” This could play an important role in the use of such materials in the field of bullet design and ballistics. 

Synthetic polymers are already in use in the firearm industry. Federal Ammunition already offers polymer-coated bullets with their Syntech line of products that claimed, “an average of 12% less barrel friction and 14% less heat.” (Federal Syntech Pistol Ammunition with Polymer-Coated Bullets, 2022) Another company, PolyCase Ammunition, has designed “high-density polymer” bullets that “function as well or better than conventional lead-core projectiles” and “change the way ammunition transfers energy to targets and mitigate traditional challenges such as concentricity and weight variations.” (Avient, 2023) These projectiles also decrease the risk of ricochet and forego many of the hazards associated with toxic lead designs. 

Synthetic polymer technology is also changing other areas of cartridge design. Companies such as True Velocity are using polymers to replace brass casings, thereby reducing weight by up to “30%”. (True Velocity, 2022) These casings also have the added benefit that it “insulates the chamber from that heat” and “dissipates heat and reduces friction.” (Tegler, 2022) When used together with the afore mentioned polymer ammunition, these groundbreaking cartridges can greatly improve the functionality and life of the firearm. As research and advancement in these new compounds continue, the possibilities for the bullet seem boundless. 

Bibliography   

1. Schell, Rick. “The History of Slingshots.” Sling Tech.com. n.d. https://sling-tech.com/the-history-of-slingshots/ 

2. Trafton, Anne. “New lightweight material is stronger than steel.” MIT News. February 2, 2022. https://news.mit.edu/2022/polymer-lightweight-material-2d-0202 

3. “Federal Syntech Pistol Ammunition with Polymer-Coated Bullets.” AccurateShooter.com Daily Bulletin. July 4, 2022. https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2022/07/federal-syntech-pistol-ammunition-with-polymer-coated-bullets/ 

4. Avient. PolyCase Launches Revolutionary Polymer-Based Ammunition. January 6, 2023

5. True Velocity. TVAmmo. 2022

Tegler, Eric. “Lightweight Polymer Cases Could Be a Silver Bullet for Marine Corps Ammo.” Forbes.2022. https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2022/03/01/lightweight-polymer-cases-could-be-a-silver-bullet-for-marine-corps-ammo/?sh=3f9d0dfc773c