The True Potential of Tungsten Bullets: Myth vs. Reality
In the world of military and hunting ammunition, the use of tungsten as a component in bullets has long been a topic of debate. From World War II onwards, various rounds have incorporated tungsten cores, mainly in armor-piercing shells and high-velocity ammunition for sniper rifles and heavy machine guns. However, does a regular tungsten bullet act as an effective armor-piercing mechanism? Let's explore this question in depth and uncover the facts.
Historical Context and Modern Usage
Military and hunting ammunition have utilized tungsten extensively since World War II. For example, the Kar98 anti-personnel rounds and the Mg 121/15mm anti-tank shells contained tungsten components to enhance their penetrating power. The modern era has continued this trend, with tungsten being used in many anti-materiel rifle and heavy machine gun rounds. Despite this, these uses typically involve tungsten in the form of sub-penetrators or a core, keeping the overall weight and shape of the projectile similar to standard rounds.
Understanding the Physics of Tungsten Bullets
The effectiveness of a tungsten bullet as an armor-piercing mechanism hinges on velocity. According to Philip, a tungsten or depleted uranium (DU) core only works under specific conditions. Tungsten or DU needs to strike the target at a velocity above 1500 meters per second (m/s) to achieve hydrodynamic penetration. Below this velocity, tungsten's lack of toughness and hardness makes it unsuitable for armor-piercing purposes in small-caliber systems. However, tungsten carbide, with its extreme hardness, can be used in armor-piercing applications. Many small and medium-caliber armor-piercing rounds utilize tungsten carbide cores, and tungsten carbide was also commonly used in APDS (Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot) tank rounds.
The Challenges of Tungsten in Bullet Design
Despite its potential, using plain tungsten in a bullet presents significant challenges. Tungsten is incredibly hard and difficult to swage into the rifled barrel, which means it would be impractical for conventional bullets. Instead, manufacturers opt for other designs that incorporate tungsten. For instance, a new type of hunting bullet might have a tungsten core surrounded by a conventional lead or non-lead base. Another approach is to place the tungsten core inside a sleeve sabot, which detaches after the round leaves the barrel. This method is closely associated with tank rounds.
A plain tungsten bullet could severely damage a rifle barrel, as it would be too hard for the barrel's steel to deform it during loading. Therefore, while tungsten cores can greatly enhance a bullet's penetration capabilities, they must be carefully integrated into the bullet design to avoid damaging the firearm. Achieving the perfect concentricity in a bullet with multiple parts is challenging, but modern manufacturing techniques have significantly improved accuracy in recent years.
Conclusion: The use of tungsten in bullets is a multifaceted and complex topic. While tungsten can significantly enhance a bullet's armor-piercing capabilities, its use in a regular tungsten bullet remains impractical due to its hardness. Modern designs and materials, such as tungsten carbide and composite cores, have overcome many of the traditional limitations. Understanding the underlying physics and manufacturing challenges is crucial to fully comprehend the true potential of tungsten in bullet design.