Hey, it’s Bill with Raven Rocks Precision and today I have 30-caliber bullets in front of me — one of the most popular bullet calibers in the world. They’ve been used in everything from wars to precision shooting to casual target practice. Click to read entire video transcription Versatility is a key attribute of .30-cal bullets. Today we’ll talk about different kinds of .30-cal bullets, their applications, and why some are more popular than others.

First, an economical option: plated bullets. In front of me I have a Berry’s 30-cal 180-grain plated bullet. Plated bullets are cost-effective and similar to coated lead-cast bullets, but the copper plating makes them more resilient and allows slightly higher velocities with typically less lead fouling. Plated bullets are common in heavier grains, up to 220 grains — like the Campro 220-grain FCP bullets — and they work very well for .300 Blackout subsonic loads. Many shooters prefer subsonic .300 Blackout because it’s quieter.

Next step up are jacketed bullets. A common example is the ball FMJ used in M80 ammunition (7.62×51 NATO), typically around 147–150 grains with a cannelure. These are plain but economical, and can be loaded in platforms from .308 Winchester to, less ideally, .300 Blackout. From FMJ, we move into hunting bullets. Whether it’s .30-06, .308 Winchester, .300 H&H or similar, .30-cal bullets have long been used to take game from deer to much larger animals when paired with sufficient velocity.

A less commonly known maker is Woodley in Australia, known for dangerous-game offerings. Woodley also makes .30-cal options — for example, a 308-grain protective-point soft-nose with a bonded core for increased weight retention and more reliable terminal performance on larger, tougher animals. Other hunting options include bonded designs from Europe — for instance, a 180-grain bonded bullet made in Sweden — plus many domestic bonded bullets. There are also economical 150-grain spire-point bullets that are good for smaller to medium-sized game and for inexpensive training.

For target shooters, brands like Sierra (MatchKing, e.g., 190 grains) and Berger (hybrid target designs, e.g., 215 grains) have excellent reputations among precision shooters. Those designs are staples in the precision community, but they’re not the only choices.

Finally, copper solids — like the Lehigh Defense bullets I have here — are another class. Some copper solids are lighter grains popular in .300 Blackout. Copper solids usually cost more than jacketed or bonded jacketed bullets, but they have roles in hunting, defensive, and certain long-range precision applications.

Overall, .30-cal bullets are extremely popular because of their versatility, availability, and wide range of price points. Handloaders can do everything from plinking subsonic loads to high-end hunting loads capable of reliably taking large game around the world. I encourage you to learn more about the different options and try experimenting with loads yourself. Read Less

If you’re looking for lead free bullets for sale, you’ve come to the right place. At Raven Rocks Precision, we stock one of the most comprehensive selections of lead-free bullets for reloading and hunting—carefully chosen for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with today’s non-toxic shooting standards.

Our customers range from competition reloaders to serious hunters and tactical trainers who want cleaner shooting and tighter groups—all without the environmental and health risks of lead.

FAQ — 30 Caliber Rifle Bullets for Sale

Are lead-free bullets better?


Lead-free bullets reduce projectile lead exposure and can match or exceed performance in many applications; results depend on bullet design and intended use.

Most lead-free bullets are made from solid copper, copper alloys, or copper-polymer frangible compounds. These materials eliminate toxic lead exposure while maintaining high density and strength for reliable penetration and expansion.

Mostly yes, but expect some adjustments. Copper bullets are harder than lead, so they can create slightly higher pressure. Always follow published load data for the exact brand and grain weight you’re using, and start at the lower end of the powder charge range.

Yes. Manufacturers now offer lead-free options for popular calibers such as 9mm, 10mm, .22, and .30. At Raven Rocks Precision, we carry non-toxic bullets across multiple calibers—from range-safe frangibles to solid copper hunting rounds.

Most Berger bullets still use lead cores, but the industry is shifting. For shooters who need or prefer non-toxic projectiles, Raven Rocks Precision offers alternatives from brands like Norma, Maker, Cutting Edge, and Lehigh Defense—all 100% lead-free.

For hunting, solid copper designs like the Barnes TSX, Nosler E-Tip, and Cutting Edge Safari series are proven performers. They retain nearly 100% of their weight and expand reliably on impact, making them ideal for ethical, clean kills.

Yes—especially frangible bullets made from copper-polymer matrices. These are designed to disintegrate on impact, reducing ricochet risk and keeping steel target shooting safe and lead-free.

They do cost slightly more to produce, but the benefits—longer barrel life, cleaner shooting environments, and compliance with lead-restricted areas—often outweigh the price difference.

You can find a wide selection of lead free bullets for sale at Raven Rocks Precision, including options from Norma, Maker Bullets, Cutting Edge, SCI, and Lehigh Defense.

Switching to lead-free projectiles greatly reduces projectile-related lead contamination, but primers in conventional ammunition still produce lead residues. For the lowest airborne lead levels, combine lead-free projectiles with lead-free primers or range ventilation and proper housekeeping.

Yes. Monolithic copper and some frangible designs can create different seating depths, case capacity changes, and friction compared with lead-core bullets; these differences can increase chamber pressure. Always follow the bullet manufacturer’s load data, begin at the recommended starting charge, increase slowly, and confirm chrono readings. Never swap load data between bullet types even at the same grain weight.

Why Choose Lead-Free Bullets

Modern lead-free bullets perform on par with, and often better than, traditional lead-core designs. Here’s why reloaders are making the switch:

  • Compliant with hunting laws: Some States like California now require non-lead ammo for all hunting.
  • Cleaner and safer: No airborne lead, reduced barrel fouling, and improved air quality for indoor ranges.
  • Better long-term storage: Solid copper and frangible bullets resist oxidation and corrosion.
  • Consistent expansion and energy: High-BC copper bullets expand reliably and retain weight for deeper penetration.

Lead-Free Bullet Technology

Advancements in metallurgy and precision machining have made lead-free bullets the preferred choice for many disciplines:

  • Solid Copper: Used by brands like Maker, Cutting Edge, and Lehigh Defense for maximum consistency and terminal performance.
  • Copper-Polymer Matrix: Found in frangible bullets like the Norma MIL/LE line, ideal for training.
  • Zinc-Based Cores: Used in semi-jacketed designs like SCI’s Lead-Free bullets for cleaner indoor shooting.

Our Lead-Free Bullet Selection

Here are some of the lead-free bullets for sale available now at Raven Rocks Precision:

Each of these options is thoroughly tested to meet the demands of reloaders and hunters who expect accuracy and reliability.

Order Lead-Free Bullets Online

Find lead free bullets for reloading, hunting, and training all in one place. Raven Rocks Precision offers competitive prices, reliable shipping, and industry-tested components.

Browse our selection of lead-free bullets for sale today and experience cleaner shooting without compromising on precision.

Bill’s Key Takeaway

Going lead-free doesn’t mean giving up performance. The frangible bullets we carry today are some of the cleanest and most consistent training projectiles I’ve tested—ideal for indoor ranges, steel, and compliance-driven programs. If you need hunting performance in lead-free zones, use purpose-built solid-copper hunting bullets and follow published load data.

Lead-free isn’t the future—it’s already here.

Picture of Bill Bogner

Bill Bogner

Co-Founder, Raven Rocks Precision

Bill Bogner is the co-founder of Raven Rocks Precision and a recognized expert in reloading supplies and ammunition performance. With a hands-on approach and years of industry experience, Bill has helped establish Raven Rocks as a trusted source for high-quality projectiles among reloaders, instructors, and competitive shooters. This content was created by Bill, with the assistance of AI to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.