Solid Copper Hollow Point Ammo: SCHP Bullets Explained

The solid copper hollow point bullet (SCHP) can be used in both rifle and pistol ammunition. All-copper pistol bullets have the familiar large hollow opening at the end, but rifle versions have a wider range of options. The different types of rifle ammo are for different sized game, and the hollow point in copper can expand in a variety of useful ways, depending on the intended target. A deer-hunting ammo, for example, will be much different than a varmint ammo.

Solid copper hollow points can be used in most places that have gone “lead-free,” including ranges and hunting areas. There are several manufacturers of SCHP bullets, with Magtech and Barnes being the most well known.

Solid Copper Hollow Point Features

• Lead-Free: Today, many regions simply don’t allow lead to be used in any capacity. This could be on a public land or shooting range, and more seem to be following this trend every year. Lead causes pollution to groundwater if bullets accumulate, which harms wildlife, plants and eventually humans. A solid copper bullet bypasses any and all of these issues.
• Hollow Point: The hollow point has long been the “stopping power” king, which will probably not change any time soon. Hollow point bullets expand on impact, creating a very large wound channel that’s more likely to bring down an intruder, enemy, animal or unlucky can or bottle. The other advantage with the rapid expansion is that unlike full metal jacket bullets, the hollow point will be much less likely to overpenetrate and hurt bystanders.
• Solid Copper: Solid copper doesn’t rust, corrode, change shape or cause unwanted pollution – which is why it’s so popular as a plumbing material across the world. Copper isn’t as heavy as lead, nor does it expand as easily, but it is a lot stronger. Most SCHP bullets have special designs at the tip to ensure expansion happens uniformly at a certain penetration level.
• Versatility: This bullet can be used for just about anything unless hollow point bullets are banned. Hunting, varmint control, home defense, concealed carry and target shooting are all acceptable uses for the SCHP. It comes in most calibers imaginable, from the .22LR to large handguns and most rifle types.

Solid Copper Hollow Point Uses

As mentioned above, the versatility of the SCHP knows few bounds. Many of us first encountered it when plinking .22s as youngsters, and probably again when we got our hands on a revolver. The one area this ammo isn’t tremendously popular, however, is with automatic pistols.

Written by

Molly Carter