Reloading Bullets and Cases

A category dedicated to reloading bullets

This selection brings together bullets, or projectiles, for reloading. These are individual components, not complete cartridges or loaded ammunition. Browse rifle and handgun bullets, explore each brand’s range and check the available product variants.

If you are replacing a bullet you already know, the manufacturer’s part number is the best starting point. When comparing products, read the full description: two bullets with the same diameter and weight can differ in shape, materials and internal construction.

At Carbin, we want those differences to be clear. Alongside our selection by brand, you will find explanations of product specifications and answers to technical questions that help distinguish one reference from another.

Find reloading bullets by brand

Each manufacturer uses its own product families and naming conventions. Visit the relevant brand category to browse its selection directly.

How to read a reloading bullet specification

A product name can combine several characteristics in just a few words. Understanding them separately helps you identify the product without assuming properties that the manufacturer has not stated.

For a fuller explanation of the terminology used in the catalogue, read our guide to reloading bullets.

External shape and internal construction: two different characteristics

A hollow point, polymer tip or boat tail describes part of a bullet’s geometry. Terms such as jacketed, monolithic or bonded provide information about its construction. These details complement each other, but they do not mean the same thing.

Intended use should not be inferred from shape alone, either. Similar-looking bullets can belong to different target and hunting ranges. The description of the specific model is what establishes the manufacturer’s intended application.

Pack sizes and availability: check the selected variant

Some product pages group several options together. Before adding one to your basket, check its description, quantity per box and individual price. A price shown as “from” may apply to a different option on the same page.

Also check availability and the delivery time stated for your chosen reference. A shared photograph can help identify the product family, but the details of the selected variant should determine what you order.

Further reading on equipment

If you are also browsing tools, our guide to choosing a reloading press provides information about that part of the catalogue. This lets you explore equipment separately while keeping the different product categories clearly distinguished.

Frequently asked questions about reloading bullets

Weight, diameter, shape and materials: these are the differences worth understanding when reading product specifications.

What does a bullet’s weight in grains mean?

A grain is a unit of mass, not a gram. In a bullet description, it states the weight of each projectile. The abbreviations “gr” and “grs” are commonly used for grains in this context. They do not indicate the number of bullets in the box or a quantity of powder.

Is bullet diameter the same as the cartridge designation?

No. Bullet diameter is a measurement of the projectile, whereas a cartridge designation identifies a complete cartridge type. On a bullet product page, a figure such as “.308” can describe the diameter in inches. That measurement alone does not establish full compatibility.

Are two bullets with the same diameter and weight identical?

Not necessarily. They may differ in length, ogive profile, base shape, materials and internal construction. The product family and manufacturer’s part number therefore matter too. Matching diameter and weight do not make two bullets identical or interchangeable.

What do FMJ, SP, HP and HPBT mean?

These abbreviations describe particular bullet features:

• FMJ — Full Metal Jacket: a jacketed bullet. Whether the base is also enclosed depends on the specific construction.
• SP — Soft Point: a jacketed bullet with an exposed soft tip.
• HP — Hollow Point: a bullet with a cavity or opening at the tip.
• HPBT — Hollow Point Boat Tail: a bullet combining a hollow point with a tapered rear section.

These abbreviations do not describe every product characteristic. Read them alongside the manufacturer’s information for the particular model.

What is the difference between boat tail and flat base bullets?

Both terms refer to the rear of the bullet. Boat tail describes a rear section that tapers towards the base. Flat base describes a flat bottom without that taper. This is a difference in geometry, not a universal ranking of quality.

Are all hollow point bullets intended for hunting?

No. Hollow point designs appear in both target and hunting bullet ranges, with different internal constructions and intended uses. A visible cavity is not enough to determine a bullet’s behaviour or application. Check the manufacturer’s classification for the specific model.

What distinguishes a match bullet from a hunting bullet?

These descriptions reflect different design objectives. Match bullets are developed for target shooting, while hunting bullets belong to models intended by the manufacturer for hunting applications. Similar names or shapes do not make the two product families equivalent.

Does a polymer tip mean that a bullet is lead-free?

No. A polymer tip is a component at the front of the bullet. The body can use different materials and constructions, including a lead core. To identify a lead-free model, check the material composition stated by the manufacturer.

What is a monolithic bullet?

A monolithic bullet has a main body made from a continuous material rather than a separate core surrounded by a jacket. Copper and copper alloys are commonly used. Additional components, such as an inserted tip, may still be present; the exact composition depends on the model.

What does bonded mean in a bullet description?

Bonded describes a construction in which the core and jacket are joined through a specific bonding process. It is an internal construction feature. It does not mean that the bullet is monolithic or lead-free.

What does ballistic coefficient, or BC, describe?

Ballistic coefficient — BC describes a bullet’s aerodynamic drag characteristics relative to a reference model. It is neither a direct measure of manufacturing quality nor a guarantee of accuracy. The published value may depend on the velocity range and the method used to determine it.

Can G1 and G7 values be compared directly?

No. G1 and G7 use different reference models, so their figures should not be compared as though they were on the same scale. When interpreting two BC values, the reference model and the conditions stated by the manufacturers need to match.

Why can bullets of the same weight have different lengths?

Weight results from the combination of material and geometry. Different material densities, cavities, shapes and constructions can produce bullets of equal weight with different dimensions. The grain weight alone therefore does not describe the bullet’s overall size.

How can I find the exact bullet I bought previously?

Check the brand, full model name and manufacturer’s part number. Also compare the diameter, weight and quantity per box. If you still have the previous packaging, a clear photograph of its label will help us identify the exact product and pack size.