In the search for deep penetration for stopping dangerous game we came across this unique bullet design. We ordered up a few in order to do some testing in 44 caliber. The plan was to test both in the .44 magnum and in the .444 Marlin. This would give us performance results across a wide velocity range.

These bullets are machined out of a brass type material. They are hollow in the rear and filled with lead. Unlike solid brass bullets, the lead core adds weight and keeps the bullets shorter than a solid brass bullet would be. However, these are unlike any other jacketed lead core bullet we've ever seen. Being machined with thick walls and a solid brass tip, they do not deform. The lead core adds weight but the strength of the bullet is in the brass jacket.

The quality of the bullets was outstanding. We measured several of them and found the dimensions consistent. The weight of the bullets was also very well controlled and variations between bullets were insignificant.

We loaded these bullets into .44 magnum and .444 Marlin cases and worked up loads until we got to what we considered reasonable velocity. It is likely that more velocity could be obtained but at $2.50 per bullet we were only willing to use up a limited number to work up test loads. In the .44 Magnum we used the 270 grain while for the .444 Marlin we used the 300 grain offering. Velocities out of a 4-inch .44 magnum barrel were in the range of 1200 feet per second. Out of a 16-inch rifle barrel, these same loads traveled in the 1500 feet per second range. The 300 grain bullets from the 16^1/4-inch .444 Marlin barrel hit 1900 feet per second. Out of a stock 22-inch barrel, we have no doubt that another 200 or more feet per second would be gained. The bottom line is that more velocity is probably not necessary based on the performance of these bullets shown below. We doubt another 100 feet per second would make any difference in terminal performance.

The only number that really matters with this sort of load is penetration. Using our wet paper and hardwood test stand we went to the range to find out how it performed. As a control we used TrueShot 310 grain hard cast bullets in the .44 magnum and Beartooth 330 grain hard cast bullets in the 444 Marlin. Velocities of the lead hard cast bullets were in the same ballpark as the Punch bullets and therefore made for a good comparison. The test stand consisted of a sandwich of 3/4 inch hardwood, 12 inches of wet news print, another 3/4 inch hardwood sheet, 12 inches of wet news print, more 3/4 inch hardwood, 12 inches of wet news print, an additional 3/4 inch hardwood layer, 12 inches of wet news print and finally 3/4 inch of hardwood to end the stack. Overall the test medium was just over 50 inches long.

The penetration results are as follows shot at 10 feet from the muzzle:

These results show that the hard brass Punch bullets have an advantage across all velocity levels. While the advantage is small at lower speeds it becomes significant the faster the bullet is traveling. On a subsequent day we added another 12 inches to the stack and shot an additional 300 grain .444 Marlin load into it. This stack was also fully penetrated showing that the penetration of this load is at least 62 inches.

As far as accuracy is concerned, we could easily keep 2 inches at 100 yards from our .444 Marlin with XO peep sights.

The hard cast lead bullets did a good job in all cases and would have been very effective on dangerous game. We have used both of these lead bullets on big game in the past and their performance was excellent. However, the Punch bullets are in a different league when it comes to raw penetration. If you are looking for maximum straight through penetration for hunting very large game or for defense against large bears this bullet is well worth considering. However, for smaller game the performance of the hard cast lead bullets is more than enough and the price is considerably less.

Belt Mountain Enterprises

TrueShot Bullets

Beartooth Bullets