Can You Name These Bullets?

by
posted on June 10, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bullet_boom-box.jpg

Today’s high-performance, self-defense bullet technology is a modern alchemy … of sorts. Yes, it’s all based on real science, but it’s hard to refute the fact those engineers are changing lead (or other materials), into an accurate, weight-retaining and reliably expanding projectile with mythically golden properties at a full spectrum of velocities.

Explaining the advantages to a new shooter is a challenge for instructors and storeowners, one often addressed with photographs or a rogue sample or two. There’s a solution, now, thanks to the new Bullet Bouquets Boom Box. The kit’s advantages are obviously, particularly for concealed-carry instructors.

Just for fun, though, can you match the name of the bullet and manufacturer included to each of the expanded (upset) bullets? Calibers include 9 mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, and the answers available are Speer Gold Dot, Federal Hydra-Shok, Sig Sauer V-Crown, Hornady XTP and Barnes TAC-XPD. (Careful, answers are at bottom.) If nothing else, the up-close-and-personal image of each highlights subtle differences in each company’s secret formula.

1. 2.     3. 


4.    5. 









Answers:
1. Barnes TAC-XPD
2. Federal HydraShok
3. Hornady XTP
4. SIG V-Crown
5. Speer Gold Dot

Latest

Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7

Review: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7

Having more guns chambered in 5.7 mm is a great thing, and the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7 is a welcome addition to the growing world of 5.7 mm firearms.

Ruger Moves HQ to North Carolina

Ruger quietly relocated its corporate headquarters from Southport, Conn., to Mayodan, N.C., marking the end of the company's management presence in the town where it was founded in 1949.

Honest EDC: A Realistic Assessment of Your Concealed Carry Kit

The problem is not that most concealed-carry loadouts are bad. The problem is that most concealed-carry kits are never re-examined against reality.

The Rideout Arsenal Dragon: Thinking Way Outside The Box

Over the years, many designers have attempted to use a low-bore axis to result in a flat-shooting pistol. One of these attempts, the Rideout Arsenal Dragon, is now more than a concept. It’s on the market.

The Armed Citizen® June 8, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Inside Today's Super-Short Riflescopes: What You Gain & What You Lose

Several new "super-short" riflescopes have hit the market recently, and they've become popular. But what are you giving up in these compact dimensions...and what are you gaining?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.