Can You Make Silver Bullets and Are They Practical?

While the concept of silver bullets might conjure images of folklore and fiction, the question of whether it's possible to make and use silver bullets in the real world is more than a simple yes or no. This article delves into the practical aspects of producing and using such ammunition, examining the challenges and the feasibility of using silver as a bullet material.

Historical Attempts and Challenges

Years ago, a writer in American Rifleman tried to cast silver bullets for practical experimentation. However, the melting point of silver is significantly higher than that of lead, requiring advanced equipment that most handloaders don't possess. The results were suboptimal, with the silver bullets not performing particularly well in terms of accuracy.

Properties of Silver as a Bullet Material

While silver can be used to make bullets, it presents unique challenges. Silver cools and condenses much more than lead, so careful consideration must be given to the volume of silver to ensure the proper size and pressure are maintained. This is crucial for ensuring safety and effective performance in firearms.

Metallurgically speaking, silver is harder than lead and requires a higher melting point. Nevertheless, it can be used as a bullet material, and in some cases, it can work just as well as, or even better than, lead. However, it is essential to use pure silver bullion for this purpose. Silver taken from coins and jewelry is typically too hard and not suitable for firearm use.

Cost and Practicality

The cost of silver is a significant factor when considering the practicality of using it as a bullet material. At present, silver costs approximately 23.17 per ounce, and a single 9mm bullet weighs about 4.37 ounces. Therefore, one silver bullet would cost nearly 101.25. Unless there is an extremely high need, such as dealing with a vast vampire problem, using silver bullets would likely be a colossal waste of money. This is why the term "silver bullet" is predominantly used in fictional narratives or metaphorical language to describe an easy and perfect solution to a problem.

Modern Silver Bullet Variants

There are alternatives to solid silver bullets. One practical approach is to jacket a lead bullet with silver. This method involves dipping a lead bullet into molten silver to create a silver casing. This form of bullet exploits the inherent properties of both materials, providing a balance between cost and effectiveness.

More recently, live ammunition with a full metal jacket of pure silver is available for purchase. Companies like Coonan Arms offer hollow points that are lead bullets coated with silver, presenting a viable option for those willing to invest in the higher cost of silver.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is possible to make silver bullets, the practical challenges and high cost make them a niche product. For most firearm enthusiasts and everyday use, traditional lead bullets remain the preferred choice. However, the unique properties and the availability of silver bullets offer interesting alternatives in special cases or for collectors who are willing to pay a premium.