Flatwounds

Flatwounds are a type of ammunition designed to maximize the destructive potential of a bullet upon impact with a target. Unlike traditional round-nose or pointed bullets, flatwounds feature a flat, truncated nose that creates a larger surface area when striking a target. This design was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, where they were widely used in firearms such as the Colt Peacemaker and other lever-action rifles and revolvers.

The primary advantage of flatwounds is their ability to expand upon impact, creating a wider wound channel in soft tissue. This expansion increases the likelihood of causing severe damage, making them particularly effective against unarmored targets. The design also allows for a higher ballistic coefficient when compared to some other bullet types, improving accuracy and penetration at longer ranges. However, flatwounds are less effective against hard targets like bone or armor due to their tendency to deform rather than penetrate deeply.

Flatwounds were commonly loaded in black powder firearms, where their design helped compensate for the lower muzzle velocity of these weapons. As smokeless powder and more advanced bullet designs emerged, the popularity of flatwounds declined, though they remain a subject of interest among collectors and enthusiasts of historical firearms. Today, they are primarily used in reloading for historical reenactments, target shooting, and as a nostalgic choice among some shooters.

The manufacturing process for flatwounds involves swaging or trimming the nose of a lead bullet to create the flat surface. This process can be done manually or mechanically, depending on the scale of production. Due to their historical significance and the challenges associated with modern manufacturing, authentic flatwounds are often sought after by collectors. Reproductions and modern variations exist but may differ slightly in composition and performance from their original counterparts.