Quote Originally Posted by Lakey View Post
Hi Andrew,

What I dont understand is why any prospective manufacturer doesn't get hold some original 5.56mm ELEY Wasp pellets, and just replicate them specifically for the No.2 bore English vintage market.

This would involve analysis of the original lead alloy used, and re-manufacture of replica moulds. ELEY wasps were a short pellet in length, and had thicker than average skirt thickness. Also it is my understanding that the lead alloy had higher that average amounts of antimony, which made it harder.

Most vintage shooters regard 5.56mm Eley Wasps, as close to the ideal pellet for older english barrels, so surely, there is your template ???

Lakey

I wholly agree with you; it is a mystery to me too.

In addition, Webley and BSA (amongst others) were still producing .22 (5.6mm) barrels well into the 80s and beyond.

On another matter, I wonder why the Germans produce pellets with a longer skirt. Perhaps tests have demonstrated greater accuracy for a longer pellet.