First Impressions of Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets
For years, I’ve chased the holy grail of ammunition: a round that delivers both devastating terminal performance and reliable penetration. So when I first heard about the Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets, my interest was immediately piqued. Could these bullets truly offer the best of both worlds?
I’ve been reloading and shooting for over a decade, primarily focusing on varmint hunting and predator control. I’ve seen firsthand the limitations of traditional bullets, either fragmenting too quickly or zipping right through without delivering sufficient energy. The promise of a bullet that creates a massive wound cavity and penetrates deeply was incredibly appealing.
The bullets arrived in a simple, no-frills box containing 50 projectiles. My initial impression was good; the Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) design looked sleek and well-machined, and the copper construction appeared consistent across the entire batch. I immediately noticed the hollow point cavity and the cuts designed to initiate the “Controlled Chaos” expansion.
I’ve primarily used Hornady V-Max and Sierra BlitzKing bullets in my 22-250, both known for their explosive expansion. I chose to try the Lehigh Defense offering to potentially achieve better penetration on larger predators like coyotes, where a pass-through is often desired to ensure a quick, humane kill. I was excited to see if these bullets lived up to the hype.
Overall, I was cautiously optimistic. The design was innovative, the components seemed high-quality, and the concept was exactly what I was looking for. Now, it was time to see how they performed in the real world.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, primarily focused on accuracy and velocity. I loaded up a series of test rounds using my standard 22-250 load data and headed out to the 100-yard range. The weather was mild, with a slight crosswind, providing a decent baseline for performance.
Right away, I was impressed with the accuracy. After some minor adjustments to my scope, I was consistently achieving sub-MOA groups, indicating that these bullets had the potential for serious precision. The velocity was also in line with my expectations, averaging around 3800 fps, which is crucial for maximizing the bullet’s intended performance.
The first surprise came when I tested the rounds on a water jug. The Controlled Chaos design performed exactly as advertised; the front portion of the bullet fragmented violently, creating a massive temporary cavity, while the base continued to penetrate through multiple jugs. This was a promising sign of the terminal performance to come.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range testing, I took the Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets out into the field for some real-world varmint and predator hunting. Over several weeks, I engaged targets ranging from prairie dogs to coyotes in various conditions. Durability and reliable performance were key.
The bullets consistently delivered devastating results on smaller varmints. The rapid expansion ensured quick, humane kills, and the internal damage was impressive. On coyotes, the bullets performed as expected, creating large entry wounds and reliably penetrating through the vital organs, resulting in quick incapacitation.
After several months of use, the bullets have proven to be incredibly reliable. I haven’t experienced any issues with fragmentation, instability, or poor accuracy. Compared to my previous experiences with strictly frangible varmint bullets, the Lehigh Defense offering provides a significant increase in penetration without sacrificing the necessary expansion for effective terminal performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets are specifically designed for high-velocity cartridges. The bullets weigh in at 32 grains and feature a Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) design. This combination optimizes ballistic coefficient and expansion characteristics.
The bullet is constructed entirely of copper, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing fouling in the barrel. The sectional density of 0.091 is relatively low, which contributes to the bullet’s rapid expansion upon impact. This is crucial for maximizing energy transfer into the target. These bullets are packaged in quantities of 50.
Performance & Functionality
The Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets are designed to deliver both rapid expansion and deep penetration. Upon impact with fluid, the bullet sheds its front portion into multiple petals, creating a massive energy spike and a large wound cavity. The solid base of the bullet continues to penetrate deeply in a straight line, causing further tissue damage and often resulting in full penetration.
These bullets perform exceptionally well in a variety of hunting scenarios. They are particularly effective on varmints and predators, where a combination of rapid expansion and reliable penetration is desired. I have noticed that they consistently produce more dramatic and immediate results than standard varmint bullets.
The only potential weakness is their lighter weight. In extreme windy conditions, a heavier bullet may offer slightly better wind resistance. However, in most typical hunting situations, the benefits of the Controlled Chaos design outweigh this potential drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The all-copper construction and BTHP design of the Lehigh Defense bullets contribute to their consistent performance and accuracy. The bullets are easy to handle and load into cartridges, and their uniform shape ensures consistent seating depth and reliable feeding. This streamlined process minimizes the chance of loading errors.
The build quality is excellent, with no noticeable imperfections or inconsistencies. While the bullet itself doesn’t offer specific ergonomic features, its design directly enhances the performance of the rifle cartridge, ultimately contributing to a more effective and satisfying shooting experience. The materials are durable and high quality.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that these are projectiles, durability mainly refers to their ability to withstand the stresses of firing and impact. The all-copper construction ensures that the bullets are less prone to fragmentation during firing compared to lead-core bullets. This minimizes barrel fouling and extends the life of the barrel.
Maintenance is minimal, as the copper construction inherently reduces fouling. Proper barrel cleaning after use is still recommended to maintain accuracy and performance. The reduced fouling compared to lead core bullets translates to less frequent and less intensive cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
Since these are bullets intended for reloading, the primary customization option lies in selecting the appropriate powder, primer, and cartridge case to achieve the desired velocity and accuracy. There are no specific accessories that come directly with the bullets. However, reloading dies and other reloading equipment are essential for preparing ammunition using these bullets.
The Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets are compatible with any standard 22-250 Remington reloading dies and equipment. Experimenting with different powder loads can fine-tune the bullet’s performance to match specific rifle characteristics and intended uses. This ability to customize is a key advantage for serious reloaders.
Pros and Cons of Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Devastating terminal performance: The Controlled Chaos design delivers rapid expansion and deep penetration, resulting in quick, humane kills.
- Excellent accuracy: These bullets consistently produce sub-MOA groups, ensuring precise shot placement.
- All-copper construction: This minimizes barrel fouling and ensures consistent performance.
- Versatile application: Effective on a wide range of varmints and predators.
- High velocity potential: The 32-grain weight allows for achieving high velocities, maximizing the bullet’s energy and trajectory.
Cons
- Lighter weight: May be slightly affected by wind drift compared to heavier bullets, especially at longer ranges.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than traditional varmint bullets.
Who Should Buy Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets?
The Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets are perfect for varmint hunters and predator control specialists who demand maximum terminal performance and reliable penetration. They are also ideal for reloaders who want to fine-tune their ammunition for specific hunting scenarios. These are an excellent choice for hunters targeting coyotes, prairie dogs, and other similar-sized game.
Those who primarily shoot paper targets or prioritize extremely long-range accuracy in windy conditions may want to consider heavier bullets with higher ballistic coefficients. Additionally, budget-conscious shooters may find the price of these bullets to be a limiting factor. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality chronograph to ensure optimal load development and velocity.
Conclusion on Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets
The Lehigh Defense 22-250 Rem 32 Grain Controlled Chaos Centerfire Rifle Bullets are a game-changer for varmint and predator hunters seeking the ultimate in terminal performance. The unique Controlled Chaos design delivers a devastating combination of rapid expansion and deep penetration, ensuring quick, humane kills. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional varmint bullets, the superior performance justifies the price for serious hunters.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone looking to maximize their 22-250’s effectiveness in the field. If you’re tired of sacrificing either expansion or penetration, give these bullets a try. You won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your 22-250 experience today!