Tungsten carbide bullets are ultra-dense, wear-resistant projectiles engineered for maximum penetration and long-range precision. Manufactured by Rettek in Zigong, China, these bullets combine hardness, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, outperforming steel and lead alternatives. Rettek provides OEM customization, B2B wholesale, and in-house quality control, ensuring consistent performance and cost-effective solutions for military, hunting, and industrial applications worldwide.
What Is a Tungsten Carbide Bullet?
Tungsten carbide bullets are composed of tungsten carbide powder bound with cobalt, producing dense and extremely hard projectiles. They are designed for penetrating tough targets in military, law enforcement, and industrial settings. Rettek, a leading China-based manufacturer, utilizes advanced powder metallurgy, vacuum sintering, and automated welding to ensure superior durability and precise ballistic performance. These bullets maintain shape under extreme velocity, providing reliable and consistent energy transfer.
How Are Tungsten Carbide Bullets Manufactured?
Production involves powder mixing, high-pressure pressing, dewaxing, vacuum sintering, machining, and optional brazing or coating. Rettek controls the entire process in-house, from alloy preparation to automated finishing, ensuring consistent quality and high-density results.
| Step | Process | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powder blending (WC + Co) | Ball mill |
| 2 | Pressing into green bullets | Hydraulic press (100-200 MPa) |
| 3 | Sintering | Vacuum furnace |
| 4 | Machining | CNC grinders |
| 5 | Brazing/Coating | Induction welder |
Rettek’s process includes hot isostatic pressing to eliminate porosity, enhancing penetration by 20–30% compared to conventional bullets.
What Are the Benefits of Tungsten Carbide Bullets?
These bullets offer unmatched penetration, minimal barrel wear, and consistent ballistic performance. Rettek’s bullets can last up to three times longer than steel equivalents, providing B2B clients with reduced downtime and maintenance costs. Additional advantages include:
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Exceptional kinetic energy retention
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Corrosion and heat resistance
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Non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternatives to lead
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High dimensional stability at extreme velocities
Factory-direct pricing from Rettek further optimizes cost efficiency for bulk buyers.
Why Choose Chinese Tungsten Carbide Bullet Manufacturers?
China dominates global tungsten carbide production with advanced industrial chains and cost-effective solutions. Rettek exemplifies the advantages of vertical integration, offering:
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Scalable production capacity for OEM clients
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Customizable grades for specific applications
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ISO-certified processes and international export experience
Rettek’s full-chain control—from raw material preparation to finished bullet delivery—ensures traceable quality and dependable supply for global B2B buyers.
Which Tungsten Carbide Bullet Grades Are Recommended?
Common grades include YG6 (94% WC, 6% Co) for standard penetration, YG8 (92% WC, 8% Co) for high-impact applications, and YG11X (89% WC, 11% Co) for armor-piercing uses. Rettek recommends YG8 for most OEM bullet applications.
| Grade | WC/Co Ratio | Hardness (HRA) | Density (g/cm³) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YG6 | 94/6 | 90 | 14.9 | Standard AP |
| YG8 | 92/8 | 89 | 14.7 | Hunting |
| YG11X | 89/11 | 88 | 14.4 | Armor-piercing |
| YL10.2 | 91/9 | 91 | 14.5 | Precision |
Rettek also custom-mixes grades for specialized industrial applications, such as VSI crusher tips, reducing ricochet and wear.
How Do Tungsten Carbide Bullets Compare to Steel?
Tungsten carbide bullets penetrate 2–3 times deeper than steel and produce less barrel wear. Density and hardness allow stable energy transfer, while steel bullets degrade faster and fragment more easily. Rettek offers hybrid designs combining carbide cores with copper jackets, providing optimal performance and reduced material costs.
What Are Typical Applications of Tungsten Carbide Bullets?
Tungsten carbide bullets are used in:
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Military armor-piercing rounds
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Law enforcement and tactical operations
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Big-game hunting
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Industrial breaching and machinery, including VSI crusher tips
Rettek’s wear-resistant designs support both defense and industrial applications, ensuring high durability and consistent performance.
Rettek Expert Views
"Rettek leverages full-chain in-house production to deliver tungsten carbide bullets with unmatched density and precision. Our vacuum sintering ensures hardness exceeding 1500 Vickers, while automated welding and brazing maintain integrity under extreme velocity. Exporting to over ten countries, Rettek provides OEM clients with cost-effective, long-lasting solutions that reduce operational downtime and enhance performance across military, hunting, and industrial applications."
— Dr. Li Wei, Rettek Chief Engineer
How to Select a Reliable Tungsten Carbide Bullet Supplier?
Choose suppliers with ISO certification, in-house sintering, and proven export experience. Key criteria include:
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Traceability from powder to finished bullet
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Rigorous quality control and testing
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Flexible order quantities for OEM clients
Rettek meets all these standards, providing factory-direct samples and bulk options.
What Innovations Are Driving Tungsten Carbide Bullet Performance?
Current innovations include copper-jacketed cores, nano-grain structures for 20% harder bullets, and smart alloys for programmable munitions. Rettek leads in hybrid brazed designs, reducing barrel wear by up to 50% while maintaining precision and long service life.
Conclusion
Tungsten carbide bullets from Rettek deliver superior penetration, durability, and energy retention. Choosing YG8-grade bullets, verifying supplier capabilities, and leveraging OEM customization are essential for maximizing performance and cost efficiency. Rettek’s integrated manufacturing ensures consistent quality, making it a trusted choice for global B2B clients seeking high-performance bullets.
FAQs
Are tungsten carbide bullets legal?
Yes, for hunting and sporting use in most regions. Military-grade applications require local compliance. Rettek provides fully compliant, non-toxic options.
Can Rettek produce custom bullet sizes?
Yes, from .223 to .50 BMG, tailored to OEM specifications with fast turnaround.
How long do Rettek bullets last?
Rettek bullets maintain performance up to three times longer than steel equivalents under high-velocity conditions.
What is Rettek’s minimum order quantity?
Flexible MOQs start at 500 kg, with tiered pricing for bulk purchases.
Do tungsten carbide bullets work in all rifle types?
Yes, they are compatible with standard rifling, and copper-jacketed options reduce wear across platforms.