Introduction
Discover the Lehigh Defense Close Quarters Battle (CQB), a lead-free bullet engineered for tactical users who demand rapid fragmentation and minimal overpenetration. Launched by Lehigh Defense in 2015, based in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, the CQB meets lead-free regulations in areas like California with its solid copper construction.
Renowned for its hyper velocity fragmentation, the CQB delivers devastating terminal effects, making it a top choice for tactical operators in close-quarters scenarios. Its innovative design ensures consistent results in high-stress environments, from urban settings to defensive applications.
- Caliber Range: Focused on .308 inches, supporting cartridges like .300 Blackout.
- Weight Options: Primarily 78 grains, with variants like 78-grain .308.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for fragmentation and reduced overpenetration, ideal for tactical use or close-range varmint control.
Technical Characteristics
The Lehigh Defense CQB is crafted for tactical users seeking explosive fragmentation and reliability. Its solid copper construction and unique design make it a standout in the field.
- Solid Copper Construction: Lead-free design ensures compliance with regulations, with complete fragmentation upon impact, preventing core-jacket separation.
- Fragmentation Design: Engineered to disintegrate into fine particles at hyper velocities, creating massive energy transfer with minimal overpenetration.
- Barrier Performance: Fragments on soft tissue but may perform variably through barriers, optimized for close-quarters fluid impacts.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,350+ fps, effective to 200 yards with limited stability due to light weight.
- Reduced Fouling: Solid copper reduces barrel fouling by 15-20% compared to lead-core bullets, extending cleaning intervals.
Reloading requires precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the CQB’s fragile design suits tactical loads but demands careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs around 0.150, the CQB offers basic stability and wind resistance for its class, supported by low sectional density for rapid fragmentation. Field tests show a 78-grain .308 CQB achieving 1.0-1.5 MOA at 100 yards with ES/SD under 20 fps from a 1:10 twist barrel. The 78-grain .308 is ideal for close-quarters tactical applications, delivering energy to 150 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key CQB variants from Lehigh Defense specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Lehigh’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.308 | 78 | 0.150 | 0.117 |
Groups of 1.0-1.5 MOA achievable; excels to 200 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The CQB competes with Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos (controlled fragmentation) and Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing (pre-stressed fragmentation). Its BCs (0.150) are lower than Controlled Chaos (0.137-0.476) and Controlled Fracturing (0.150-0.450), offering faster fragmentation at 2,350 fps versus lower thresholds for others. The CQB disintegrates completely, achieving 20% more energy dump than Controlled Fracturing but with less penetration than Controlled Chaos. Against Controlled Chaos 115gr .308, the CQB 78gr .308 fragments quicker at close range; versus Controlled Fracturing 198gr .308, it overpenetrates less. Advantages: hyper velocity fragmentation, minimal overpenetration. Drawbacks: fragile, high velocity required ($0.60-$1.00 per bullet).
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh Defense CQB | 0.308 | 78 | 0.150 | Hyper velocity fragmentation, solid copper |
| Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos | 0.172-0.358 | 20-200 | 0.137-0.476 | Controlled fragmentation, solid copper |
| Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing | 0.308-0.500 | 90-300 | 0.150-0.450 | Pre-stressed fragmentation, solid copper/brass |
Field reports show CQB outperforming Controlled Chaos in fragmentation speed but trailing in accuracy consistency.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 78gr .308 for close-quarters tactical or varmint control.
Delivers 1.0-1.5 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for tactical applications.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Lehigh’s load data library or website for CQB-specific data, as the solid copper design generates higher pressures than lead-core bullets.
- Starting Charges: Begin 5-10% below maximum loads for comparable lead bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to maximize accuracy, as the CQB’s bearing surface is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light to medium crimp on the cannelure for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto or high-recoil rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to CQB weight (e.g., 1:10 for 78gr .308) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 2,350 fps for reliable fragmentation, targeting extreme spreads under 20 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all tactical applications per design.
Conclusion
Lehigh Defense Close Quarters Battle (CQB) is an innovative lead-free tactical bullet, blending hyper velocity fragmentation with minimal overpenetration. Its design and performance make it ideal for close-quarters use or lead-restricted areas. Visit official website.
