Published: 2024 | Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
The Lehigh Defense Wide Flat Nose (WFN) is a non-expanding solid copper bullet designed for maximum straight-line penetration on large and dangerous game from both handguns and rifles. The flat-nose (meplat) geometry is the defining design feature: a wide, flat bullet nose creates an efficient permanent wound channel without requiring expansion, while the flat geometry also improves BC relative to a round-nose solid of the same diameter and weight.
The WFN occupies a specific niche in big-bore hunting: it is functionally similar to the classic hardcast lead “Keith”-style flat-nose bullets that handgun hunters have used for decades on bears, boars, and dangerous African game, but made from solid copper rather than hard lead alloy. The benefits of copper over hardcast lead are: 100% weight retention (hardcast lead can distort or break under extreme bone impact), lead-free compliance for California and other restricted jurisdictions, and consistent dimensional geometry from the machining process rather than casting variability.
The comparison to hardcast lead is worth making explicit for handloaders who are familiar with that category. Hardcast lead flat-nose bullets in .44 Magnum (typically 300-grain, BHN 22+) have a decades-long track record for bear defense specifically because they do not expand and penetrate deeply through thick skull bone. The WFN provides this same terminal performance philosophy in solid copper, with the additional benefits of copper’s superior hardness (harder than any lead alloy, essentially no deformation risk) and lead-free status. The trade-off is higher cost per bullet and the copper-specific pressure considerations that require starting 10% below minimums rather than using hardcast data directly.
The caliber range (.375 to .500 inches) and velocity range (800-2,000 fps) reflect the WFN’s dual application: handgun calibers like 44 Magnum, 357 Magnum, and the large-bore 45 ACP at the lower velocity end, and rifle cartridges like 45-70 Government and .458 Winchester Magnum at the upper end. This dual-platform coverage is unusual among the bullets covered in this site and is specifically addressed in the caliber entries below.
Critical data quality flag – BC and SD values: The original article’s ballistics table contains a highly unusual pattern: for five of the six entries (.400, .429, .452, .458, and .500 calibers), the BC and SD values are identical or nearly identical. For example, the .429-inch 240-grain shows BC 0.186 and SD 0.186; the .452-inch 300-grain shows BC 0.211 and SD 0.211; the .458-inch 380-grain shows BC 0.259 and SD 0.259; and the .500-inch 400-grain shows BC 0.228 and SD 0.228. While it is mathematically possible for a bullet’s G1 BC and sectional density to be numerically coincident in some cases, having five out of six entries show this coincidence – with three being exact matches – strongly suggests that one column’s values were copied into the other in the original source. Sectional density (SD = bullet weight in grains / 7000 / diameter²) and G1 BC are different quantities that depend on different inputs. Verify both figures at lehighdefense.com before using them in trajectory calculations. For the purposes of this article, the SD values are used as documented and the BC figures are noted as requiring independent verification.
The comparison bullets in the original article (Lehigh Match Solid and Lehigh Controlled Fracturing) are the handgun-caliber versions of those products, with BC ranges appropriate for handgun diameters and weights.
Disclaimer: Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always consult current published load data from Lehigh Defense or other reputable sources before loading any cartridge. Solid copper bullets generate higher pressures than lead-core bullets at the same charge weight – always start 10% below published minimums specific to solid copper designs. Never use lead-core bullet data directly for solid copper. The information on this page is for educational reference only and does not replace a current reloading manual.
Application note: The Lehigh Defense Wide Flat Nose is a non-expanding solid copper penetrator designed for handgun and rifle hunting of large and dangerous game. It does not expand or fragment on impact – the design prioritizes maximum straight-line penetration depth (30-40 inches in gelatin) over wound channel width. This makes it appropriate for dangerous game where deep penetration through heavy bone and muscle is required, and inappropriate for deer-sized game at normal distances where expanding bullets produce faster harvests.
Technical Characteristics
Wide flat meplat – the defining feature: The WFN’s wide, flat nose creates an efficient permanent wound channel through a combination of crushing and pushing tissue rather than the hydraulic cutting of an expanding bullet. The flat nose contacts a wider tissue area than a round-nose solid of the same caliber, producing a larger permanent wound channel without expansion. The meplat width is a deliberate engineering choice – wider than a classic hunting bullet’s curved nose but not as wide as a truncated cone, balancing wound channel width against feeding reliability in revolvers and semi-automatic firearms with appropriate throat geometry.
The physics of flat-nose versus round-nose penetration in tissue is well-documented in gel testing: a flat meplat creates drag proportional to the flat area, which paradoxically both produces a larger initial wound channel and limits maximum penetration depth at the same impact velocity compared to a more aerodynamic nose. The WFN’s 30-40 inch gel penetration suggests Lehigh has optimized the meplat width to balance these competing factors – wide enough for meaningful wound channel width, but not so wide that penetration depth is compromised below what dangerous game hunting requires. This is meaningfully different from the hardcast “Keith”-style bullets that can penetrate 36+ inches in gel but have narrower meplats; the WFN’s copper construction allows a wider meplat than equivalent-weight lead because copper’s hardness prevents the meplat from deforming and narrowing during penetration.
Straight-line penetration to 30-40 inches: The gel penetration figure documented in the original article (30-40 inches) is substantially beyond the FBI protocol’s 12-18 inch standard for defensive handgun bullets and beyond what expanding hunting bullets typically achieve. This extreme penetration depth is specifically appropriate for thick-skinned dangerous game – brown bear, bison, cape buffalo where factory hunting loads are used – where the bullet must penetrate through heavy shoulder muscle, the shoulder blade, and into vital structures to produce a lethal hit from a marginal shot angle. The 30-40 inch range also varies with velocity: at the upper end of the 2,000 fps range (rifle calibers), penetration may be somewhat less than at moderate handgun velocities, where the flat-nose geometry’s lower drag produces better depth than at high velocity. This is consistent with how all flat-nose penetrators behave and is not a design flaw.
Solid copper, 100% weight retention: Unlike jacketed lead-core bullets that can shed jacket or deform the lead core under extreme bone impact, the solid copper WFN retains 100% of its original weight through virtually any impact scenario. This is particularly valuable on the heaviest bone of large bears and bison where softer bullets can be stopped or deflected.
Relief bands reduce pressure: The machined relief grooves in the bearing surface reduce bore contact area, lowering friction and managing the pressure differential between copper and lead-core bullets in the same caliber. As with all solid copper designs, use Lehigh-specific data and begin 10% below the published minimum.
Lead-free: Fully compliant with California condor zone regulations and all lead-restricted hunting areas.
45-70 Government pressure warning: For handloaders chambering the WFN in 45-70 Government, the standard three-tier pressure framework applies without exception: Trapdoor (~20,000 PSI), lever-action (~40,000 PSI), and modern strong single-shot (~60,000 PSI). The .458-inch 380-grain WFN is a heavy solid copper bullet that produces higher peak pressure than lead-core bullets of the same weight. Never use maximum lever-action loads in Trapdoor firearms, and never use Ruger No. 1 or similar strong single-shot loads in any lever-action.
Ballistics and Performance
As documented in the introduction, the BC values in the original table are flagged for verification given the unusual pattern of near-identical or exactly identical BC and SD values. The table below presents the figures as published with this caveat.
The 270-grain .375-inch at BC 0.200 and SD 0.288 covers .375 H&H and .375 Ruger-class rifles, as well as handguns chambered in .375 caliber. The SD 0.288 at this weight and diameter is strong, providing the sectional density required for heavy game penetration. This entry also has the largest discrepancy between BC (0.200) and SD (0.288) of any entry in the table, which is the most physically plausible relationship – a .375-inch bullet at 270 grains would be expected to have a higher SD than BC at this weight for a flat-nose design. The .375-inch is the only entry in the table where BC and SD differ meaningfully, making it the only entry where the figures appear independently derived rather than potentially copied.
The 190-grain .400-inch at BC 0.170 and SD 0.169 covers 10mm Auto and .40 S&W handguns for bear defense and medium-large handgun hunting applications.
The 240-grain .429-inch at BC 0.186 and SD 0.186 covers 44 Magnum for the standard handgun hunting weight class in this caliber. The BC and SD being exactly equal (both 0.186) is the clearest example of the data issue flagged in the introduction.
The 300-grain .452-inch at BC 0.211 and SD 0.211 covers .45 Colt and .454 Casull for heavy handgun hunting. Again, identical BC and SD values.
The 380-grain .458-inch at BC 0.259 and SD 0.259 covers [45-70 Government](https://myreloading.com/45-70-government/, .458 Winchester Magnum, and .458 SOCOM for rifle hunting of the largest North American and African game. This is the WFN’s primary rifle application. The SD 0.259 is adequate for large dangerous game penetration from a rifle caliber. In 45-70 Government at lever-action pressures, a 380-grain solid copper bullet produces velocities of approximately 1,700-1,900 fps depending on barrel length – well into the upper range of the WFN’s 800-2,000 fps velocity design envelope. At these velocities, the gel penetration of 30-40 inches is achievable and appropriate for the largest North American bears, bison, and similar large dangerous game. The identical BC and SD figures (both 0.259) are flagged per the data quality concern documented in the introduction.
The 400-grain .500-inch at BC 0.228 and SD 0.228 covers .500 S&W Magnum for the most powerful production revolver cartridge’s maximum game application.
Expert Ballistics Table – Lehigh Defense Wide Flat Nose Variants
Data from Lehigh Defense specifications. BCs are G1. Critical note: BC and SD values are identical for five of six entries, strongly suggesting a data transcription error where one column was copied into the other. Verify both figures independently at lehighdefense.com before use in trajectory calculations.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | BC (G1) | Sectional Density | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .375 | 270 | 0.200 | 0.288 | Dangerous game in .375 H&H |
| .400 | 190 | 0.170 | 0.169 | Bear in 44 Magnum / 10mm |
| .429 | 240 | 0.186 | 0.186 | 44 Magnum hunting (BC=SD, verify) |
| .452 | 300 | 0.211 | 0.211 | .45 Colt hunting (BC=SD, verify) |
| .458 | 380 | 0.259 | 0.259 | 45-70 Government / .458 Win Mag |
| .500 | 400 | 0.228 | 0.228 | .500 S&W Magnum hunting |
Comparison Bullets
The Lehigh Defense Match Solid is the WFN’s primary within-brand comparison – also non-expanding, also solid copper, but with a different nose geometry optimized for precision accuracy rather than the WFN’s wide-meplat penetration approach. The Match Solid’s smaller, more aerodynamically efficient nose produces better BC but a narrower permanent wound channel than the WFN’s flat meplat.
The Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing is the fragmenting alternative within Lehigh’s lineup – opposite terminal performance philosophy from the non-fragmenting, non-expanding WFN.
The Lehigh Defense Tipped Controlled Chaos and Lehigh Defense Tipped Xtreme Chaos covered elsewhere on this site represent the fragmenting end of Lehigh’s rifle hunting lineup, in contrast to the WFN’s non-fragmenting penetration approach. The Lehigh Defense Tipped Maximum Expansion rounds out the Lehigh lineup with its attached-petal maximum diameter approach. The Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos (untipped) and Lehigh Xtreme Defense are further Lehigh products completing the comparison picture. For rifle-caliber comparison, the Cutting Edge ER Raptor and Cutting Edge CURX are fragmenting monolithic alternatives from the closest competitor brand.
The Cutting Edge HG Solid is the primary competitor from the Cutting Edge brand, offering a similar solid copper non-expanding penetrator concept for handgun calibers.
Comparison Table – Solid Copper Penetrator Bullets
| Bullet | BC Range | Terminal Design | Expansion | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh WFN | 0.150-0.300 | Wide flat meplat | None | Dangerous game |
| Lehigh Match Solid | 0.120-0.190 | Precision nose | None | Accuracy + penetration |
| Cutting Edge HG Solid | ~0.100-0.200 | Solid penetrator | None | Handgun penetration |
| Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator | ~0.100-0.200 | Fluted penetrator | None | Handgun penetration |
Applications and Practical Aspects
Bear defense and handgun hunting (.400-.429-inch, 190-240 grains): 44 Magnum and 10mm Auto for handgun bear defense where deep penetration through the skull or shoulder is the critical performance requirement. The non-expanding WFN’s 30-40 inch gel penetration ensures reliable penetration from any shot angle on large bears. See best bullets for 44 Magnum reloads and best powders for 44 Magnum handloading for load development context. The 44 Magnum vs 45 Colt comparison and 44 Special vs 44 Magnum comparison provide caliber context for choosing between these handgun hunting cartridges.
Heavy handgun hunting (.452-inch, 300 grains): .45 Colt and .454 Casull for the heaviest handgun hunting applications. The 300-grain WFN at .452-inch provides the sectional density and penetration depth needed for elk, moose, and boar at appropriate handgun ranges. For hunters choosing between calibers in this weight class, see best bullets for 357 Magnum reloads for context on how larger-bore calibers compare for handgun hunting. The 35 Whelen and 338 Federal are rifle cartridges using bullets in the 0.358-0.338-inch range that also see use with non-expanding penetrators.
45-70 Government rifle hunting (.458-inch, 380 grains): 45-70 Government for the classic American dangerous-game lever-action and single-shot cartridge. The 45-70 ballistics guide and big game caliber selection guide provide broader context for choosing the 45-70 platform for dangerous game hunting. The WFN’s non-expanding design is specifically appropriate for the 45-70’s traditional role in thick cover where dangerous game may require multiple follow-up shots through heavy brush and bone. See best bullets for 45-70 Government reloads, best powders for 45-70 Government handloading, building the perfect 45-70 hunting load, and how to load your first 45-70 round for comprehensive 45-70 load development resources. Accurate 5744 and Hodgdon LeverEvolution are further documented 45-70 powder choices alongside the IMR 4198 and H4198 noted in the powder table. The 45-70 three-tier pressure warning applies: always match load data to the specific action being used (Trapdoor, lever-action, or strong single-shot). Never exceed the pressure limit for your action type.
458 Winchester Magnum and dangerous game rifles (.458-inch, 380 grains): The 380-grain WFN in .458 Winchester Magnum covers African dangerous game applications where a non-expanding solid is preferred for its straight-line reliability through angled shots.
500 S&W Magnum hunting (.500-inch, 400 grains): The most powerful production revolver cartridge for the largest and most dangerous North American game.
Reloading
Primers: CCI 300 and Federal 150 large pistol primers for .44 Magnum and similar handgun applications. CCI 350 large pistol magnum for .500 S&W Magnum and heavy .44 Magnum loads. Large rifle primers (Federal 210, CCI 200) for 45-70 Government and .458 Winchester Magnum rifle applications.
Solid copper pressure caution: The WFN generates higher peak pressures than lead-core bullets of the same weight in the same cartridge. Begin 10% below published minimums for solid copper designs. Lehigh Defense’s own published data for the WFN is the authoritative starting point.
Powder Selection by Application:
| Application | Caliber | Bullet Weight | Recommended Powders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear defense | 44 Magnum | 240 gr | Alliant 2400, Hodgdon H110, Winchester 296, Alliant Power Pistol, Accurate No. 9 |
| Hunting | .45 Colt | 300 gr | Alliant 2400, Hodgdon H110, Alliant Herco, Alliant Blue Dot, Hodgdon Longshot |
| Rifle hunting | 45-70 Gov’t | 380 gr | Alliant Reloder 7, Hodgdon H4198, IMR 4198, Accurate 5744, Hodgdon Trail Boss, Alliant Reloder 15, Hodgdon H380 |
Reloading Parameters Summary:
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Neck tension | 0.002-0.004 inch interference |
| Seating depth | 0.010-0.050 inch off lands; verify with Lehigh data |
| Pressure start | 10% below solid-copper specific minimum |
| 45-70 pressure | Must match action type (Trapdoor/lever/single-shot) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why use a non-expanding bullet for hunting when expanding bullets produce better wound channels?
A: For most deer-sized game at normal distances, expanding bullets are the preferred choice precisely because they produce larger wound channels and faster harvests than non-expanding solids. The WFN is not an appropriate substitute for deer hunting. For dangerous game – brown bear, polar bear, cape buffalo, hippopotamus – where the shot may be at extremely close range from an awkward angle, through heavy bone and muscle, the argument for maximum penetration from a non-expanding solid becomes compelling. A brown bear charging at 15 yards requires a bullet that will penetrate the skull from a less-than-ideal angle and reach the brain; a non-expanding solid with 30-40 inch gel penetration is specifically designed for this scenario. The WFN fills the same niche that professional hunters in Africa have used non-expanding solids for on dangerous game for over a century.
For bear defense specifically in a revolver, the debate between hardcast non-expanding and premium expanding hunting bullets like the Barnes TSX is ongoing among guides and outfitters. The arguments for solid non-expanding are: expanding bullets may fail to penetrate through the skull at close range on a charging bear; and the solid’s deeper penetration means any hit has a higher probability of reaching the vitals regardless of angle. The WFN represents the solid copper version of that argument – maximum penetration reliability from any shot angle in a lead-free design.
Q: The table shows identical BC and SD values for most entries. Is this accurate?
A: No, or at minimum it is highly suspect. BC (G1 ballistic coefficient) and sectional density (weight in grains divided by 7000 times diameter squared) are different quantities with different inputs. A G1 BC of 0.186 and an SD of 0.186 being identical is a remarkable coincidence; having five out of six entries show this pattern strongly indicates a data transcription error where one column was copied from the other in the original source article. Verify both BC and SD independently at lehighdefense.com before using either figure in load development or trajectory calculations.
Q: Is the WFN appropriate for the .45-70 in a lever-action rifle like a Marlin 1895?
A: Yes, but only with data specifically published for lever-action (standard) 45-70 pressures (~40,000 PSI). The WFN in .458-inch 380 grains generates higher pressure than lead-core bullets of similar weight, which makes adhering to the lever-action pressure limit more critical, not less. Always verify that the load data you are using specifies the lever-action pressure tier. See best powders for 45-70 Government handloading for powder selection in this context.
Q: Can the WFN be used for deer hunting?
A: Technically yes, but it is not the ideal choice for deer-sized game. Non-expanding flat-nose solids produce narrower permanent wound channels than expanding bullets on deer-sized game, potentially resulting in slower harvests unless the shot is precisely placed through vital structures. The WFN’s 30-40 inch penetration depth vastly exceeds what is needed for a typical broadside deer shot (8-10 inches), meaning the bullet exits with residual energy that could have contributed to a larger wound channel in expanding designs. Reserve the WFN for game where maximum penetration is specifically needed.
Q: Is the WFN lead-free for California use?
A: Yes. Solid copper, fully compliant with California condor zone regulations and all other lead-restricted hunting areas.
Q: How does the WFN differ from the Lehigh Match Solid?
A: Both are non-expanding solid copper penetrators, but with different nose geometries designed for different priorities. The Match Solid’s precision-turned nose is optimized for accuracy and BC, minimizing aerodynamic disturbance for tight groups at distance. The WFN’s wide flat meplat sacrifices some BC in exchange for a wider permanent wound channel from the flat-nose geometry. For hunters who want maximum accuracy from a non-expanding solid, the Match Solid is the appropriate choice. For hunters who want the widest possible non-expanding wound channel, the WFN is the appropriate choice.
Conclusion
The Lehigh Defense Wide Flat Nose fills a specific and defensible niche in the hunting bullet market: non-expanding solid copper for dangerous game in both handgun and rifle calibers, providing 30-40 inch gel penetration depth with 100% weight retention and lead-free compliance. Its application is appropriately narrow – dangerous game hunting where maximum penetration reliability from any shot angle is the priority.
The primary editorial finding from this article is the BC/SD data quality issue: five of six entries showing identical BC and SD figures is almost certainly a transcription error in the original source. This is one of the more significant data quality issues encountered in this site’s bullet article series, because both BC (for trajectory calculations) and SD (for estimating penetration) are practically important figures for dangerous game hunters who are making life-safety decisions. Independent verification at lehighdefense.com is not optional for this article – it is essential before loading the WFN for dangerous game use.
Choose the WFN if: you hunt dangerous game with a handgun (.44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .500 S&W) or large-bore rifle (45-70, .458 Win Mag) and specifically want a solid copper non-expanding penetrator; you need lead-free compliance for California or other restricted areas; or your hunting conditions involve close-range dangerous game where shot angle control is limited.
Choose something else if: you are hunting deer or similar game where an expanding bullet produces faster, more ethical harvests. If you want Lehigh’s non-expanding approach with better BC and tighter groups, the Lehigh Defense Match Solid is the precision alternative. If you want expanding terminal performance in a lead-free design, Lehigh’s Chaos lines and Maximum Expansion are appropriate.
Disclaimer: Reloading solid copper bullets requires caution. Begin 10% below published minimums for solid copper. For 45-70 Government, always match load data to the action type – Trapdoor, lever-action, and strong single-shot pressure limits are substantially different. Lead-free; compliant with California and all lead-restricted areas. Wear eye protection at all times. The author and myreloading.com are not responsible for injuries or property damage from reloading or shooting handloaded ammunition.
