Heat Shield Technology

Does velocity make tips melt, or is it just a matter of exposure to aerodynamic friction over time?

It is a function of the softening point of the plastic, air temperature, ballistic coefficient (BC) and the maximum velocity. Basically, it is how long the bullet tip is exposed to what level of temperature. The higher the muzzle velocity, the higher the maximum temperature on the tip. The higher the BC, the longer the tip is exposed to higher temperatures. The longer the exposure and the higher the temperature, the more tip deformation will occur. Click here for more information on Hornady Heat Shield Technology.