Multi-component bullet with core retention feature and method of manufacturing the bullet

A bullet, comprising:

• a malleable core having a section with a first end and a second end;
• a jacket surrounding the malleable core, the jacket having a first end and a second end;
• and
• a locking band surrounding a portion of the jacket configured to retain the malleable core with the jacket during use, at least a portion of the locking band extending along a circumferential depression in a wall of the jacket and the malleable core;
• wherein the locking band comprises a deformable material having a selected thickness and strength to retain the core and jacket together upon impact and penetration of the bullet to a selected depth within a target, whereupon the locking band will dislocate from the circumferential depression, exposing a hinge area defined adjacent the circumferential depression and about which at least a portion of the jacket folds to facilitate a substantially controlled expansion of the bullet.

A method of manufacturing a bullet, comprising:

• filling a jacket with a core material;
• applying a deformable locking band about the jacket;
• forming a circumferential depression about the jacket and the core material within the jacket with the locking band being received within the circumferential depression formed in the jacket and the malleable core;
• and
• expanding the core material and jacket adjacent the circumferential depression such that the jacket and the malleable core material are retained together with the locking band positioned within the circumferential depression formed around the jacket;
• wherein forming the circumferential depression comprises compressing the core material and urging portions of the jacket and core material inwardly to define a hinge area at a selected location along the body of the bullet below an ogive portion thereof and adjacent the circumferential depression, whereby upon impact of the bullet, the ogive portion of the bullet folds about the hinge area to facilitate expansion of the bullet.