Lee Jurras
Encyclopedia
Lee E. Jurras was an American firearm cartridge designer, known for creation of the Super Vel line of cartridges, and groundbreaking developments in hollowpoint ammunition.
Jurras began handloading
cartridges for profit at age 12. In the 1950s, he experimented with lathing rifle bullets to create jacketed handgun ammunition, inspired by Jim Harvey. In 1963, Jurras founded Super Vel ammunition company in Shelbyville
, Indiana. Jurras' ammo utilised lightweight bullets pushed at high velocities to cause bullet expansion, but at low enough pressure for typical firearms. The Super Vel line was an outstanding success, selling massive amounts of hollowpoint ammunition to law enforcement and civilian buyers. However, the rapid growth of the company and its reliance on outsourcing of cartridge cases lefts it vulnerable, and it was overtaken by competitors and closed its doors in 1974.
Jurras continued his efforts in cartridge development, using as his base the powerful Auto Mag pistol, and later on the Thompson Center Arms
single-shot rifle-calibre pistol.
Jurras co-authored several books on firearms with George C. Nonte.
Jurras began handloading
Handloading
Handloading or reloading is the process of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assembling the individual components , rather than purchasing completely assembled, factory-loaded cartridges...
cartridges for profit at age 12. In the 1950s, he experimented with lathing rifle bullets to create jacketed handgun ammunition, inspired by Jim Harvey. In 1963, Jurras founded Super Vel ammunition company in Shelbyville
Shelbyville
Shelbyville may refer to:United States* Shelbyville, Illinois* Shelbyville, Indiana* Shelbyville, Kentucky* Shelbyville, Michigan* Shelbyville, Missouri* Shelbyville, Tennessee* Shelbyville, TexasFictional...
, Indiana. Jurras' ammo utilised lightweight bullets pushed at high velocities to cause bullet expansion, but at low enough pressure for typical firearms. The Super Vel line was an outstanding success, selling massive amounts of hollowpoint ammunition to law enforcement and civilian buyers. However, the rapid growth of the company and its reliance on outsourcing of cartridge cases lefts it vulnerable, and it was overtaken by competitors and closed its doors in 1974.
Jurras continued his efforts in cartridge development, using as his base the powerful Auto Mag pistol, and later on the Thompson Center Arms
Thompson Center Arms
Thompson/Center Arms Company is an American firearms company based in Rochester, New Hampshire. The company is best known for its line of interchangeable barrel single-shot pistols and rifles. Thompson Center manufactures muzzleloading rifles and is credited with creating the resurgence of their...
single-shot rifle-calibre pistol.
Jurras co-authored several books on firearms with George C. Nonte.