I am sure people have posted similar tests, and probably with better notes but I decided to test 4 different types of .45 Auto ammo to see how they expand and which I would prefer to carry. This was my first time and I am no expert. Next time I will note the depth of penetration with a dowel rod. I always see people asking about which ammo is better and we all have our opinions, but I thought some pictures might help some people in deciding what to keep in their handgun. Personally, and especially after this test, I am amazed with Federal HST+P 230gr. When I carry, I have all 4 types of ammo I tested here loaded in my magazine so there is a variety.
[IMG]http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s346/mbattles1/1.jpg
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http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s346/mbattles1/2.jpg

My first 2 pictures did not post for some reason. I am going to try again.

Well that looks good,now where are the nay sayers about a 45 acp.

Awesome tests Stormin!

It's interesting that the 230 grainers did so well out of the 3.5" barrel.

If you do this again, plese try some 200 grain +P gold dots.

quote:

It (RBCD) will not penetrate hard barriers such as walls or doors.....

ive had it go through car hoods without a problem

quote:

it did penetrate as deep as the others

do a search and you will find that this ammo greatly underpenetrates when subjected to FBI protocol.

Stormin,
How was the felt recoil of the 230 HST +P compared to the non +P 230 Gold Dot?

quote:

Originally posted by huskytaio:
Stormin,
How was the felt recoil of the 230 HST +P compared to the non +P 230 Gold Dot?

I would say they were about the same as far as I could tell. I was in a rush with my shots. I was video taping the shots with a high speed camera and had only 8 seconds from pressing start on the video camera to aiming and firing. Next time I will test more ammo and not use the camera so I am more accurate and can pay attention to recoil. I also plan to make my own ballistic gel for the next one.

quote:

Originally posted by Clem Eastwood:

quote:

It (RBCD) will not penetrate hard barriers such as walls or doors.....

ive had it go through car hoods without a problem


Very cool! I wish I had a car hood to try!

quote:

it did penetrate as deep as the others

do a search and you will find that this ammo greatly underpenetrates when subjected to FBI protocol.

You are totally correct. That is why they usually show it only shooting a piece of meat.

This ammo is not my first choice. I just still have ammo left from the 1 box I bought to do different tests. Gotta love HST and Gold Dot, at least for me.

Check with San Diego PD...they initially went with the HST +P round, and while terminal ballistics were great, the round was TOO powerful and was breaking guns like Kimbers. IMHO ammo needs to work without being too rough on the guns. Just food for thought.

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
Check with San Diego PD...they initially went with the HST +P round, and while terminal ballistics were great, the round was TOO powerful and was breaking guns like Kimbers. IMHO ammo needs to work without being too rough on the guns. Just food for thought.

You know this for a fact about the Kimbers or is this some shit some old boy told you need some data on this .I got a kimber I converted to a 460 Roland.averages 1327 fps on a twenty round string with a 230 xtp Hornady,Should I be worried about your statement.???

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:

Very cool! I wish I had a car hood to try!

I had a gallon milk jug filled with water behind the hood. it made a clean hole through the hood from a 97 chrysler then exploded the water bottle. much like their clay and meat demonstrations it was impressive, but id never carry them because of their lack of penetration.

interesting. The short barrel ammo tests will ALWAYS catch my attention. Any plans for testing w/some other rounds? Maybe 185 grainers, etc?

That Federal HST looks JUST like the old Starfire from PMC-is it "recycled" now by Federal?
I know the same guy designed it and the HydroShock.