Winchester "White Box" 147gr JHP in Clear Ballistics gel.

5pins · Dec 12, 2017

Test Gun: Sig P229, Beretta Nano.
Barrel length: 3.9 inches, 3 inches.
Ammunition: Winchester 147gr JHP (USA9JHP2)
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens.

The recent testing of the Winchester White Box 115gr JHP seemed to be very popular so when the opportunity came up to try the 147gr version I took it. Even though this ammo is considered a "bargain brand" it's hard to consider it a bargain when it was $22 for this box locally. Right now we live in a time of falling ammo prices and online HST's and Gold Dots can be found for less, so I have to wonder why one would pay more for this and "similar" brands. Maybe for some reason, someone is limited to what they can get at their local Wal-Mart.

The first shot into bare gel had a velocity of 908fps and penetrated to 17.75 inches with an expansion of .53 inches. Round two penetrated to 17 inches with an expansion of .54 inches and a velocity of 915fps.

In heavy clothing, the first round hit at 911fps penetrated to 15 inches with an "expansion" of .51 inches. As you can see it didn't expand so much as deformed a little. The bullet took a sharp downward turn at about the 12-inch mark in the block. I believe this is why the penetration was less than the others. Round two had a velocity of 948fps, penetrated to 17.75 inches and expanded to .48 inches.

Out of the short barreled Nano, round one in bare gel ran at 918fps for a penetration of 19 inches and expanded to .53 inches. Round two traveled 20 inches, also expanded to .53 inches with a velocity of 901fps.

I found it interesting that the bullets fired for the Nano had similar velocity and recovered diameter to the rounds fired from the P229 but penetrated slightly further.

Deus Machina · Dec 13, 2017

Not terrible for the dated design.
I agree the velocity and penetration is odd. If the velocity was notably higher from the P229, I'd suggest that it was expanding it quicker and limiting the penetration, but with similar velocity I'm assuming it's just the small sample size and inconsistencies in the bullets themselves.

ThomasT · Dec 13, 2017

Nice test. I still think the bullets look like Hornady XTP's.

Deus Machina · Dec 14, 2017

I have both right here to compare. Albeit 158gr .38 Special XTP. They look to be the same profile as the 9mm ones.
The design is similar, but the Winchester looks a little more... primitive. I've also heard that XTP needs some real velocity to open up. Enough I opt not to carry them in the .38.

wally · Dec 14, 2017

but with similar velocity I'm assuming it's just the small sample size and inconsistencies in the bullets themselves.

Unless you are using a fresh block of gel for each shot, odds are its because the gel properties have changed from previous shots. Another factor is this is very non-linear physics so small changes in impact angle can have a disproportionate effect.

C0untZer0 · Dec 14, 2017

I know you've posted some cheap online ammo prices for HST before, but were you counting shipping costs in that ?

Also - I'm just putting forth an opinion here, but I'm guessing that where the HST and Ranger "T" really outshine the older designs is through windshield glass. Windshield glass can strip the jacket off the bullets of older designs while the newer designs were obviously created specifically to perform well through the glass barrier.

I agree that the performance is "not terrible", and there are many places where people simply can't receive ammo shipments. If they need ammo, they're going to have to go someplace to purchase it. Its more likely that there is a bus stop near a Walmart than a bus stop at a gun store, so I think this is a good option for some people.

There is ammo out there that is much more expensive - the G2 RIP ammo is more than 3 times as expensive as this 147gr WWB and not as effective, at least in my opinion.

5pins · Dec 14, 2017

Obviously, if you were to buy only one box then shipping would increase the price dramatically. If however, I buy 5 boxes of HST's online with shipping it's the same price per box, around $22. On the other hand, some people for a variety of reasons can't or won't buy online and so this would change the price comparison of the bargain and premium ammo.

bnolsen · Dec 14, 2017

Pleast toss some cheapo remington umc 115 jhps from walmart if you can, green and yellow box. They run 30usd for a box of 100.

I haven't seen many 147's that impress me much, especially with shorter barrels. Some people say 124's may be the optimal weight loading for 9mm. I guess it can depend on barrel length.

5pins · Dec 14, 2017

bnolsen said:
Pleast toss some cheapo remington umc 115 jhps from walmart if you can, green and yellow box. They run 30usd for a box of 100.

I haven't seen many 147's that impress me much, especially with shorter barrels. Some people say 124's may be the optimal weight loading for 9mm. I guess it can depend on barrel length.

I'm at an ammo buying pause for the time being. I have enough now to get me through the next 6 months or so and I'm going to have to buy some more gel soon.

Winchester "White Box" 147gr JHP in Clear Ballistics gel.

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