147 gr sxt

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hammerclaw56

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i bought some 147 sxt in the 20 rd . box yesterday, what are your thoughts on using this as a conceal carry round in a ruger lc9. Its not plus p but standard pressure.I read this forum every morning and I like the advise given I don't always agree but thats what life is about (opinions).
 
Very accurate and light recoil. Ranger (LE) version comes 50 to a box at the same price. Find some online. Ranger version is tested for expansion, from what I have been told, the civilian SXT in not tested for expansion. Many folks here recommend Federal HST for defense. Whatever you carry, test it in your gun before trusting it.
 
Not a big fan of heavy 147gr 9mm loads in short 3" barrels. In the testing I've done you loose around 100 fps when compared to a service pistol barrel of 4 to 5". This brings the velocity of the 147gr bullets to below 900 fps and reduces the chances for the bullet to expand.

A bullet that has at least a 1,100 fps velocity from a service pistol would be a better choice IMO so Winchester 124gr PDX1's and most of the 124gr and 115gr JHP's are my choice is short barreled 9's.
 
I wouldn't recommend 147 gr. bullets for PD, particularly with a short barrel,(3.12"), such as the Ruger´s LC 9. I think you will be better served with 124gr. or 115gr.
 
Repost of a reply directly from Winchester. I personally like the Ranger T series 9mm round in 147.

Winchester LE Ammo:

When we redesigned the Ranger T Series of ammunition we widened the velocity window under which the round would expand to allow for the slower velocities that shorter than standard barrels produce. What this means is that if you own a standard or sub compact pistol the round should have adequate expansion. In 9mm I would recommend the 147 grain bullet as it loses a lower velocity percentage than the faster lighter bullet in shorter than normal barrels. This is because the bullet has more dwell time in the bore and has a greater opportunity to burn the powder before the bullet exits the bore. Powder that is burned outside the bore does nothing for velocity. The lighter faster bullets generally have more powder to burn and since the lighter faster bullets have less time in the bore they are not efficient burners of powder in the shorter barrels.

We increased the velocity window under which the round would expand by increasing the size of the hollowpoint, tweaking the jacket thickness and the depth of the cuts on the inside of the jacket petal segments.

Sincerely,

Paul Nowak
Senior Technical Specialist
Winchester Law Enforcement Ammunition
 
Repost of a reply directly from Winchester. I personally like the Ranger T series 9mm round in 147.

Winchester LE Ammo:

When we redesigned the Ranger T Series of ammunition we widened the velocity window under which the round would expand to allow for the slower velocities that shorter than standard barrels produce. What this means is that if you own a standard or sub compact pistol the round should have adequate expansion. In 9mm I would recommend the 147 grain bullet as it loses a lower velocity percentage than the faster lighter bullet in shorter than normal barrels. This is because the bullet has more dwell time in the bore and has a greater opportunity to burn the powder before the bullet exits the bore. Powder that is burned outside the bore does nothing for velocity. The lighter faster bullets generally have more powder to burn and since the lighter faster bullets have less time in the bore they are not efficient burners of powder in the shorter barrels.

We increased the velocity window under which the round would expand by increasing the size of the hollowpoint, tweaking the jacket thickness and the depth of the cuts on the inside of the jacket petal segments.

Sincerely,

Paul Nowak
Senior Technical Specialist
Winchester Law Enforcement Ammunition
That e-mail refers to the Ranger-T series of bullets, not the previous generation of Ranger bullets known as "SXT."
 
My three SD rounds of choice for a compact or sub-compact are the Fed HST 124 gr +P, Winchester Ranger T 124 gr +P and Winchester T 147 gr.

I think the SXT are ok, but there are better SD rounds available without spending a lot more $. The HST's are only $28 for a box of 50.
 
Thanks Much

From what I just read from the factory rep.I think that maybe it might be a decent CC round , I think I'll do some testing but it sounds ok,I still have some 124 gr gold dots ,I just got a box of these at a deal ,and thought I would might as well see want you guys thought I'm not locked into these rounds.Thanks Much.
 
From what I just read from the factory rep.I think that maybe it might be a decent CC round , I think I'll do some testing but it sounds ok,I still have some 124 gr gold dots ,I just got a box of these at a deal ,and thought I would might as well see want you guys thought I'm not locked into these rounds.Thanks Much.
The Ranger SXT bullet is not the same as the Ranger-T bullet. I wouldn't make any decisions based on that e-mail because it doesn't refer to the rounds you had mentioned, specifically the 147gr Ranger SXT.
 
I feel the 357 SIG in 147 is a good choice, feel the 124/5 grain to be a good one for the 9mm...Velocity and expansion is important for many:confused:

Many feel the heavier bullet is best:confused: to be honest... NATO 124 in fmj has good penetration and if in vital area, will do the job very well:)

Not sure the small amount of weight between the 147 and 124 is really significant to be honest...Practice your ability to hit what you are shooting at, is my vote for confidence, in stopping something you are aiming at:)

On paper you can argue it till the cows come home, what do most LEO orgs shoot is something to take into consideration...HP being one that is not a good penetrating bullet, has its up side and down side;)

It is a pistol and hitting vitals is important, if bullet does not get there what good is it:uhoh:

Regards
 
The SXT is the old Ranger Talon without the claws. The hollow cavity is the same, as are the cuts in the jacket. The new Ranger Talon has a different, bigger, hollow point and I think is more likely to expand when going through clothing.
 
The LA County Sheriff's Department used them in all of their service semi-autos. So, it is a good round. I would test for expansion in a short barell though.
 
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