.45 acp SD HP Q

[SSN Vet]

What is considered to be the current king of the hill for SD bullets for use in .45 acp?


Gold Dots?
XTP?
or something that I'm not aware of?

Can Winchester's new version of the Black Talon bullet be purchased for reloading?

230 gr or 185-200 gr

I haven't followed the debate in several years and am wondering if there's anything new going on out there.

 

[KirkP]

I personally like XTP pellets. You can buy them for reloading.

 

[Ex]

Gold dots are always good as are some others.

The industry has had some real improvements in projectile design in the past few years as is always shown in the new years FBI ballistic tests.

Border Patrol and DHS used to use Golden Sabers. We all know they work well. They have changed to Federal. None of the guys like the Federals because they are so dirty.

Bottom line, any of the major brands work well today. I am reluctant to fall in line with any of the fashion of the day ammo though as it's PROHIBITIVELY expensive. I simply refuse to pay $3 a rd.

Gold dots or more specifically, Golden Sabers are still my preferred commercial ammo. Still have a bunch of Sabers in stock, but honestly, I carry Zero''s. Especially in .45 JHP, but also in .40 and 10mm. I have also have very pleasing performance with the Zero SJHP 158 .357 projectiles.

 

[SSN Vet]

I've loaded 230 gr. Golden Sabers (feed super reliable) as well as 230 gr. XTP

I'm thinking of restocking, so I thought I'd ask.


I never tried Gold Dots as I could never get them...


Does Hornady sell the HST for reloaders?

I don't think Winchester ever did sell their HPs for reloaders... or do they now do so?

 

[gamestalker]

I don't load 45 acp, but as far as S.D. projectile are concerned, I've been loading more Gold Dot's, XTP's, and Nosler JHP's than any of the other's. I've tried Golden Saber's, but I always have difficulty finding them, bummer cause they have performed quite well, and are fairly economical for a JHP.

Of the above mentioned, Gold Dots have performed best at S.D. velocities with regard to expansion and integrity, they never fragment. XTP's have been very good also, but they will separate under certain circumstances. Nosler's aren't bad, but they are far more prone to jacket separation than XTP's.

Noslers are a bit less expensive than XTP's, and XTP's are less expensive than Gold Dots. The last time I found Golden Saber's they were very economical in comparison to any of the above.

GS

 

[DeepSouth]

I shoot gold dots but like most all bonded bullets.
I don't think you'll find a real consensus on which is the "best"

 

[moxie]

Speer Gold Dots, or Fed. HST. Both in 230, non+P

 

[cheygriz]

IMHO, Winchester Ranger "T" series FACTORY for carry ammo. RA45TA.

Effective, reliable, and approved by the D.A. and your attorney.

 

[MightyMO1911]

I will throw another one out there. The Sierra 230grain jhp. Huge, deep cavity that expands wonderfully. In my gun, pushed with Unique, I found a load with an SD under 10 and flying over 900fps.

 

[Hondo 60]

My personal fav is XTPs.
But I'm sure others like the GDHPs are just fine too.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a fan of the Winchester Silvertip ammo and Speer Gold Dot ammo, BUT, for the most part it's still hard to find SD ammo. IMO most or all the current commercial ammo out there is good, I would try to find the one that's most accurate and reliable in your handgun and that's what I would go with.

 

[Will-j]

New Jersey/Hollowpoint Ammo

I have a simple question which has been bothering me for some time.

IF...you filled the large cavity of some [factory] hollowpoint ammo with a BB ( either super glue or epoxy), will it still be considered a "hollowpoint" bullet?

I'm not asking if it will expand or not...just the legal aspect of the filled cavity, and whether or not it would be considered "homemade" ammo if ever used in a SD situation.

No smart remarks, please. Just some serious responses.

WILL.

 

[moxie]

Seriously bad idea. The bullet will likely not expand so you've now got an expensive, less accurate, FMJ. Cops would likely laugh themselves silly. Seriously.

 

[Walkalong]

Serious answer. If this is being done to get around legislation, I doubt it would fly, but you would need to check with a lawyer who is familiar with local laws. At THR we promote obeying the law. If one doesn't like one, work to get it changed.

 

[Delmar]

Probably best to do your own testing as firearms will vary as to accuracy and speed. For my Colts, I find the 200 grain Hornady XTP and same weight Gold Dots are a bit more accurate than the 230 grain.
The Hornady is easier to find in my particular area and are cheaper. They tend to penetrate a bit deeper but I get bigger/faster expansion out of the Gold Dot. Either one should do the job pretty well.

 

[BigBore45]

if you need a expanding fmj here it is


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/62...l-metal-jacket-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

[buck460XVR]

Most any quality SD HP sold/distributed by major manufacturers will perform as intended. The "best" one is the one that is most accurate in your SD firearm. The exception is standard Plated HP bullets. The exception to this is the GDs.