Brass Fetcher
Member
Well, this is it - I have completed one of my major goals with gelatin testing. This is to find a IWBA-compliant (bullet goes 12" + in gelatin) for the Kel-Tec P32, using stock factory components...!
The load is this : Magtech cases, CCI SPP, 85gr Hornady XTP and N310 powder. 2.0gr of N310 was used, and COL = 0.982".
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Cartridge : Handloaded 85gr Hornady XTP
Firearm : Kel-Tec P32
Block calibration : All depths corrected (From 11.1cm @ 605 ft/sec)
Shot impacted at 852 ft/sec, penetrated to 13.9" and was recovered at 0.358" average diameter. The bullet exited the block at 13.9" and was recovered at ~ 0.1" into polyester bullet catch box. This is to say that the penetration of the tested bullet would not exceed 14.0" in ballistic gelatin.
Yes, I know that the expansion was not the greatest... greater performance can be had by the 71gr and 76gr XTPs.... but you have to make those by lathe or by grinding the base of a 85gr XTP. And I can't imagine how that would play out in court...! I would stick with the 85gr - they can be bought all day long from reloading component manufacturers.
The load is this : Magtech cases, CCI SPP, 85gr Hornady XTP and N310 powder. 2.0gr of N310 was used, and COL = 0.982".
============================
Cartridge : Handloaded 85gr Hornady XTP
Firearm : Kel-Tec P32
Block calibration : All depths corrected (From 11.1cm @ 605 ft/sec)
Shot impacted at 852 ft/sec, penetrated to 13.9" and was recovered at 0.358" average diameter. The bullet exited the block at 13.9" and was recovered at ~ 0.1" into polyester bullet catch box. This is to say that the penetration of the tested bullet would not exceed 14.0" in ballistic gelatin.
Yes, I know that the expansion was not the greatest... greater performance can be had by the 71gr and 76gr XTPs.... but you have to make those by lathe or by grinding the base of a 85gr XTP. And I can't imagine how that would play out in court...! I would stick with the 85gr - they can be bought all day long from reloading component manufacturers.