Barnes XPB 140 gr vs Lehigh Extreme Penetrator 140 gr out of 357 Magnum Revolver For Wild Boar

[d3adrock]

Hello, everyone, I've been trying to find data on what bullet is better suited for the purposes of wild boar. The two bullets I'm trying to compare are the Barnes XPB 140gr vs the Lehigh Extreme Penetrator 140gr. Both are out of a 357 magnum with a 5 1/4" barrel. Both shoot good groups as far as placement goes, which makes sense since they are both solid copper and 140gr. I use the same powder charge for both averaging around 1500fps; the only variable is the bullet.

I am confident in the expansion characteristics of the Barnes XPB bullets since I have tested them in gel and they expand reliably. However when they encounter bone etc I am concerned of deviation or lack of penetration. The Lehigh extreme Penetrator seems like a good alternative on that front but I am somewhat wary of the new technology and fluid dynamic claims of the flutes. Does anyone have any opinions or experience with them that you'd be willing to share?

Any help or info is much appreciated. Thanks!


PS: For those that say that a 357 magnum is insufficient for such a task, it is what I am comfortable shooting and shoot best. I will not be switching to 44 magnum or any other caliber/platform for this task. Please keep discussion based around the topic of the performance of the two aforementioned bullets.

 

[CraigC]

The Barnes is a good one unless the hogs are going to be huge. The expand well and hold together. After seeing them in action, I think the Xtreme Penetrator is a gimmick. Better served with a heavier WFN.

 

[BreechFace]

The Barnes is a good one unless the hogs are going to be huge. The expand well and hold together. After seeing them in action, I think the Xtreme Penetrator is a gimmick. Better served with a heavier WFN.

What was your experience with the Xtreme Penetrators?

I, like you thought the cupped flutes imparting tissue damage was gimmicky, but what do I know?

 

[Kevinq6]

I think I would use the barnes XPB and be careful with placement on large boars. The barnes should penetrate better than the 10mm version that I have seen do less than 12in in gel. The .357 magnum version has more sectional density.

I believe the xtreme penetrator fluid dynamics is mostly hype at 1500fps. But you have a non-lead solid shaped like a hardcast, with a good shot you could hunt with it like you would a hardcast. I think if you were using the 65gr .357 sig leaving at 2200fps that it might matter. I've wanted to test that but haven't been able to pistol hunt lately.

Some boars are no joke, I shot one (admittedly through both shoulders but only hitting one bone) with a 180gr accubond in .308 and found it poking out the skin on the opposite side. So I recommend a lung/heart/head shot if using the XPB.

If you get something I'd love to hear an update on how either of these rounds performed.

 

[CraigC]

What was your experience with the Xtreme Penetrators?

I, like you thought the cupped flutes imparting tissue damage was gimmicky, but what do I know?

Less tissue damage than an LBT design and not that great at penetration due to the lighter weight. Their WFN is a much better game bullet but I think the smallest one is a .40.