Browning 9mm 147gr BXP in Clear Ballistics Gel

[5pins]

Test Gun: Sig P229, Kahr MK9.
Barrel length: 3.9, 3 inches.
Ammunition: Browning 147gr BXP X-Point
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 947, 907 fps
Gel Temperature 70 degrees.

On a recent trip to Cabela's, I walked through the ammunition section like I always do, and decided to pick up something new to try. One of them was the Browning 9mm 147gr BXP round. It comes in a 20 round box and it was priced at $17.99.


From the Sig P229, I got an average velocity of 947fps with a high of 954fps and a low of 940fps. The Kahr MK9 gave me an average velocity of 907fps with a high of 913fps and a low of 902fps.


Ten yards off hand five shots with the Sig P229

The first round from the Sig hit the bare gel block at 964fps and penetrated to 18.5 inches. The recovered expansion was .49 inches and it lost considerable weight coming in at 133.4 grains. Round number two had a velocity of 940fps and penetrated to 18.75 inches. Recovered weight was 144.2 grains and it expanded to .56 inches.



Shooting through the heavy clothing the Sig two rounds had a velocity of 956 and 934fps and both passed through both gel blocks.

From the Kahr, in bare gel, the first round had a velocity of 917fps and penetrated to 16.5 inches. The recovered diameter was .54 inches and the recovered weight was 144.8 grains. Round number two's velocity was 896fps and its penetration was 18 inches. The recovered weight was 136.8 grains and the diameter was .46 inches.

 

[JR24]

Seems pretty poor, but that's stuffs just supposed to be range fodder anyway right?

 

[Riomouse911]

Ya, not very impressive performance. I’m rather disappointed in Browning’s namesake JHP.

Thanks for the results.

 

[Browning]

Seems pretty poor, but that's stuffs just supposed to be range fodder anyway right?

JHP range fodder for $17.99 per 20 rds?

Not when JHP is available for far less. Unless you’re in a upper six or lower seven figure career and you just have money to burn.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...eral-classic-hi-shok-115-grain-jhp-hollow-poi

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...-grain-jhp-hollow-point-ammo-independence-mad

https://www.sgammo.com/product/winc...-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-winchester-ammo-

 

[JR24]

JHP range fodder for $17.99 per 20 rds?

Not when JHP is available for far less. Unless you’re in a upper six or lower seven figure career and you just have money to burn.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...eral-classic-hi-shok-115-grain-jhp-hollow-poi

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...-grain-jhp-hollow-point-ammo-independence-mad

https://www.sgammo.com/product/winc...-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-winchester-ammo-

I for some reason was thinking it was per 50, and that's still bad.

Then again I haven't shot range ammo I haven't loaded myself in years.

 

[Browning]

I for some reason was thinking it was per 50, and that's still bad.

Then again I haven't shot range ammo I haven't loaded myself in years.

I’ve reloaded .223, but not 9mm.

For inexpensive bulk FMJ 9mm ammo you can get it for 0.16 cents a rd/$7.95 for 50 rds/$159 per 1000 rds. So it’s inexpensive enough that it isn’t worth my time. I’d rather shoot when I’m off.

I do shoot some bulk JHP’s made domestically and that’s typically Federal or Winchester for about 10 cents more around (0.26 or 0.27 cents). You can find some foreign JHP fodder for cheaper (0.20-0.22 a rd), but I wouldn’t count on it to always open up.

Judging by that group I’m not too impressed by either its accuracy or it’s mediocre expansion. You can get bulk Winchester or Federal that does the same thing for far less.

 

[JR24]

I enjoy reloading so I load all my range ammo and most of my hunting ammo. I enjoy loading almost as much as shooting, probably because that's dad's quiet time in a life of two toddlers.

My current batch of RMR "multi purpose" 124 grain JHP loaded to about 1100-1150 fps are costing me $0.14/per, which is pretty good when you don't particularly care for 115 grain blasting ammo and prefer to practice with rounds that emulate carry loads.

 

[Browning]

I enjoy reloading so I load all my range ammo and most of my hunting ammo. I enjoy loading almost as much as shooting, probably because that's dad's quiet time in a life of two toddlers.

My current batch of RMR "multi purpose" 124 grain JHP loaded to about 1100-1150 fps are costing me $0.14/per, which is pretty good when you don't particularly care for 115 grain blasting ammo and prefer to practice with rounds that emulate carry loads.

Sure. Depends on your situation.

My son would blast or worm his way into my quiet time though.

That’s a good price for JHP’s.

Which bullet are you using?

 

[JR24]

https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bul...hollow-point-multi-purpose-round-bullets-new/

They feed in my guns and are reasonably accurate (I'm no bullseye shooter), probably wouldn't want them for carry ammo unless you used a .357 Sig as they say you need 1200 fps for reliable expansion.

I love RMR for all my bullets and all their in house bullets I've tried have been good, and very reasonably priced.

 

[tipoc]

Thanks for the report 5pins. Lets me know this ammo is acceptable for personal defense. I'll have to get a box or two and try it in my own guns.

tipoc