Ammo Test: Federal Personal Defense 230gr JHP

[Tally XD]

Ok, so I decided to do a series of ammo tests (non-scientific) just to kinda see the expansion characteristics of several different types of SD ammo. I know this isn't exact science and there are many variables that can alter the actual characteristics in other scenarios, but, it should give curious folks a small idea of what each ammo type does upon impact on soft tissue.

I have already posted about Hornady XTP .45 +P JHP.
Ammo test: Hornady XTP 230gr +P JHP

Here are the results from the Federal Personal Defense .45ACP 230gr JHP.

Test procedures:
I shot one round into a line of 4 laundry detergent jugs filled with water. I shot from 15 feet away into the center of the first jug. I also placed a fleece/cotton warmup jacket over the first jug just to simulate some light cool weather clothing.

The round penetrated all four jugs but stayed inside the fourth jug without going through.

Slug measurements after recovery:
-Squashed unevenly (due to trajectory I suppose).
-Shortest measurement was 10mm, highest was 12mm front to back (slug length).
-Diameter of the expansion was 18mm at the two widest points across.
-Jacket stayed "bonded" to the lead and did not peel back as the Hornady XTP did. Not sure if this means anything.
-Expansion and appearance was very much like the HydraShok only without the center post.


Here is the recovered slug.

[Fraggle]

Nice job! I love to see the members cooperating and sharing information.

Just a couple of suggestions:
1. A brief description of the testing procedure
2. A photo of the bullet before it was fired
3. A photo of the bullet after it was fired
4. Expanded diameter
5. Retained weight

You can also just lay the sample next to a see through ruler and take the picture in way where we can get a rough estimate of the diameter.

Good job and good effort, keep it up.

Frag

[Tally XD]

Thank you!

I added more pics.

I did post a brief description of the test procedure . . . line up the water jugs, stand 15 feet from first jug, fire into the center of first jug, recover slug from fourth jug


The only data I cannot currently record is the bullet weight before or after recovery. I will try to get a set of small scales somewhere. Would be nice to add this data, however unscientific my tests are.

[Fraggle]

Originally Posted by Tally XD

...I will try to get a set of small scales somewhere. Would be nice to add this data, however unscientific my tests are.

The prices for electronic scales is just unbelievable these days, it feels like the bottom is falling out on them. Here is the Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Electronic Powder Scale from Midway U.S.A. for $29.99

Here is a picture of it:

[Tally XD]

bump for newbies