Hi guys, i recently made the dive into 10mm and am loving it. I've been reading the forum for a while, but decided to sign up today as I ordered some of the federal 165efmj pull downs from RMR and havent been able to find much of anything on the web in terms of how this bullet performs in 10mm (or on load data for that matter).
I'm in the process of developing a solid load for deer season this fall and think the 165efmj could be a good option. I have some 200gr xtp nuclear loads put together that i'll be hopefully testing out this weekend (should be in the 1200-1300 fps neighborhood using 800X out of a 6" barrel), but I'm wondering if anyone has loaded up and tested the 165gr efmj in 10mm yet.
I'm thinking that should the 165 stand up to 1400-1500 fps velocities and not grenade, it should expand significantly while penetrating just enough to be acceptable. Of course this would be something I'd verify before trying to use it on game.
Anyone develop a load for these? Also curious as to how these stack up in terms of OAL--havent measured them yet but i wouldnt be surprised if they have a similar length to 180gr bullets given their different construction. Could be totally wrong on this though. Thanks (and apologies for the wall of text)
tm965, Welcome to the forum!
I had looked at the Federal Expanding FMJ they had and they do appear to be longer that the standard FMJ of the same weight. They would occupy the space inside the casing so charge weights may need to be reduced or use loads for the longer heavier bullets like the 180gr or 200gr (whichever is closest in total length) and be happy with the speed that yields for you.
Best regards, :D
Had a chance to get out and shoot today, so I figured id share my results. Did some "scientific" ballistic testing with water jugs. I lined 4 up in a row and fired the following loads at them from about 15 feet:
- 200gr xtp loaded w/ 9.4gr 800x
- 180gr HST loaded w/ 9.5gr 800x
- 165gr EFMJ loaded with w/ 9.5gr 800x
Results were as follows:
XTP: the first shot blew through all 4 jugs and didn't leave behind any fragments to my surprise. Later on I lined up 3 jugs, a 2 liter, and a couple of salvageable jugs that would hold enough water length wise... Again blew right through all of them. I'll have to try this load again with a at least 6 jugs
HST: round made it into the 4th jug and dented the backside. I found fragments in the first two just. Retained weight was 157gr, max expansion was .868", smallest point was .70
EFMJ: round made into the 3rd jug and clearly tried to punch through the back of it to no avail. Retained weight was 163.9gr and had consistent expansion of .698". Based on the spent casings I think I can push this load a bit further and hopefully get it into 4th jug territory. Given that .45 +p HSTs and ranger t's tend to only penetrate 3 jugs, I'd be comfortable using the Efmj load on deer if I can get it to 4 jug territory. The xtp is the clear choice for now.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/1815/xD5lqx.jpg)
Yes, it takes 5 gallon jugs to stop the 200 XTP, some have stuck through the 4th jug's back wall some make it into the 5th... ;D Some of my non expanding cast bullets have gone through 6 jugs... :o
Those EFMJ's are an interesting design concept. 8)
You might actually get LESS penetration if you push the bullet faster.
Shadow, if you've done quite a few water tests, can you send me the results? I'd really like to correlate water to gelatin where we have the same load tested or at least the same bullet at similar velocity.