I'm trying to pass along some information on the next tier of hollow points bullets everyone likes. Things were and still are a little tight on components, although Golden Sabers, Zero, Sierra, Montana Golds, Noslers, etc... seemed to be, when XTP's and Gold Dots weren't (tier 1).
Please post which one after those you like and maybe a bit about why they should be choice #3, #4, etc...
I think Raggedyman's recent Golden Saber tests might put it a cut above some of the others.
Yea the shortages have placed many as out of stock! The new fangled stuff is expensive like the 100% copper bullets.
Cutting Edge, Barnes, RIP G2
The 165 grain Golden Sabres have an excellent stop record in .40. I would imagine they would do even better in 10mm if not pushed past their breaking point.
Edit: The Noslers would be choice #2, and according to Doubletap they make a 200 grain bullet for 10mm speeds.
I am a Nosler person. If I could get my hands on the 200gr Nosler HP's those would be my EDC. Until then, my 180gr Gold Dots have the spot.
Personal Choice for reloads:
1) 200gr Nosler
2) 200gr XTP/HAP
3) 180gr Nosler
4) 180gr Gold Dot
5) 180gr XTP/HAP
Now, that is with my current EDC, FS1911/10mm
If I were carrying something in a 3.5" or shorter Barrel, I would consider switching to lower Grain rounds, but nothing less than 155gr.
One Golden Saber and one Nosler so far. Keep them coming!
Both Remington and Winchester used to have bulk JHP's, even the Golden Sabers & Silvertips used to be bulk buys.
Roze Dist. used to have the Zero bullets until the shortages and they seem to have not rebounded either.
It would be interesting to see Ranger T's, HST, Hydro and Hydra shok as components.
With the shift of so many Law Enforcement (including FBI) agencies back to 9mm, the companies will be positioning themselves to make contract runs of ammo. Seeing the Speer Gold Dot 2 in 9mm does show there is R&D that has been afforded to compete in this market.
Also with the self defense movement, the bullet makers are catering to make premium defensive bullets to supply demands. This is probably why the bulk projectiles have all but dried up...
It drove me to find cheaper alternatives like casting my own bullets.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/_The_Shadow/IMG_0386.jpg)
Then there are the heavier hitters...200 gr.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j441/_The_Shadow/Speer200_10mm.jpg)