Lately, the Internet has been positively afire with fierce debate about the Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing Lehigh fracturing bulletsBullets. The camps are divided much like the ancient tribes of 9mm and .45 ACP. While this feud is relatively new, battle lines are drawn, the trenches have been cut deeply and the respective sides are firmly dug in. There are those that claim that the bullet fails to meet any objective requirement for pistol ammunition and there are those who argue that the requirements for pistol ammunition are really just based on what is needed to achieve adequate performance for a traditional copper jacketed lead bullet and that it is ridiculous to apply those standards to this new technology. We will not attempt to settle the debate but rather we will attempt an unbiased look at the actual performance of the bullet.
The rest is here:
http://www.homedefensegun.net/fracturing-bullets/ (http://www.homedefensegun.net/fracturing-bullets/)
I thought it was pretty good performance. Good expansion and deep penetration.
I think both sides have some merit. I'll continue to carry Gold Dots for personal defense and 200 gr XTP for the woods.
Andrew, Thank you, its a great article and these new fangled 100% copper designer bullet like Lehigh, Barnes, Oath and Cutting Edge do work as designed and places that do not allow lead bullets for hunting I can see where these offer a respectable place in the field. They are primarily designed as a defensive projectile and they meet those goals with their radical expanding and extra cutting effects by their design. Let's put it this way, I wouldn't want to be hit by any of them...
But I still stand on the premise that the cast hollow point can be just as efficient as seen by the Devastator HP's and other HP mold designs, making them a very cost effective, where mere pennies get you on target. ;D
Initially somewhat doubtful about the whole concept (based on similarity to ridiculous RIP..off Ammo hype we've all been exposed to over last year; and to be honest the price point). However, after Andrew's 10mm test and some other testing we've seen (magnum & rifle calibers), I have to admit to being pretty impressed with the terminal ballistics in simulated media of the technology.
With that stipulated, completely agree that it's A BAD choice (IMO) for possible defense situation indoors or
in town. Level of penetration could really become problematic and consequential in manny respects.
Think prospects are much better in the various Great Outdoors scenarios. Expect it would likely make a very effective hunting round for small to medium size game. Although outside "No Lead" geographies; lots of other very effective and economical options to choose from.
Maybe it boils down to how your choice of ammunition makes you feel about yourself. Does it come down to branding? Timex basically keeps you on time during the day as well as Rolex. Apple computers don't necessarily process information faster or better than HP's or Dell's.
My take is that it depends on the caliber in question. I feel that offering of the 140gr for a 10mm takes it out of the homedefense and more into woods defense, but, in a .40sw it could very well be a good home defense round. The seperation aspect to me is the nature of the beast. If, I were only allowed an all copper bullet, then imho, this is the design to use.