A few weeks ago I was out shooting water jugs and paper and decided I would do the obligatory water jug bullet expansion test. I had my Fusion 10mm CCO and loaded it with Underwood's 180 grain Delta Elite Gold Dot load. Lined up 6 jugs, got down on my belly about 5 yards away, shot, and watched water and plastic fly everywhere. Bullet penetrated the 4th jug, hit the rear wall, pierced it, but did not exit. Pic below shows expansion.
Decided to compare the 10mm round to a Federal HST in 45acp (non +p), loaded in my Chambers Custom 5" 1911. Lined up 5 jugs, got down on my belly again, shot, and watched water and plastic fly everywhere again. Bullet literally "dropped out" of the rear wall of the 3rd jug onto the ground. Expansion below.
I realize that water jugs are not a good medium for expansion tests, but in a field with nothing but me, my truck and some shooting gear this was the best I could do. Besides, it was fun!
Enjoy the pic. Gold Dot on the left (duh).
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I second the fun part! 8)
Thanks for sharing.
I wish they would carry the lines over even the 10mm caliber :(
Cool. Thanks. Any data is good data, I say. This really shows how much more water deforms the higher velocity rounds. My 180 gr Gold Dot hand load at 1,137 fps expanded much more normally and looked almost perfect except for one petal was bent in closer to the shank.
I really wish the HST was available as a component. That sure is a mean lookin' bullet.
Do you have any all Coppers you can test? I'm waiting on Kevin but may have to twist some other ears. Maybe I could lean on PBR to supply it?
Gold Dot HPs are all I have...except for a few Swamp Fox with nothing to shoot them out of.