Underwood 135gr Nosler JHP’s for carry purposes

[Kenk]

I contacted Underwood yesterday regarding the aprx penetration of their 135gr Nosler JHP's. They told me that according to their tests, I should expect aprx 12-13 inches. My concern was at 1600 FPS, over penetration would be a huge problem for carry purposes...apparently not : )
Thanks

Ken

BALLISTICS INFORMATION
Muzzle Velocity: 1600 fps
Muzzle Energy: 767 ft lbs

[The_Shadow]

The JHP style bullets when driven faster than the normally design envelope will usually expand faster and as such they expend their energy faster usually with less penetration.
Many factors can change those dynamics depending on what and how the bullet encounters various materials and or barriers.
Many people think of the human or animal body as a gelatin when in fact it has many hollow organs and various bone densities from hard to softer more pliable.   

[Rojo27]

I contacted Underwood yesterday regarding the aprx penetration of their 135gr Nosler JHP's. They told me that according to their tests, I should expect aprx 12-13 inches. My concern was at 1600 FPS, over penetration would be a huge problem for carry purposes...apparently not : )

That in "their tests" part is the VERY dubious element to me.   
A number of Underwood 135gr Nosler JHP tests can be found online and don't recall ever seeing one reach 12" in clear ballistics gel or the even better, properly calibrated FBI ordinance gel.  The opposite of over penetration is going the potential problem with this load (as Shadow explains).  1600fps for a non bonded, conventional nosler bullet has explosive (shallow) results.  There is a video online purported to show a hunter using 135gr Underwood Nosler JHP stop running hog.  There also used to members on this forum that advocated its use for SD.  However, not for me.  Copper projectile driven to those speeds is going to retain weight and likely reach the depth I'm looking for in a SD choice.  Personally far from convinced the 135gr Nosler by Underwood will consistently do it.  YMMV.

Good luck! 

[Kenk]

Thanks guy's, I'm still undecided on using the UW 135 for carry, but should be fun for general shooting. I may just stick with my current rd, Sig's 180GR, Elite V-Crown. Below is the brief response from UW

We typically see 12-13" of penetration from them. Enjoy!

Underwood Technicians <ammotechs@underwoodammo.com

[Rick R]

A friend of mine is USPSA shooter and a proponent of the long loaded .40S&W in a compensated 5" CZ75 clone. He uses the 135gr Nosler driven to stupid velocity to make the comp work.  A few years ago during deer season someone hit and injured a small buck behind his house then drove off.  He took his blaster down and administered a coup d'gras, aiming thru the shoulder.   With one ham destroyed by vehicular impact and both front shoulders destroyed by the .40 he only ended up with backstraps and burger.  The bullet didn't exit.

It sounds a bit too fragile for self defense use to me. 

[Kenk]

Thanks Rick

[Kenk]

Ok, I'm opening myself up to all kind of trouble here, but here goes. So, UW's 10mm / 135 grainer is to light to accomplishing a quick and humane Whitetail kill...as we all know, and not necessarily suited for SD / carry purposes, so where is the value found in this rd at $17.00 for a box of 20, other than the incredibly awesome time shooting it?

[Rick R]

There is the "Gee Whiz!" factor probably accompanied by much sound and fury.   

IMHO They would be better for self defense than most any cartridge that began with .3" if you could shoot them well.  Hitting an assailant in the forearm might not end with enough penetration to make it thru the arm and into the vitals. And people who are attacking frequently have an arm or two in front of them.  The 135gr loads might not be a horrible choice for use where you might be shooting in a crowd to limit over penetration. Maybe...  They wouldn't be a great choice around vehicles or other barriers.

[sqlbullet]

I bet they would be a great varmint round on something like a possum or maybe a potgut.

[Kenk]

Bet it would work great for a 20 yard coyote shot too, which isn't uncommon when in my blind calling them in 😀