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45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
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- Cowhand
- Posts: 214
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2016 1:23 pm
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45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
I'm thinking of trying some LDXP bullets in my 45 LC Henry All Weather. They're 250gr. and 452 dia. My question is, the Lehigh load data shows 21gr.(min) 1055 fps to 21.5gr.(max) 1210 fps. While, for the same weight and dia. XTP bullet the loadings are 25.7 gr. (min) 1398 fps.to 26.5 gr. (max) 1455 fps.--- all which are pistol loadings (Hornady 8th Edition) . I'm kinda new to reloading. Do you think I could use the Hornady loadings safely for these LDXP bullets ? Thanx in advance for your time, help and or experience with these bullets.
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- Rifletom
- Deputy Marshal
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Re: 45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
A little caution here: The Hornady XTP is copper jacketed lead while the Lehigh LDXP is solid copper. I'll wait to see if others here have input regarding use in rifle. Good luck and be safe.
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Re: 45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
Yeah, 40shooter has done some loading with lehigh, IIRC they are the same weight, but same OAL as a 300 grain led bullet, which means less case capacity.
yeah looking at their data the 250 grain Lehigh defense are 0.840 long
hornaday xtp 250 are 0.665
That is the difference in the case capacity that you are seeing. If you use xtp data you will likely have a compressed load, and possibly stupidly high pressure.
yeah looking at their data the 250 grain Lehigh defense are 0.840 long
hornaday xtp 250 are 0.665
That is the difference in the case capacity that you are seeing. If you use xtp data you will likely have a compressed load, and possibly stupidly high pressure.
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- fortyshooter
- Ranch Foreman
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Re: 45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
I tried those in the lighter weight for speed increase at near max load and the gel block did not show any massive wound channel. The 230 gr. XTP bullet did just as well and cheaper to buy. You really need some speed behind those trick bullets for them to work.
I figured in a very short barrel application like my 3 inch Bond Arms derringer the Lehigh bullet would do more damage at 1100 FPS compared to the slower 230 XTP bullet. Well as you can see not much difference at all in the gel block. I will stick with the 230 XTP bullet in this application.
Now in a rifle the 120 gr. Lehigh might show more damage at higher speed. Might try that test next time.
I figured in a very short barrel application like my 3 inch Bond Arms derringer the Lehigh bullet would do more damage at 1100 FPS compared to the slower 230 XTP bullet. Well as you can see not much difference at all in the gel block. I will stick with the 230 XTP bullet in this application.
Now in a rifle the 120 gr. Lehigh might show more damage at higher speed. Might try that test next time.
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- 45 colt lehigh 120 gr penetrator vs 230 gr xtp both went 16+ inch.jpg (103.82 KiB) Viewed 413 times
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- 45 colt lehigh 120 penetrator vs 230 gr XTP.jpg (131.07 KiB) Viewed 413 times
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Re: 45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
I would agree with Rifletom's caution. I would not go there without working my way up very slowly. Pressures can spike very quickly with some different bullets.
Paul
Paul
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Re: 45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
DsGrouse makes a good point. the case capacities based on the COALs will be different. If you want to use LDXP bullets, use their loading recommendations and work your way up as always.
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- Cowhand
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- Location: Long Island, NY (WELFARE STATE)
Re: 45 LC-- Lehigh Defense XP bullets
Thanx, everyone for your input and help. I think I'll pass on reloading these in my 45LC for a while. I'll stick with what I have proven to be good performers for me.
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