Testing that FTX 200 gr. bullet in 45 ACP.......

[fortyshooter]

Was impressed with the results from my .45 Colt tests so wanted to try same bullet in the 45 ACP platform using my Hi Point Carbine.

So I think I have all my stuff together when I setup only to find I left the small Data Reader for the Magneto Speed unit at home!!
But on with the ballistic gel block test and this time 32 inches of test media with the 2 blocks.

First I had to check Zero with my Eotech sight with 230 gr. FMJ and then with the XTP 230 gr and the new FTX 200 gr. bullets. First shot showed the elevation was off a good bit and windage just a touch. After an adjustment some very nice 2 shot groups appear from 25 yds. The HiPoint despite it's low cost is a VERY good shooter! I chose 25 yds so as to get good shot placement on the 6x6 area of gel blocks.

Results were interesting as the 230 gr. XTP round expands to a greater size measuring .670 and seems to do most tearing within about 7 inches looking at the bullet path and then settles down with little disruption for a full 16 inch travel stopping at end of block.
The 200 gr. FTX penetrated 24 inches into the second block and from the looks of it's path was doing disruption for 14 inches with a smaller bullet expansion size of .540. Maybe the sharper edges of the pedals plus the higher speed of the bullet come into play.

Anyway the FTX bullet seems to like speeds of 1250+ for best expansion as seen in my 45 Colt/Henry Carbine test where as the heavier slower 230 XTP is happy with 850-950 being designed for the typical .45 ACP handgun.
However I think the 200 gr. FTX would do the job in the HiPoint Carbine especially when I can still find these on the shelf at the LGS.

I did try both bullets in my Springfield XDE pistol with 3.3 barrel from 25 ft. and results were about same with the XTP showing full expansion with 16 inch travel and the 200 gr. FTX with less expansion but 4 more inches of penetration.
Will stick with the XTP for use in .45 ACP handguns and use the 200 FTX for hotter .45 Colt use in the Henry or the beefy Ruger BH.

[JEBar]

based on all you've seen and touched, what are your bottom line impressions

[fortyshooter]

based on all you've seen and touched, what are your bottom line impressions

Well the 200 gr.FTX bullet would work very well in "Ruger" 45 Colt loads for use in the Ruger Blackhawk type revolvers and the Henry rifles even though it's construction was for the more powerful SW 460 Does an interesting job in .45 ACP Carbines too when you can't find the good Hornady 230-250 XTP bullets now days. These bullets aimed at Self Defense or Hunting use and of course the FMJ or the 230 gr. plated bullets for target use.

Was a test to see how this bullet would work when you can still find them around some gun shops when you might be getting low on the XTP type bullet. One thing for sure they all make leaking holes with some larger than others!

Hopefully within 6 months the Horandy XTP 230 bullets will be available again. I think that bullet would work great in typical 45 Colt standard pressure revolver use....like my S&W Model 25-7 !

[BigAl52]

Looks good Forty. Seeing your high point makes me wanna get the PC carbine out again. I like that Ruger PC in 40 S&W

[Headhog]

Nice report Forty. I'm really impressed with the expansion of the XTP round. That 850-950 fps is very achievable in a 45 ACP round. In my mind that would make it a very good choice for someone carrying a 1911.

Paul

[fortyshooter]

Nice report Forty. I'm really impressed with the expansion of the XTP round. That 850-950 fps is very achievable in a 45 ACP round. In my mind that would make it a very good choice for someone carrying a 1911.

Paul

Yep...that's what I carry in my XDE and would use in my 1911. That 6-6.5 gr. Unique looks very accurate in the HiPoint Carbine too!

[Headhog]

Nice report Forty. I'm really impressed with the expansion of the XTP round. That 850-950 fps is very achievable in a 45 ACP round. In my mind that would make it a very good choice for someone carrying a 1911.

Paul

Yep...that's what I carry in my XDE and would use in my 1911. That 6-6.5 gr. Unique looks very accurate in the HiPoint Carbine too!

My wife carries and XDE but it's a 9mm. Now the XDE in 45 ACP - thats the bomb.

Paul

[fortyshooter]

Nice report Forty. I'm really impressed with the expansion of the XTP round. That 850-950 fps is very achievable in a 45 ACP round. In my mind that would make it a very good choice for someone carrying a 1911.

Paul

Yep...that's what I carry in my XDE and would use in my 1911. That 6-6.5 gr. Unique looks very accurate in the HiPoint Carbine too!

My wife carries and XDE but it's a 9mm. Now the XDE in 45 ACP - thats the bomb.

Paul

What I like about it is it's a bit more compact and lighter than my SR 1911...has great sights...and can be setup cocked and locked or use decocker with hammer down and a longer DA revolver like trigger pull on first shot which is how I carry it.