Springfield XDE 45 ACP load test......

[fortyshooter]

Got out to my range today to test the Hornady 230 gr. XTP bullet loaded over 6.5 Unique powder.
My chrony did not want to function today due to low angle of the sun but that load should be moving around 850-880 FPS.

Water jugs consisted of two 1 gal. jugs and 3 Half gallon jugs with sand packed around the sides.
The bullet stopped in the 5th jug as you can see. Target distance was about 20 ft. typical self defense distance.

Was very pleased with the 6 shot group and that the rounds functioned well thru the XDE.
https://youtu.be/YuWLrRkWUd8

Bullet expansion measured .630 or 5/8ths of an inch in diameter

Looks like a great load for carry!

[JEBar]

impressive .... with the recoil and muzzle jump, how hard is it to hold onto

[fortyshooter]

impressive .... with the recoil and muzzle jump, how hard is it to hold onto

Not bad at all. Grip has a nice texture and you keep a firm grip on it. It has really great sights on it which helps with sight recovery.
In close distance I just point shoot.

The water jug shot was a challenge since I had the jugs on the ground this time and wanted a straight shot thru the jugs.
Laying in prone position I couldn't get my head at the correct angle/height for a good shot.
So I laid on my right side perpendicular to the line of jugs and had gun laying over on it's side and took the shot.
You only get one good shot with the jug test!

[RetiredSeabee]

That’s a real pretty lead flower you made.

[JEBar]

impressive .... with the recoil and muzzle jump, how hard is it to hold onto

Not bad at all. Grip has a nice texture and you keep a firm grip on it. It has really great sights on it which helps with sight recovery. In close distance I just point shoot.

that is good to hear .... arthritis has drastically changed the way I have to look at a handgun ..

The water jug shot was a challenge since I had the jugs on the ground this time and wanted a straight shot thru the jugs. Laying in prone position I couldn't get my head at the correct angle/height for a good shot. So I laid on my right side perpendicular to the line of jugs and had gun laying over on it's side and took the shot. You only get one good shot with the jug test!

over time I've watched a bunch of them on YouTube but I've never setup a water jug test .... understood on needing to be creative so as to maintain the proper bullet path