Barrier penetrating .45 factory ammo?

[Eric2340]

I was not sure what forum to place this in so feel free to move if needed -

 

What is a decent barrier penetrating .45 ACP FACTORY load, in NON-+P for a G21 length barrel without having to go to 230 gr ball?

 

 

Thanks -

[HONKIE]

Anything that runs a bonded bullet should tickle your fancy

[crockett]

What exactly do you define as "barrier penetrating"?

The highest penetration in the .45 ACP might very well come from the Underwood loaded Lehigh copper rounds called Xtreme Penetrator.

That being said, they are +P, and the slow .45 ACP might still not cut it.

https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/handgun-ammo/products/45-acp-p-200-grain-xtreme-penetrator?variant=7865927991353

 

They also have the lighter version called Xtreme Defender, this is none +P:

https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/handgun-ammo/products/45-acp-174-grain-maximum-expansion?variant=7865920585785

 

If you reload, you could load your own Xtreme Penetrator none +P rounds. Here the projectiles:

https://www.lehighdefense.com/collections/bullets/45-acp

 

 

If you are serious about penetration, get a 10mm barrel to be paired with Xtreme Penetrator rounds:

 

 

Edited July 3, 2018 by crockett

[AZ Husker]

How well do those Underwood Penetrators expand?

[Eric2340]

I'm currently running a G20 with Hornady 180gr XTPs in her.

 

I am NOT so much after as much expansion as possible (like the .45 non+p 230gr HSTs I run in it now) but something that will give some decent penetrating power also if they come into interference with something, and just not all out expansion over penetration in the process? In other worlds expansion is OK for what I am after, but I still want some really good penetration if it hits something also, w/o having to go to the extreme of a 230 gr ball load.

I realize trying to stay out of a non+P load is not helping in this, but I am trying to find something for better follow up shots while still getting some decent penetration, and also not having to go to the 10mm or a +P .45 load.

Thanks -  

[G21H30]

4 hours ago, Eric2340 said:

I was not sure what forum to place this in so feel free to move if needed -

 

What is a decent barrier penetrating .45 ACP FACTORY load, in NON-+P for a G21 length barrel without having to go to 230 gr ball?

 

 

Thanks -

Here's some good information. I have used Winchester Ranger 230 Bonded RA45B and Remington Golden Saber Bonded 230 JHP 

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/

Edited July 4, 2018 by G21H30

[TeaDub]

Whenever I'm in doubt about a carry load, I check Dr Gary Robert's list. His team tests all the barrier protocols. In 45 he lists Barnes 185s, Ranger T, HST and Gold Dot. The latter three in 230 grain, standard pressure or +P as good to go.

For me, if I pick any Gold Dot or HST for 2 legged duty in most calibers, I feel OK. If you have a more specific need, then research further. 

[crockett]

4 hours ago, AZ Husker said:

How well do those Underwood Penetrators expand?

 

They don't. They expel tissue and bodily fluids by design of the projectiles. They offer basically better penetration than FMJ, while doing a lot more damage than ball ammo.

Here you can see what they do inside a deer:

 

https://www.full30.com/video/20437495d624b6be7456f87e1d40312b

Edited July 4, 2018 by crockett