Received the Federal 9mm +P Tactical Bonded 135g. cartridges. As with the 147g. +P-loaded HSTs, the cartridges have been 100% reliable in my newish M&P9. Shot these from ten feet into a series thin-plastic one-gallon water/milk jugs filled with water.
Taped to the front of the first jug was the following cloth (numbered from the left):
1. Two layers of denim and four layers of terrytowel, all simulating very thick clothing. This bullet dented the rear wallof jug 4 indicating about 24" of penetration*.
3. (Bullet #2 was lost.) Four layers of terrytowel. This bullet stopped in jug 4, penetrating about 21".
4. Two layers of denim. Dented rear wall of jug #3, penetrating 18".
5. Four layers of terrytowel. Cracked front wall of jug #5, penetrating about 25".
6. Four layers of denim. Entered jug#4, penetrating about 21".
Minimum weight of the five was 132 grains, indicating virtual 100% weight retention, something excellent bonded bullets are very good at. I have not yet pulled and weighed a new bullet.
I'm highly satisfied with the test results of these bullets and will be buying more.
FWIW, these too are discontinued by Federal.
* Of course, penetration in water is NOT comparable to penetration in ballistic jell.
Federal 9mm 135g. Tactical Bonded expanded bullets
Linear Mode
