Barnes Tac_XP bullets

[WR Moore]

If you close the full screen shot, you get an enlarged version. At least on my computer.

FWIW, some time back I picked up a couple of boxes of the .224 RRLP 55 gr bullets for experimenting. When/where Barnes indicates a suggested best powder, believe them. I didn't see any such indication on the pistol data.

Typically, besides being "green", the lead free (especially the monolithic) bullets have better penetration than a similar cup & core bullet. Also do better in barrier penetration. They are gonna be longer than a bullet with a lead core. The RRLP (reduced ricochet, limited penetration) bullet has a core of atomized copper in some binder. They were designed for use on steel targets at close range* (turn to pixie dust and don't damage steel-also helpful in certain other situations where penetration of piping or ricochet would be problematical) but turned out to have superior tissue penetration than M193 ball.

*Training ammo eats up a huge portion of budgets and bolsters the bottom line of those who produce it.

 

[David Sinko]

I have a few boxes of the 140 gr. XPB. As they are less dense than the traditional lead core bullet they are longer and occupy valuable powder capacity. For this reason I would suggest loading them in the .357 Magnum where you can fit more powder. I was not happy with 2400 and 296 as they take up too much room in the case and the loads are compressed before suitable velocity can be realized. I had much greater success with Accurate #9. The Barnes velocities are very optimistic with the 10" barrel but my 4" barrel never came close. You will need to match the 125 gr. bullet to a powder that will let you achieve full potential. I think these bullets have the greatest potential of anything on the market but you need to be careful with your powder selection and charge weights.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

That's a thought, maybe load them at +P levels and use one of my Model 19s

If you have a Model 19 & 357 magnum brass, these bullets, which are marked on the box as "357 Magnum", have (among other powders) WIN 296/H110 data available from Barnes, and much lower velocity data for ACCURATE #s 2, 5 & 7 available from Hodgdons.

These are premium bullets. I don't know why one would not load these to Barnes suggested data, especially for a SD role? A box of 40 should allow one to shoot 4 for effect and still leave one with 6 more full cylinders... Probably enough for most SD situations one might encounter?

Cheers!

 

[Tim357]

That's quite a lot of cash for 125 grain 357 hollow points. I typically buy bags of Winchester 125 grain JHP's. What you paid for a box of 40 is about what I pay for a bag of 200. I am not seeing the value.

Well, if a guy is forced to use a non-lead projectile to hunt with, they are valuable.