Ranger SXT 44 Magnum=Black Talon

[Ben_hutcherson]

I've read about on the internet for years that Ranger SXT stands for (perhaps jokingly) "Same eXact Thing" and is essentially a Black Talon bullet without the black lubalox coating.

Recently, I've noticed a pretty good supply coming up of "law enforcement" Ranger SXT in 44 magnum. The local Cabelas has a half dozen boxes of these, but the asking price($58/20) has turned me off. These bullets do appear to have the black coating on them.

I ran across a box at the gun show this past weekend for $25, and couldn't resist. Like the Cabelas loads I've been seeing, these too have the Lubalox coating.

Are these rounds that I bought indeed the famed "Black Talon" by another name?

Incidentally, I'm not planning on shooting them, but mostly just bought them for the curiosity.

 

[CTG_COLLECTOR]

Yes, they are the Winchester Supreme Black Talon.

After the mass shooting at 101 California St in S.F. in 1993, Winchester stopped shipping the BT ammo to distributors. They repackaged the BT ammo into boxes like you have and made it LEO ammo which later turned into the Ranger brand LE ammo.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

I appreciate the reply, and the confirmation of what I suspected.

Any idea on a timeframe for when these were made/packaged? I find it interesting that I'm still seeing these rounds packed in this box for sale at a retail store that opened ~6 months ago.

 

[kwselke]

I have a few boxes of the original Black Talon in .45 ACP. Notice the fine print on the end of the box reads 45 Automatic 230 GR. SXT S45A.