Anyone using T/C XR .45s in 155gr?

[wpayne]

I picked up a couple packs of these at WalMart on clearance yesterday.  I haven't seen any velocity/energy numbers for bullets this small (155gr), has anyone done any testing with these?  In an Omega maybe?

BTW, they also had a bunch of .45 195gr PowerBelts AeroTips on clearance <$10 a 12 pack.  I picked up a couple packs of those as well.  Be on the lookout for good deals on .45 m/l stuff at WalMart.

William

[big6x6]

IMO, that bullet is just too lightly constructed.  Lets first consider how fast that bullet is going to fly.. a 200gr XTP pushed by 2 pyrodex pellets shoots 2064fps out of my Omega.  The 155gr is going to go faster still.  It would be hard for me to believe that on game performance would be very good.  Remember it's really just a .40 S&W bullet designed to perform at 1000 to 1200fps..  Maybe I'd shoot a Javalina or similar sized game but that's about it.

[wpayne]

That's what I was figuring...  

They will get put to good use killing soda cans and paper targets as soon as the the weather turns though.  For the price plinking is an OK task for these IMO.

[Redhawk1]

The XTP Bullets are designed for low and higher velocities. They will work just fine on Deer size game. We have taken several deer with the 180 gr. bullet. I am going to try the 155 gr. next year. I think they will work just as well. IMO

(Here is some data from Hornady)
XTP

EXTREME TERMINAL PERFORMANCE XTP pistol bullets continue to set the standard as the bullet of choice for hunters and law enforcement officers who understand the value of a pistol bullet which will perform over a wide range of handgun velocities.
Most pistol bullets are designed to work only at a factory specified velocity and a specific range. At these predetermined specifications, the bullets work just fine. But when bullet velocity begins to change, surprises can happen. Many factors cause velocities to change-gun type, barrel length, distance to target, barriers and more. That's why you need a bullet that you can depend on to perform over a wide range of velocities. You need the XTP.

Unlike traditional pistol bullets, XTP bullets are designed to expand with control at a wide range of handgun velocities. They hold together, expand properly and provide the kind of deep, terminal penetration you need for any shooting situation. No other handgun bullet expands with so much control over so wide a range of velocities as the XTP.

If you're looking for proven results from your pistol bullet, look to the XTP. XTP pistol bullets are available as components or in Hornady Custom ammunition.
 

Click to order Hornady XTP Bullets
CONTROLLED EXPANSION
AT ALL PRACTICAL HANDGUN VELOCITIES
1. On impact, the strategically designed jacket and hollow point begin to initiate expansion, even at velocities as low as 800 fps.

2. The copper jacket begins to fold back behind the leading edge of the expanding lead core. The leading edge does the work as the bullet penetrates its target.

3. The bullet holds its diameter as it continues to fold back on itself in the classic mushroom shape, and meets increasing resistance from the growing thickness of the copper jacket.

4. Expansion is finally arrested. The thick base prevents over-expansion and separation - even at velocities as high as 1800 fps.

[RandyWakeman]

The XTP Bullets are designed for low and higher velocities.
4. Expansion is finally arrested. The thick base prevents over-expansion and separation - even at velocities as high as 1800 fps.

The problem is the "low and higher" velocities part. It is easy to get a 175 gr. sabot out of the muzzle at over 2300 fps and exceed that 1800 fps on game to past 150 yards or so. It is an old story, but the "better" 200 yard load is rarely the "better" 50 yard load.

[rpseven]

I was talking to someone at a outdoor store last week about my Encore .45 cal. and what bullet to use in it. He told me that his customers where useing the higher grain bullets (200-220gr) in .45's. He said that they shoot and group better with these higher grain bullets. Is this true? I know my gun isn't grouping worth a grap! And didn't know that they had a 220 grain bullet for a 45 on the market if they did I would get it.

[big6x6]

"I am going to try the 155 gr. next year."

WHY?  I KNOW my Omega will launch a 200gr projectile at a 2064fps muzzle velocity.  So, let's say one can shoot a 155gr XTP at 2200fps ACCURATELY.  The 200gr has more energy from the muzzle to infinity.  At 125yds the 155gr has only 815ftlbs of energy and 703ftlbs at 150yds.  The 200gr on the other hand has 850ftlbs at 200yds!  Also, due to a better ballistic coefficient of the 200gr XTP, the 200gr shoots FLATTER!

"The thick base prevents over-expansion and separation - even at velocities as high as 1800 fps."

I believe that.  If you shoot the 155gr grain you'll have to wait until the deer is at least 75yds away where the bullet is traveling less than that velocity.

"He told me that his customers where useing the higher grain bullets (200-220gr) in .45's. He said that they shoot and group better with these higher grain bullets."

The most accurate projectiles out of my .45s are the Barnes 195gr Expander, 275gr Powerbelt, and 195gr Dead Center.

[RandyWakeman]

And didn't know that they had a 220 grain bullet for a 45 on the market if they did I would get it.

That's what I've been shooting: the 40 / 45 220 gr. Dead Center.

[Billyboy]

I've been shooting the Hornady 200gr. XTP/Sabot in my Encore 45 and they group really well and are great on deer.  It turns out that the T/C 180gr shoots almost identically in my rifle.  I've been shooting 120gr. of loose 777 which should have velocity around 2000-2100 fps.

[Redhawk1]

I bought the 155 and 180 gr. to try out in my Encore .45 muzzleloader. I want to see if I can get better accuracy with these. I tried the power belts in 225 gr. and was not impressed with the accuracy. Now my .50 Encore shoots the 295 gr. power belts great, I get 2 inch groups @ 100 yards.