Zipping Along

Back from chronographing some ammunition.

Double Tap 200 grain Controlled Expansion JHP

978 fps from a 3.5" barrel.

1041 fps from a 4.0" barrel.

1116 fps from a 4.5"barrel.

Their Wide Flat Nose Gas Check in 200 grain rounds did so close to the above as to be statistically a dead match. All of the ammunition was quite close to DT's advertised values, and of this I am pleased. Caution should be considered when firing lead bullets from factory Glock barrels, as build-up can become a problem. I've done so for quite some time without mishap, but DO scrupulously clean the guns after each and every trip to the range.

Winchester Ranger-T

165 grains: 1102 fps from a 3.5" barrel/ 1194 from a 4.5" barrel
180 grains: 1026 fps from a 3.5" barrel/ 1071 from a 4.5" barrel

I had run the Rangers before and checked the above just to see if there were any differences in velocity from approximately 18 months ago, and there were none.

Federal HST

165 grains: 1087 fps from a 3.5" barrel
180 grains: 996 fps from a 3.5" barrel

Funny thing about the HST. The difference in a 3.5" to a 4.5" tube was around 45 fps, as compared to DT's 138 fps margin when stepping up an inch. Those that know powder can get together with those that know different kinds of rifling, and hash it all out. As I am not an expert in either, I'll report then shut up rather than prattle on about slow burning powders versus their fast brethren as if I had a clue.

In conclusion: DT's .40 S&W offerings equal or exceed other manufacturers 10mm cartridges with regards to velocity, but because the 40 comes in so very many flavors it must be considered superior, at least for self-defense against bipeds and I don't refer to kangaroos or storks. With modern ammo, the bullet can be as important if not more so than the giddyup, especially when comparing the old fashioned Gold Dot round to a Ranger or Federal HST bullet.

I'll always take a bigger hole, thank you very much, as long as estimated penetration is adequate. None of the above means a damned thing of course, save for an examination of reported velocities versus real world results.

Another interesting note regarding the HST is the fact that all of the spent bullets that could be located appeared to have retained a great deal of their original weight. Crushed and smashed and bent to hell after hitting a somewhat rocky backstop, yes, but for a round that is not referred to as BONDED, they held together as well if not better than some Ranger-T's that were of the bonded variety. This means nothing, just an observation. If and when I ever get the chance to dig one from the aforementioned biped, I'll let ya know and we can take it from there.

PS: All of the rounds were fired from Glocks. G-22, G-23, and G-27. I do this because I like for when I squeeze the trigger to see a bullet come out. No, I don't PUSH the trigger, either, and you've but to ask the last guy who asked, how well it goes over when I'm approached with yet ANOTHER nonsensical attempt to make the simple appear mysterious.

And expensive.