44 mag bullet tests

[TedH]

I compared a couple bullets today in my Browning 92. 240 gr. XTP, and the unknown make 240 gr JSP from Everglades Ammo. I was impressed with the cheap JSP. Expansion was perfect, retained weight was 98%, compared to 79% for the XTP. Penatration was nearly identical.

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I know the XTP is operating at the very top of their recommended velocity, so considering that, it's performance is quite good as well.
I think that JSP would be my go to bullet for big game.

[Ysabel Kid]

That is impressive!

[Ray]

If the link works, this is the proper (not plated) jacketed bullet supplier that most small loading establishments use.....

examples of roze/zero .431" jsps

https://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.m ... =ZBJ-44MAG

[GunnyMack]

I would not hesitate to use that JSP on deer.
I tried XTPs from my muzzleloader, wasn't impressed. I settled on a Remington 180gr HP that never failed to anchor a deer, every one in the hide on the off side with very fast expiration of the many deer I shot with it.

I have come to like Nosler pistol bullets in my 41 Henry... Not used on deer yet though.

[wvfarrier]

I have never had an issue with XTPs performing, in general, they need a lot of velocity to function

[LeverGunner]

Thanks for sharing. I've not messed a lot with jacketed bullets in the 44 Magnum. I did have a couple boxes of Federal 240 Grain Soft points that I tested, and got core separation when shooting water jugs. I didn't test in any other medium. The gun was a Super Blackhawk with 4 3/4" barrel. I was quite surprised, but I lost some respect for Federals factory offings.

I still have the bullets, guess I should get some pictures of them.

[mickbr]

Very nice report. Regards hornadys Xtps it's good to see testing as their velocity envelope chart is more gooned up than anything since Roy weatherbys factory ammo velocity claims.

Regards opening velocity the 200 xtp is actually the softest, it will open up modestly at subsonic speeds, into the 900fps range, actually a good bullet for a stout 44 special revolver load. The 180xtp is similar.

The 240 is a tougher bullet and needs more than the speed of sound to expand properly. The 300xtp is tougher again, needs over 1200fps.

I don't buy into core separation equals failure these days. I don't shoot a lot of fancy game but the 240xtp pushed 1800fps never fail on big hogs I have found. I even used the Hornady custom 200xtp which exits my Rossi at chronographed 2000fps on a smaller hog and that bullet must have lost its jacket as several pieces of something still made it through the offside of the boar. I mean there were multiple exits! Thats good enough for small deer as well as far as I'm concerned.

Sorry to hijack your post btw, thumbs up again.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’m surprised that modern bullet technology works as well as it does.

I have found that XTPs work really well at carbine velocities and I find no fault in that. But at 850-900 fps I think a good SWC probably works as well or better.

This one was shot through a big cow at less than 900 fps.

[Bill in Oregon]

Ted, I am super impressed with the performance of that "generic" 240 JSP! Have an idea what velocity those bullets were traveling?

[TedH]

Ted, I am super impressed with the performance of that "generic" 240 JSP! Have an idea what velocity those bullets were traveling?

They are running right at 1800 fps from the Browning.

I'm impressed with them too. I just ordered the some of the same ones for my 357's. 158 gr jsp. 500 for $89 shipped.

[Sarge]

That 240 JSP has the makings of a great all around 44 bullet.

[TedH]

That's what I'm after. One load that will perform well on game, targets, or rocks with my B92 and S&W 629

[Scrumbag]

Nosler 240gr JSP seconds perhaps

[TedH]

Nosler 240gr JSP seconds perhaps

Definitely not Noslers. I'm pretty sure they are from Zero Bullet Company.

[blackhawk44]

I'm with TedH. Think its a Zero.