Federal 9mm 147gr JHP in Clear Ballistics Gel

[5pins]

Test Gun: Sig P229, Beretta Nano.
Barrel length: 3.9, 3 inches.
Ammunition: Federal 147gr JHP
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 934, 908fps
Gel Temperature 70 degrees.

Unless I have lost count this should be lucky number seven in the budget 9 line up. This time we take a look at the Federal 147gr JHP. This is the "white box" version. Price for this ammo is also $13.99 per box and like many others tied for the lowest price.


Average five shot velocity from the Sig P229 was 934fps with a high of 950fps and a low of 923fps.

Ten yards off hand five shots with the Sig P229

From the Nano, the five shot velocity was 908fps with a high of 919fps and a low of 898fps.

Ten yards off hand five shots with the Beretta Nano

The first round from the Sig P229 hit the bare gel block at a velocity of 939fps and penetrated to 15.25 inches. Recovered weight was 141.4 grains and the recovered diameter was .56 inches. The second round had a velocity of 934fps and penetrated to 15 inches. The bullet expanded to .57 inches and had a recovered weight of 141.2 grains.

When fired in the gel block covered with heavy clothing the first round from the Sig had a velocity of 949fps and penetrated to 14.25 inches. The expansion was .39 inches and recovered weight was 140.8 grains. The bullet tumbled and was found base forward. Round two hit at 944fps and penetrated to 19 inches. It expanded to .47 inches and had a recovered weight of 141.1 grains.

From the Beretta Nano, the first round's velocity was 922fps and penetration was 15.5 inches. The recovered diameter was .54 inches and the recovered weight was 141.5 grains. Round two's velocity was 928fps and it also penetrated 15.5 inches. The expansion was .55 inches and recovered weight was 141.2 inches.

 

[dyl]

Did you do a denim test with the Nano?

If I understood you tested the Sig with and without denim in front, and the Nano without denim. I'm a little disappointed in the expansion with denim.

I thought I had heard ShootingTheBull (a youtube video maker) settle on the Frederal 147 grain as one of his final choices in seeking an effective hollow point out of compact / subcompact pistols.

 

[5pins]

I don't do a denim test I use heavy clothing, explained here.

http://www.general-cartridge.com/blog/what-is-heavy-clothing

No, the Nano was not tested in heavy clothing.

The load that Shooting the Bull settled on was the 147gr Winchester Defend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc5n_JsY3aw

 

[Cheapshooter]

Have you tested tye 147gr Federal HST standard pressure? Are there any substantial differences in that, and the white box Federal you tested?

 

[5pins]

http://www.general-cartridge.com/blog/federal-9mm-147gr-hst-in-clear-ballistics-gel

 

[JERRYS.]

great work!

 

[Cheapshooter]

Thanks for the link 5pins. Certainly reaffirms why I load the 147gr HST in my Sig P320 Carry.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Federal and Speer are both owned by Vista Outdoors. Vista was a subsidiary of the larger parent ATK, ATK recently put Speer/CCI under Vista too.

This is important because Buffalo Bore and Underwood load a similar Speer old style bullet that is not the Gold Dot bullet (ie, it's the old "Speer Bonded" bullet) using "Uni-Cor process." It's not a Gold Dot. The comparison is you're testing a non current HST bullet.

So when people buy a $30 non Gold Dot box of ammo from Buffalo Bore or Underwood with higher FPS, your example shows exactly that anyone would be better served with the new HST or Gold Dot bullets than an unnecessary higher FPS.