<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dr.Rob:
Sounds like an interesting design.. like mag-safe's fast hardball or other 'fmj" style bullet that don't LOOK like "evil" jhp ammo.
So where can we get a box? And what is the wieght, etc is it standard pressure or +p or???
Dr.Rob[/quote]
Dr.Rob:
The Expanding Full Metal jacket (EFMJ) is unique in that it utilizes a gilding metal jacket having 6 deep scores on the ogive’s interior which contains a pressure-conformed “core” of 50 durometer silicone bearing atop a pure lead hollow-pointed core. The jacket is heeled over at the base in the final stage of manufacture. There is no external hollow point present. EFMJ’s look innocuous and feed just like a typical FMJ bullet. Upon impact, the ogive collapses axially and expands radially as the scored areas split and the silicone compresses.
The nice thing about the design is that you can make it expand larger or penetrate deeper by regulating several variables; jacket wall thickness, radial score depth, the amount of silicone in the nose and the cavity size/angle of the hollow-pointed core. Note: the lead core doesn’t require any hollow point at all to perform well but its presence relieves some of the shock the jacket is subjected to when impacting hard barriers. Depending on caliber, velocity, and application, expanded bullet diameters range from .550 to .900. Expanded bullets recovered from heavily-clothed gel are monotonously clone-like.
The main advantage is that it doesn’t require the presence of external fluid to expand rapidly since it contains its own fluid-like substance (silicone). I’m most impressed with its ability to penetrate HEAVY clothing -- not 4 layers of denim -- 10 layers, and still provide impressive expansion.
While massive bullet expansions _can_ be obtained if EFMJ’s are driven to high velocities, as loaded, *penetration in each caliber is over 12 inches after piercing hard barriers.
*10% gelatin/FBI protocol
As far as rapidity of expansion is concerned, when a .45 Auto EFMJ is fired through ¾-inch *plywood, the exit hole created is 2 inches in diameter as compared to the half-inch hole formed by a high-velocity Gold Dot.
*I have high-speed photos (converted to .gif files) of these bullets exiting ¾-inch plywood. I don’t know if there’s a way to view them on this thread/site or not but you guys are welcome to view them if this is possible.
The only drawback I see with the design is it is, of necessity, somewhat longer than a standard bullet of comparable weight due to the density differential between silicone and lead. This limits velocity to a degree.
The EFMJ was initially looked at by Federal as a product for European use -- especially in countries where hollow points are flat-out illegal to use (even for police). However, after sending pre-production 9mm ammunition to federal agencies for testing in this country, the company quickly realized that there was tremendous law enforcement interest and potential here in the U.S. Agencies were particularly interested in utilizing the round in their MP5’s, as it feeds extremely well. A major agency is interested in a 165 grain EFMJ .40 for their duty pistols. The ammo is scheduled to be tested in Canada next week. Various state agencies still not allowed to carry hollow points (e.g., Detroit P.D.!) are also candidates. In a nutshell, things may be moving along quicker than FCC would prefer (at SHOT, I overheard one gentleman order 240 cases).
The company is currently geared up for 9mm production. Manufacture of the .357 SIG and the .40 will soon follow. The .45 Auto will be next in line. At this time, it is being viewed as a law-enforcement-only round. It’s conceivable that this could change in the future, however.
Bullet weight for the 9 is 124 grains (it’s possible that a 135 grain may be released in the near future). A 155 grain EFMJ as well as a 165 grain version in the .40 has been perfected. It looks like the 165 grain bullet will be the standard weight. In .45, extensive work has been done in 165 grains and 185 grains. A 200 grain prototype is also being worked on.
Current velocity for the 124 gr. 9mm (standard pressure) is as follows:
Sig P228 1063 fps
Beretta 92 1112 fps
H&K MP5 1225 fps
A +P and +P+ version has also been tested. I have a hunch that the Rounds loaded to +P pressure levels will quickly become the “standard” L.E. round sold by Federal. Bullets loaded to 1300 fps have been tested. Bullet weights ranged from 115 grains to 147 grains.
Currently, the .40 S&W velocities range from 1120 to 1205 fps, depending on weight. Bullet weights ranged from 135 grains to 165 grains.
Velocities generated in .45 auto range from 920 to 1200 fps, depending on weight and pressure level. I’m pretty sure a standard pressure load will be the product available to L.E. Bullet weights ranged from 135(!) grains to 185 grains. I’ll be testing a 200 grain bullet this month.
After *two-years of development work (not counting Federal’s own work, later), the patent claims are very numerous and cover every worthwhile variation.
*I routinely saw this design in my sleep!
While I’m sure there will be detractors, I think the EFMJ is probably the most versatile design to date.
Another article is scheduled to appear within the next month or two in Police Marksman in case anyone’s interested.
Tom Burczynski