Test Gun: Delta Elite
Barrel length: 5 inches.
Ammunition: Sellier & Bellot 10mm 180gr JHP.
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens.
Five shot velocity average: 1061fps
Gel Temperature: 73 degrees.
I have been using S&B primers for some time now and they have always performed well for me. My experience with their ammo, on the other hand, has been limited to some military surplus stuff some time ago. When I came across a discussion on the 10mm forum about this 10mm JHP I became interested, and the price was just under $16 for a box of 50. Until recently no one had any in stock but I was finally able to get some from Target Sports USA.
I got an average five-shot velocity of 1061fps, with a high of 1079fps and a low of 1048. This velocity was much lower than the advertised velocity of 1164fps. It’s not rare for the manufacturer to inflate their velocity numbers but others have obtained numbers closer to the manufacturers claim. I shot another five rounds a few days later and still came up with an average of 1058fps. I also shot another pistol with some known ammo and it’s numbers were right where they were supposed to be.
I wasn’t able to use the chronograph so I don’t have any velocity numbers for the induvial shots.
The first round in the bare gel penetrated to 14.75 inches and it expanded to.67 inches with a recovered weight of 175.6 grains. Round two penetrated to 12.25 inches, expanded to .68 inches and a weight of 176.2 grains.
In the heavy clothed gel the first round penetrated to 16.25 inches, expanded to .64 inches and had a recovered weight of 178.1 grains. The second shot went 16 inches deep and also expanded to .64 inches and a recovered weight of 177.2 grains.