240gn xtp expansion tests in 44cal

[mickbr]

For something to do, Im going to set up one of the late Paul Harrel style 'meat targets' and see how low well the 240gn XTP expands including at low speed. The 'meat target' is a a bundle of leather, pork and ribs, oranges( for lung tissue) , same layers on the back side, and fleece layers to catch the expanded bullet. Sounds expensive but it lasts more shots than gallon jugs and easier to transport as well. Im going to test velocities from 1100-1700fps impact.

For the heavy loads some lilgun or N110 will fit the bill. I dont have a 44 handgun so for the lighter loads in the levergun, to get the increments I was thinking to load 2400 powder from about 10 grains and up( maybe 17-18 grains) in 44 special brass, which with the longer barrel should get me from 1200 to 1500 Id guess?

Any flaws with my reasoning, or better ways to go about this let me know. I was thinking the special case handles the reduced loads better, I cant find as much online loading reduced in 44mag with 2400 . Im reasonably sure 2400 can load through this range. I could just load full power stand back at different ranges but didnt want to be try hitting different spots on the target from 50-100 yards etc.

THis is what you do when you dont have any hunting on

[samsi]

You had me at "Meat Target" Seriously though, sounds like a worthy endeavor and I'm looking forward to the results.

If it's any help, Elmer's heavy 44 Special load does 1400 and change from my Trapper.

[mickbr]

Not sure I get the joke there, too old I guess. I see the term used a lot. But thanks for the input on the 1400fps load.

[Ray]

Paul Harrell (r.i.p.) meat target explained at about the 24 minute mark.....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uVFHpckTEXU

[GunnyMack]

I shot a rather large pig with a 300gr xtp, about 15-20 yards. The bullet completely penetrated , the exit hole was approximately .75" . The shot was skin,ribs, oranges, ribs and skin, both gristle plates were completely ignored by the bullet.
I don't remember the load, velocity but it was shot from my Ruger Carbine.

[samsi]

Not sure I get the joke there, too old I guess. I see the term used a lot. But thanks for the input on the 1400fps load.

I watched a lot of Paul's videos for the ammo tests, lots of good info and I think he was right far more often than he was wrong. The meat target moniker always struck me as funny.

[mickbr]

Double post, having some strange delays trying to post on the site currently

[mickbr]

I shot a rather large pig with a 300gr xtp, about 15-20 yards. The bullet completely penetrated , the exit hole was approximately .75" . The shot was skin,ribs, oranges, ribs and skin, both gristle plates were completely ignored by the bullet.
I don't remember the load, velocity but it was shot from my Ruger Carbine.

I like that Gunnymack, got him right through the oranges and we all know an animal cant function without its oranges . Two things about your post ring true with me as well. The gristle plates of hogs, while real, achieve mythical bullet resistance according to some folks. Ive never had a problem with it using 240 grain bullets, including JHP. The second is that the 300 XTP is a tough bullet at 44 mag velocities. In fact of the tests Ive seen it doesnt expand much out of a revolver barrel.

[GunnyMack]

We were shooting pen raised hogs, mine looked much like a Eurasian wild boar. It was a 'cut' boar and very tasty. The guys I went with were using everything from a 12 slug gun to 44 pistols. At the time I only had the Ruger Carbine.
All I had heard was you can't shoot hollow points because of the gristle plates. So I ordered some Barnes solids, the 265 GR for the 444. They did not shoot well at all! So I decided on the 300xtp, knowing that it's a tough bullet. It only took one and I had a large enough hog that I got 222lbs of pork! Best bacon I ever had !!!

Oh and that was the first I ever heard about the Meat Target, I got a kick out of the oranges for lung tissue so I'm not adopting that term!

20250805_181407.jpg

[TedH]

I did a series of tests on the 44 cal 240 gr XTP a few years ago. If I recall my velocities ranged from 1200 fps to 1800 fps. Recovered bullets were remarkably similar through the velocity range. Expansion and retained weight were all nearly identical. It was at that point I had 100% confidence in the XTP as a hunting bullet.
I'll be curious to see if your results match mine.

[JimT]

Not the .44 but the .41 210 gr. XTP. I shot a cow elk at about 90 yards. The bullet made a bulge in the hide on the off-side. I split the bulge and popped the bullet out. It loss only about 6 gr. weight going through. Fired from custom .41 Magnum sixgun built by Bowen. Velocity 1400 fps.

210 gr. XTP.JPG

[mickbr]

great photos and input there fellas. I cant fault hardcast hunters but for pig and regular deer JHP have always served me well. I dont mind plugging them past 100yards either if the situation requires. Longest shot about 130 yards with a bushnell red dot, about as far as Im good for without a scope. I'll aim to get this test done in the next two weeks and post it up.

[Paladin]

You had me at "Meat Target" Seriously though, sounds like a worthy endeavor and I'm looking forward to the results.

If it's any help, Elmer's heavy 44 Special load does 1400 and change from my Trapper.

YEP, as I don't work for any GOV agencies now.
Looking forward to the results.

[mickbr]

More to follow

[mickbr]

Okay so I loaded and chronied some bullets in 44 special starline brass. Some interesting results and good news is I found some velocities I want to test the 240 grain XTP with.

2400 powder behind the 240 XTP in 44 special starline brass( from 20" rossi R92 barrel)

12.0 grains. 943, 948, 937fps
14.0 grains 1124, 1114, 1197fps
16 grains 1335, 1298, 1330fps
16.5 grains 1360, 1370, 1377fps

The 12 grain load isnt going to expand.
The 14 and 16 grain loads is the ballpark for lowest expansion range. I might add a 13 grain and a 15 grain as well next time to draw down further.

[mickbr]

Actually anyone know how much 2400 powder you can run in 44 special brass and a 240 jacketed? I know there was data out there on this..

[GunnyMack]

From Pet Loads-
44 special, 240gr Sierra hp with 2400
14.5gr, velocity 1,022 is marked NEAR MAX and noted as accurate.
This is dated May 1981, I would reduce the usual 10% to start.

[GunnyMack]

Pet Loads, complete volume
44 special. Revolver data only.
More data for 2400 with cast than jacketed.

238gr lyman, 13.5 2400, vel 868 2nd best accuracy
230gr Taurus swhp, 14.5 2400, vel 956- maximum
240gr Taurus swc,13.5 2409, vel 857- near max
240 Hornady swc,13.0 2400,vel 775

180gr Sierra hp, 17.0 2400, 1194, maximum. Noted as. Highest velocity, large muzzle flash
200ge Speer hp, 16.0 2400,1079, maximum, very accurate, large muzzle flash
240gr Sierra hp, 14.5 2400, 1023fps, near maximum, accurate.

This is from 1981, as the norm, reduce charges to start.