Photos first, now the text! Sorry, I had a terrible time uploading the photos! The slug on the right is a Gold Dot I loaded on top of 6.1 grains of Bullseye with an OAL of 1.240" and a (predicted) muzzle velocity of 944 fps. This load functioned well in my .45 ACP Colt Defender with 3.5 inch barrel, and also in my friend's full-size Springfield. Surprisingly, measured expansion in wet phonebooks was the same for both pistols, at 0.670 inches (average). The slug on the left is the Taurus pure copper hollow point, 185 grains (both are 185 grains). Again, expansion was the same for my 3.5 inch barrel and the 5 inch Springfield barrel, averaging 0.830 inches. Yes, they're expensive (I paid about $17 plus shipping for a box of 20), but unless you live in the wrong neighborhood, your annual expenditure for self-defense ammunition will still be small. I hope you enjoy the photos. Rich (in name only)
I've been thinking about buying some Barnes bullets for reloading .45 and 9mm when I get started with those. The weight retention is amazing. Both my 1911, and my S&W M&P9 feed hollow points with no problems, so I'm really thinking about trying some out.
