Originally Posted by Coyote_Hunter
Originally Posted by TheKid
I wouldn’t base my opinion on how well a bullet will expand solely on results from shooting into sand either. IME the 85gr XTP in the Federal factory 32 H&R load expands well on critters. I am using a 6” barrel so may be working with a little more velocity, but probably not a whole lot.


Water jugs are my favorite test medium and I have around 100 waiting for a warm day at the range. The sand was an expedient, no mess alternative I could use in my garage and the results were entirely as expected.

Call it a fun test while the wife was away.




Anytime is a good time to shoot something! My data may be different too, the 85gr loaf I was using was original Red box Federal from the early 90’s. The load or the bullet or both could have been changed in the interim but they definitely expanded on porcupines, armadillos, and turkeys.