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I know the speer GDHP 200 grain is probably the class leader for low velocity expansion, under 900fps. If anyone knows any JHP options that expand as well or say even under 1000fps, would be interested to know about them. Enquiry relates not just to a handgun, but 44 special loads in a rifle as well for low noise. Not after results on cast SWC or WC etc for this enquiry, just after JHP expansion options.


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Maybe the Remington semi jacketed HP’s if you can find them.

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Originally Posted by 158XTP
I know the speer GDHP 200 grain is probably the class leader for low velocity expansion, under 900fps. If anyone knows any JHP options that expand as well or say even under 1000fps, would be interested to know about them. Enquiry relates not just to a handgun, but 44 special loads in a rifle as well for low noise. Not after results on cast SWC or WC etc for this enquiry, just after JHP expansion options.

Pretty hard to beat the plated gold dots for expansion. I don't know of any JHP in that caliber that would come close to the GD. My favorite 44mag JHP is the 240gr Hornady XTP, and I know it will not expand reliably at 900fps.

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Nosler's 200gr JHP will readily expand at lower velocities (under 1000fps), but I don't know if it will expand as well as the Gold Dot. The Gold Dot 200 is not a compromise bullet. It was designed for self-defense out of short-barrel 44's.


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The Speer 200 Gold Dot is the ticket. Avoid the Sierra 210.

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The old Hornady JHP from before the XTP line was pretty soft, the 240 was at least. I don’t know if they’re still around or not but I do know they’d expand pretty good at 1000fps or so.

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Thanks fellas, yes hard to go past the speer gold dot. I might give the nosler 200grain a look as well then

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I don’t know why a 200gr XTP wouldn’t suffice?


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Originally Posted by erickg
The Speer 200 Gold Dot is the ticket. Avoid the Sierra 210.


What’s wrong with the Sierra 210? I grabbed a box to reload not too long ago and figured they’d be a decent hunting bullet. I don’t load my 44 hot..1200-1350fps is usually tops for me.


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In my testing I wasn’t getting any expansion at Special velocities.

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Originally Posted by erickg
In my testing I wasn’t getting any expansion at Special velocities.

Some may have different experiences than me, but with the exception of Federal HST wadcutters, which they don't make in .44 caliber, I have not found anything that reliably expands at less than 900 FPS. They may exist, but not to my knowledge. That is, with reliable expansion. My rule of thumb is every pistol cartridge less than 900 FPS, I am wanting a SWC or flat nose style bullet, if it will feed reliably. Having said that, Lehigh has some interesting designs that don't expand, but are supposed to be quite destructive (so they claim). I have not seen any independent reports on them.


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Barnes makes an all copper HP that expands quite well at 900 fps. Just make sure you get the one for the .44 Special. E

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Sierra specifically states that their 210 HC will expand at .44 Special velocities. I can’t confirm that, but they also state that this bullet has a thick jacket and a hardened core.....






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If it is expanding at less than 1000 fps, it will probably not also penetrate much (given practical .429" bullet masses). I believe sufficient penetration is more critical than expansion and would not be willing to trade the former for the latter unless low penetration was suitable for my target. There may be a few bullets that are carefully designed to expand in a limited way so they maintain sectional density for penetration. The Hornady XTP is likely the only one that is available in .429". Hornady, Federal and Winchester (Olin) have some other bullet designs for .45 that carefully strike a balance of penetration and expansion, like Critical Duty or Ranger T Series. If you can get Remington Golden Sabers in .429", I would try those and see if the results are accetable. I don't shoot .429, but I get good expansion with GS in another caliber at low velocities. The penetration is marginal but acceptable.


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