Hornady TAP 147gr 9mm Gel Test Results

[plouffedaddy]

Loaded up some Hornady TAP 147gr 9mm JHP rounds, brought out the Clear Ballistics gel (calibrated to manufacturors specs), grabbed my SIG P6 (3.9'' barrel), and the video camera and here's what I found.

Chrono Data:

-971 fps, 308 ft/lbs energy

Results:

-20.5'' penetration

As you'll see in the video below, the round failed to expand but did tumble in the block.

147gr Hornady TAP Gel Test HD Video Link

The manufacture of the gel block, Clear Ballistics, claims their gel meets FBI specs for testing. I calibrate my gel per their specs prior to testing and use 4 layers of denim per IWBA protocol.

However, by no means am I saying this test is a substitute for the great work industry professionals like Dr. Roberts and others do. I'm just a shooter that likes to learn about the products I use.

[RearwardAssist]

I would be interested in seeing the 124gr Tap expansion. Doesnt look like the heavier bullet had enough velocity to cause expansion. Assuming the density of the gel is calibrated correctly which I am sure you did. Checked out some of your other videos very nice work from what I have watched.

[RCI1911]

Just another example of why I do not use any defense load with a Hornady XTP bullet.

[Jake'sDad]

The manufacture of the gel block, Clear Ballistics, claims their gel meets FBI specs for testing.

I'm curious about that claim. What "FBI specs for testing" does it meet?

I didn't know the FBI had specs for testing media. I thought they specified the testing media.

[jstone]

I would guess it is the velocity. Most xtp's expand a good amount. That bullet actually appeared to be right at the threshold of expansion. The pedals appear to have opened a very slight amount. They are not up to the newer more advanced hp's. I would guess with around 200fps more speed it would open up.

I have a few hundred of them i was planning to load with vhitavouri 3n38. They claim a top velocity of a little over 1200 fps. Expansion at that velocity would hopefully be adequate.

I like xtp's as a bullet to carry for a woods gun due to the penetration, and usually enough expansion to be better than fmj.

[plouffedaddy]

I'm curious about that claim. What "FBI specs for testing" does it meet?

I didn't know the FBI had specs for testing media. I thought they specified the testing media.

I hear what you're saying there. They have a huge PDF document on their website explaining it. But, like I said before---I'm not a scientist, just a dude with a camera and a bunch of guns. That said, the vast majority of my tests have produced very similar results to what the pros are getting so it's pretty close if nothing else.

[Jake'sDad]

I hear what you're saying there. They have a huge PDF document on their website explaining it. But, like I said before---I'm not a scientist, just a dude with a camera and a bunch of guns. That said, the vast majority of my tests have produced very similar results to what the pros are getting so it's pretty close if nothing else.

Just trying to clarify what they mean. Claiming that they get similar results, is different than saying they "meet FBI specs".

[ehryk]

Great job there. You got me to wondering, so I fired one of my practice loads (147 grain XTP over 6.9 grains VV3N38) into some PermaGel. Penetration was 19ish inches with a recovered weight of 128.8 grains, min expansion .460, max of .529. I think I'll keep it as a practice load.

ETA: that was bare permagel by the way

[plouffedaddy]

Just trying to clarify what they mean. Claiming that they get similar results, is different than saying they "meet FBI specs".

Agreed. I don't work for them and I'm not claiming it meets FBI specs, just passing it along as it came to me. I'm a dude with a camera and guns---not a professional ammo tester; just sharing data points....

[domestique]

Thanks for the review. The XTP is great for hogs and white tail, but I wouldn't use one on (2 legged prey).

I wish Federal made HST available for reloading... right now I am stuck with using Gold Dots.