bullet penetration and expansion test #3

[dodgestdshift]

Continuing my tests in 44 Magnum, by comparing their penetration and expansion in milk jugs, fired from a Ruger Redhawk fired from 50 yds. The terminal velocities are calculated from chronograph readings at 10 feet, and calculated to 50 yds.

The results of 2 more Speer bullets, I have tested are as follows:

Bullet: Speer 240 gr Gold Dot hollow point Caliber 44 (.429 in)
Range: 50 yds Calculated Terminal Velocity 1264 fps
Rotational Speed 50940 rpm

Shot 1

Remaining Wgt 239.1 gr Measured Terminal Diameter .651 in.
Penetration Depth 24 in
Comments Penetrated 4 plugged milk jugs put hole in 5th but did not enter.

Shot 2

Remaining Wgt 239.1 gr Measured Terminal Diameter .663 in
Penetration Depth 24in
Comments Penetrated 4 plugged milk jugs put hole in 5 th did not enter.


Bullet: Speer 210 gr Gold Dot hollow point Caliber 44 (.429 in)
Range: 50 yds Calculated Terminal Velocity 1361
Rotational Speed 55512 rpm

Shot 1

Remaining Wgt N/A Measured Terminal Diameter N/A
Penetration Depth 12-18 in
Comments Came apart in 3rd jug. Found a 62 gr fragment in jug 3.

Shot 2

Ran out of jugs. When I tested I hoped 3 would stop the bullet but it didn't.
Went through all three, and I was unable to find the bullet. I am going to retest the 210 again as soon as I get more jugs.

I got pretty much what I expected from the 240 gr Gold Dot Hollow Point. Good penetration and excellant expansion and weight retention. I am unable to explain the first shot of the 210 gr Gold Dot Hollow Point. After the tests at 25 yards, I expected better penetration than at 25 yds not a core separation at the lower speeds. I think the second shot with this bullet performed better but since I didn't have enough jugs to capture the bullet I am not sure. I am going to retest the 210 again and see what happens.
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[Dave R]

Great detail. Thanks for the report. Let us know how the 210 gr. works.