Barnes XPB results ?

Zak Smith · June 24, 2002, 01:49 AM

Anyone have experience with Barnes "XPB" bullets for handguns? I am looking at the 200 and 225gr's for .44.

These bullets are made of a copper alloy, with no lead, and have a very deep hollow-point, and a "solid" base. As a result, they take up more space for the same bullet mass, meaning less internal volume available for combustion. I loaded some up with 7.5gr Unique and accuracy was about the same as Hornady XTP's.

Has anyone seen any terminal ballistics for these bullets?

thanks
Zak

WESHOOT2 · June 24, 2002, 04:53 AM

If I need premium jacketed I use Swift A-Frames; all other 'penetrating' loads utilize some sort of (beautiful) heavy lead bullet.

IMNSHO the Barnes leave me slightly suspect due to the lack of a lead (or heavy metal) core; concerned about 'true flight' and 'straight penetration'.
Zero worries with the Swifts or lead.............

Maybe the Barnes work great on thin-skinned or non-biting creatures.

labgrade · June 24, 2002, 11:19 PM

Zip experience with anything Barnes except their 165 XBT in .30 cal at 2400 fps.

"Good enough" accuracy = ~1"++ 3-shot groups at 100 & no signs of tipping past 300 yds. 300 yd groups around 4-5", & some of that's me. My "low-velocity" bullet of choice for elk.

Ballistic Coefficient is very high due to the added length-for-weight, but as you mentioned, a bit of a internal case volumne loss associated.

All mine's been rifle-stuff ... & with excellent results.

Too, I've heard of the bullets not obturating to the rifling due to the "hard" cpper/solid bullet. The metal is annealed to proper hardness & does - all have full-groove rifling that I've shot.

As with any compenent change, always work up from known data.

Actually, for a .44/.45 cal-class handgun I'd not spend the big $s using such a premium bullet, unless for a .44 special level SD loading, or similar. A hard-cast bullet will shoot through almost anything reasonable & kill it just as dead as a $.50 bullet will.

June 24, 2002, 01:49 AM	#1
Zak Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 1999 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Posts: 2,682	Barnes XPB results ? Anyone have experience with Barnes "XPB" bullets for handguns? I am looking at the 200 and 225gr's for .44. These bullets are made of a copper alloy, with no lead, and have a very deep hollow-point, and a "solid" base. As a result, they take up more space for the same bullet mass, meaning less internal volume available for combustion. I loaded some up with 7.5gr Unique and accuracy was about the same as Hornady XTP's. Has anyone seen any terminal ballistics for these bullets? thanks Zak

June 24, 2002, 04:53 AM	#2
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	NEVER EVEN TRIED THEM If I need premium jacketed I use Swift A-Frames; all other 'penetrating' loads utilize some sort of (beautiful) heavy lead bullet. IMNSHO the Barnes leave me slightly suspect due to the lack of a lead (or heavy metal) core; concerned about 'true flight' and 'straight penetration'. Zero worries with the Swifts or lead............. Maybe the Barnes work great on thin-skinned or non-biting creatures. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

June 24, 2002, 11:19 PM	#3
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Zip experience with anything Barnes except their 165 XBT in .30 cal at 2400 fps. "Good enough" accuracy = ~1"++ 3-shot groups at 100 & no signs of tipping past 300 yds. 300 yd groups around 4-5", & some of that's me. My "low-velocity" bullet of choice for elk. Ballistic Coefficient is very high due to the added length-for-weight, but as you mentioned, a bit of a internal case volumne loss associated. All mine's been rifle-stuff ... & with excellent results. Too, I've heard of the bullets not obturating to the rifling due to the "hard" cpper/solid bullet. The metal is annealed to proper hardness & does - all have full-groove rifling that I've shot. As with any compenent change, always work up from known data. Actually, for a .44/.45 cal-class handgun I'd not spend the big $s using such a premium bullet, unless for a .44 special level SD loading, or similar. A hard-cast bullet will shoot through almost anything reasonable & kill it just as dead as a $.50 bullet will.