What have I bought?

[crazymailman]

I took a trip to the LGS today and came across what I thought was a pretty good deal. Federal white box (XM40HA2) 135 gr 40 S&W 50 round boxes for $24.95. I had heard that the Border Patrol used a similar load with HST projectiles, so after glancing to verify that they were not Hydra Shoks, got a couple of boxes. After getting home and a closer inspection, I found a sticker on the box that says, "Special Customer Low Velocity". Inside, what I thought were HST bullets look identical to Gold Dots. I've Googled and can't find anything like this, so I don't know what the crap I have.

[AJBert]

135gr .40 S&W's? That's a new one to me. Lowest weight I've found are 155's.

[TheTman]

Winchester makes a 135gr Ranger in .40. I have part of a box. Nothing special to identify the type of bullet used, just a hollow point. Not sure who supplies Winchester with Ranger bullets, I thought they made them themselves. Corbon and Federal also make 135 gr hollow points. The Federal is a hydra shok.
Nosler has 135gr bullets. There are probably more out there, that's just what I found with a quick google.

[hotpig]

The Federal and Winchester were made for the same canceled contract. Since LE will not buy 135gr at any price it was dumped onto the wholesale market for disposal.

[Yogi 117]

Here's a link to a "firingline" thread about this very ammo. Maybe you'll find out more. Hope it helps. :)

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4053454

[crazymailman]

Thanks for the link Yogi. This must be a new batch, though, as I've never seen Federal ammo with Gold Dots before.

[TucsonMTB]

We have US Marshals and Border Patrol people using our local Pima Pistol Club range for agency training sessions. More than once, I have seen an empty box from a case of Federal XM40HA2 used during their training sessions.

My favorite .40 S&W round is the very similar Winchester Ranger 135gr JHP - Q4368 pictured below and available from SGAMMO dot com (http://www.sgammo.com/product/winchester/50rd-40-cal-winchester-ranger-135gr-jhp-hollow-point-q4368), usually at pretty good prices.

http://www.sgammo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_full/product_images/img_3596.jpg

These feed well in my PM40, have lower recoil than heavier rounds I have fired, and seem to perform well in water jug tests from that pistol.

http://viewsfromtucson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/135-grain.jpg

[crazymailman]

Looks like a great round Tucson. I'm gonna have to see how my M&P likes em.

[TucsonMTB]

Looks like a great round Tucson. I'm gonna have to see how my M&P likes em.
I think so, but I am cheap. :o There are lots of excellent, more expensive rounds in the marketplace.

Availability of Q4368 has been spotty. So, it might be worthwhile to grab a sample as quickly as practical and then buy while they are readily available, presuming you like them.

Mr. hotpig, who sells ammo, can probably explain it better than I can. About 18 months ago, I bought a good stash to shoot in a then new PM40. The first lot was well under $300 per thousand, delivered. A few months later when that first generally available batch was nearly sold out, they at least 20% more expensive. Since that batch sold out, there has been a dry spell until just recently. As always, YMMV ;)

[hotpig]

It will probably never be made again. If you like the round you may want to get extras. Same with the 155gr and the Ranger Q and ZQ/ZR coded 180gr Bonded jhp loads.

[TucsonMTB]

It will probably never be made again.
Thank you for the heads up, sir! http://home.mindspring.com/%7Ejustsomeguy/thumbsup.gif

[mightymouse]

Nothing wrong with the 135 if Corbon loaded them, pretty hot round


Caliber: 40 S&W
Bullet Wt.: 135gr CORBON Self-Defense JHP
Velocity: 1325fps
Energy: 526ftlbs
Test Barrel Length: 4.0 Inches

The old Marshall Sanow book said 89% one shot drops, .74 expansion, but with
"Special Customer Low Velocity" we're talking apples and oranges by now

[Barth]

Speer GDHP 155 gr have been chronographed at ~1,150 fps 450 E from a MK40 3.0" barrel.
It's my favorite 40 round out of the micro short barrel.

If I'm running my G23 40-9mm 4.02" barrel in my G27?
Then I switch to Winchester Ranger T 165 gr.
(I think they are rated at 1,150 fps from a 4" barrel as well)