View Full Version : 45 Ranger T Bullet Differences
I just ordered a new box of Ranger T 45 ACP+P from ATG because I only had a few boxes left. However, my old boxes are marked 230gr. STX (RA45TP) The new box is marked 230gr T-Series (RA45TP) and these bullets are shaped differently. They are not as rounded as my older boxes and the hollow point is smaller. Both still have six talons.
What is the difference? I would say it is just packaging but the shape of the bullet on the one marked T-Series is definetly different.
dreis454
05-07-2010, 05:29
tagged since I have some of both types too.
N/Apower
05-07-2010, 06:11
T-series expands MUCH more aggressively. The talons are longer and stiffer. maximum expanded diameters can easily pass the 1" mark in .45ACP.
The Ranger SXT penetrates a little deeper, has shorter talons that sometimes are more prone to folding behind the bullet, and doesn't expand to as large a maximum diameter.
Looks like you have a line on this Ranger stuff...
Looks like you have a line on this Ranger stuff...
I do have a few boxes of 45's and 357 sig's. As you know, I generally carry the 357 sig, but I were to carry a 45 ACP and had a choice between the T-Series and the SXT which do you think would be the better load for PD?
fastbolt
05-07-2010, 11:55
I have some of each of the +P loadings, although I prefer the standard pressure load.
I had to use the newer T-Series +P load for a while because the standard pressure load wasn't available at the time the ammunition was ordered/delivered. I was using it for range use in my M&P 45, although I was carrying it in the M&P for a little while, too. I think I still have a couple boxes of the newer version, although I noticed I still have several boxes of the older version, too. I just don't use it as much as the standard pressure load.
The earlier version seemed to expand fairly well in both gel tests and real shootings. I imagine the newest version will probably be an acceptable replacement or they wouldn't have bothered.
When I carry one of my .45's and need to load any mags, I usually just grab whichever box is closest at hand. Sometimes it's the T-Series and sometimes it's another recent duty load.
As long as it consistently & reliably feeds, fires, extracts & ejects ... and POI matches POA ... I'm fine with it, although I still like the standard pressure loads, given my druthers.
fastbolt
05-07-2010, 11:56
I have some of each of the T-Series +P loadings, although I prefer the standard pressure load.
I had to use the newer T-Series +P load for a while because the standard pressure load wasn't available at the time the ammunition was ordered/delivered. I was using it for range use in my M&P 45 and a 4513TSW, although I was carrying it in the M&P for a little while, too. I think I still have a couple boxes of the newer version, although I still also have several boxes of the older version, too. I just don't use it as much as the standard pressure load.
The earlier version seemed to expand fairly well in both gel tests and real shootings. I imagine the newest version will probably be an acceptable replacement or they wouldn't have bothered.
When I carry one of my .45's and need to load any mags, I usually just grab whichever box is closest at hand. Sometimes it's the T-Series and sometimes it's another recent brand/design duty load. Winchester was awarded the CA state contract for .40 S&W and 9mm duty ammunition, but .45 ACP wasn't specified. I'm guessing the 2 Winchester LE distributors in the state will probably offer agencies who are also using .45's at least a bit of a break on buying one of the .45 T-Series loads. Too bad it wasn't on the contract, though, since the contract prices are amazingly low.
As long as it consistently & reliably feeds, fires, extracts & ejects ... and POI matches POA ... I'm fine with it, although I still like the standard pressure loads, given my druthers.
N/Apower
05-07-2010, 15:15
I do have a few boxes of 45's and 357 sig's. As you know, I generally carry the 357 sig, but I were to carry a 45 ACP and had a choice between the T-Series and the SXT which do you think would be the better load for PD?
Standard-pressure T-series penetrates a little shallower, but was designed to directly compete with the HST expansion-wise, as I understand. Both are good bullets, I like the T-series. 11.X" in bare gel really doesn't discourage me, it's the 9-10" range I start to not like it.
T-series is the best version of the Ranger line, one of the few things in life that actually gets better as they introduce the "new and improved" versions
T-series is the best version of the Ranger line, one of the few things in life that actually gets better as they introduce the "new and improved" versions
Does anyone know what calibers Winchester makes the T-Series for?
BurkGlocker
05-07-2010, 16:56
Does anyone know what calibers Winchester makes the T-Series for?
.380 auto, 9mm, .357 Sig, 40 S&W, and .45 ACP
Speaking of expansion over an inch for .45 ACP loads, look at my avatar. RA45TP that expanded to over 1.130"... Great load...
Does anyone know what calibers Winchester makes the T-Series for?
I don't believe you'll find .357sig marked as T-series although the bullet looks to be T-series, not SXT as it is marked on the box. All auto service calibers are made in the T version now as far as I know.
Ranger T-Series that still has SXT on the box was produced between 1998 and 2008. In 2008 it was replaced by the T-Series Enhanced.
The bullet like PghJim posted does look a little different than the first T ammo. They also removed the SXT from the box and put T-Series in its place. The product number stayed the same since it was a spec change to an existing product instead of a new product.
In a nut shell the difference between the first and second generation T ammo is pretty simple. The new ammo will stay at its maximum expanded size longer than the old ammo.
I don't believe you'll find .357sig marked as T-series although the bullet looks to be T-series, not SXT as it is marked on the box. All auto service calibers are made in the T version now as far as I know.All that I have in stock are marked T-Series.
All that I have in stock are marked T-Series.
Are you a retailer or by stock you mean in your personal ammunition? I've tried to get T-series from multiple sources and always get .357sig marked as SXT I was told that they didn't change the packaging for the sig round. All other calibers I get say T-series on the box. It seems to have the correct lot number for the T-series though
Are you a retailer or by stock you mean in your personal ammunition? I've tried to get T-series from multiple sources and always get .357sig marked as SXT I was told that they didn't change the packaging for the sig round. All other calibers I get say T-series on the box. It seems to have the correct lot number for the T-series though
Everything in my shop has T-Series on it. Hint, Winchester never did make a Ranger SXT in 357Sig.
Winchester fazes in new production ammo. It could well be that the RA357SIGT was the last caliber to change from the first generation T to the second. This would explain why any of us dealers might still have SXT marked Sig T.
skip a stone
05-09-2010, 13:00
I bought a couple of boxes of 357 Sig Ranger T's. Do they come in bonded and non-bonded forms or just one or the other?
Winchester does make a Ranger Bonded round in 357SIG # RA357SB.
I bought a couple of boxes of 357 Sig Ranger T's. Do they come in bonded and non-bonded forms or just one or the other?
If your product number is RA357SIGT, they are not bonded.
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