[ModGlock17]

Sounds like you've got to make the assumption that they are the same, for now. Possibly cross check with the two weight classes from another mfgr, like Hornady. This can be a team work thing. Those of us have Hornady in possession, should be able to mail you like 5 bullets each type. That way you'd have a variety. I can send what I've got. Decide what you need, then post it. Folks can participate this way.


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[Andrew Wiggin]

I've got 165 and 180 gr Gold Dots but I have no idea how to tell if the alloys used are the same.

[orangeride]

I know there's a way that they test lead for hardness. It might be pretty simple.

[countrygun]

Originally Posted by orangeride

I know there's a way that they test lead for hardness. It might be pretty simple.

Lee makes an inexpensive"kit" for hardness testing but it doesn't even need to be that complicated. The alloy itself has it's own characteristices. You aren't designing a Mars lander.

As far as testing factory bullets, fire them into media and recover them. Bullets are funny things. All the scratching on paper and crunching numbers often falls flat in predicting performance.

[Chainlink]

Originally Posted by Maine1

The XTP's get my Vote. I like the 200's for post SHTF versitility. Also come up with a cast lead load for utulity/small game to allow for 1) cheap practice now 2) non- critical use post SHTF

SERIOUSLY consider a 40 conversion barrel to take advantage of the more plentiful 40 brass, while retaining the 10mm advantages.

XTP's...stock em deep. Have 2-3 loaded rounds on hand.

Multiple g-20s would be ideal.

I agree with maine1 , I myself would like to try casting my own. As far as bullet choice I really like the xtp 180 grainers.

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[dm1906]

Originally Posted by Andrew Wiggin

I've got 165 and 180 gr Gold Dots but I have no idea how to tell if the alloys used are the same.

You don't need rocket science to find out all of the above. The lead core will be essentially irrelevant, as they are swaged, and almost always at or near pure lead. The jacket provides the structural hardness, and bonding, if applicable, is either by soldering (heating), adhesive, or both. The difference between "hard" or "soft" pure lead is so far below what is considered "hard" (such as hard cast), it just doesn't matter to a degree we (consumers) can measure. Hardened lead (alloyed) is not ideal for swaging, and would lead to inconsistent finished bullets, even in a laboratory type process. Most bullet mfg's (such as Hornady) claim to use pure lead for the core. Of course, there are exceptions, but these would be classified in an "exotic" category, and apply mostly to non-lead, non-toxic bullets (some Winchester non-lead have a pure tin core).

To determine the core (lead) weight, peel the jacket from the core and weigh it. Or, you can melt the lead out of the jacket and weigh the pour.

To examine the jacket, hold a bullet with long pliers, and use a propane torch to melt out the lead. Keep the temperature at just enough to melt the lead, without damaging (burning/melting) the jacket. Once the jacket is empty, it can be weighed, and mic'd for thickness. Measure the base, as it'll be the most likely common section of differing bullet weights (they may use the same cup/blank for different bullet weights). If you want to test the jacket for hardness, do it before heating, or molesting in any other way.