[thegriz18]

I have been looking into this load and can't seem to find any data on it other than "USBP used it and it was lights out good." Has anyone done or come across any penetration and expansion testing for it? How is the muzzle flash, etc... Also, I can't seem to find it anywhere for less than $42 a box of 50. Any idea why this ammo is more expensive than premium ammo?

Thanks

[Mwinter]

I got several boxes of it from a USBP inspector years ago...not to my liking.

Very pronounced blast/recoil, and very bright/large muzzle flash. That, along with the non-bonded bullet left "free" and "it went bang" as it's only redeeming features. I'd take a Gold Dot in any weight over that load. USBP/ICE tests I've seen favor shallower penetration than the FBI, and use temp cav as a factor in determining performance.

Most of the Remington .40cal loads I've tested had bright, sparky muzzle flash, and several did not perform as well as competing offerings from Federal, Speer and Winchester.

My fav thus far (but definitely pricey and relatively tough to find) is the Federal Bonded Tactical in 165gr. Very low muzzle flash, soft perceived recoil, and excellent barrier performance.

[thegriz18]

Was the flash blinding? How was penetration and expansion?

[fastbolt]

While that fed agency did use millions of rounds of that load, it was hard on their guns.

They eventually decided that an even better load would use a lighter weight, in the 135gr range, but one loaded to a lesser velocity than what is typically favored by internet firearms enthusiasts.

A Winchester LE rep tole me some years ago that the 155gr load used by Customs was the primary reason they developed their standard 155gr JHP Ranger load, so they could compete for a piece of that fed pie. Then, several years later it turns out they got the contract for the new & improved lightweight 135gr .40 load the agency came to favor better.

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthre...stoms+ICE+load

Stay tuned for the "Next Big Thing" in that agency's lightweight .40 loads somewhere down the road ...

There's been some amount of this bullet weight .40 load being dumped on the commercial market in recent years.

I remember when the 155gr load was first starting to become popular. I tired some Federal and Winchester (STHP version), as well as a couple of the lighter loads made by a couple of other makers. I never cared for the increased muzzle blast/flash or the increased felt recoil, myself.