Topic: Updated Tests: Fiocchi's 92gr 9mm EMB (Expanding Mono Block)

[Tomac]

Today I tried a highly unscientific expansion test of the Fiocchi 92gr EMB from one of my M&P9c's.
I will admit to being a little concerned about using such a light bullet out of the 9c's short bbl.
I used 3 1-gal water jugs in full contact, presenting 18" of medium (I thought 2 might be sufficient w/the 3rd for a margin of safety).
Fired a single shot from 10', impacting the center of the first jug. Surprisingly, all 3 jugs exploded w/the third showing an exit hole out the back (shucks and other comments!).
Having deliberately set up the jugs so line-of-travel was easy to determine I decided to hunt out a bit along the bullet's probable track to see if I could locate it.
I'd barely looked down into the mud when I found the expanded bullet just inches away from the third jug's location. Apparently the bullet had just enough energy to barely punch out the back of the third jug and no further.
Expansion was a full & classic mushroom measuring .64" at the widest w/full weight retention (the bullet is entirely copper & bronze).
I realize this test is highly unscientific under ideal conditions but still I find myself impressed w/the level of expansion & depth of penetration from a short bbl.
Tomac

Recovered bullet w/an unfired cartridge:

Recovered bullet, side view:

Recovered bullet, front view:

[agunforeachhand]

Was to good to see you out there today Tomac. I was very impressed with your test and the expansion of the bullet. Was very cool to see in person. Thanks

[Tomac]

Was to good to see you out there today Tomac. I was very impressed with your test and the expansion of the bullet. Was very cool to see in person. Thanks

Thank *you*. I look forward to testing the EMB in your fullsize S&W M&P to see how much difference the extra 1.15" of bbl length makes w/regards to expansion and penetration.
Time to start saving up more empty milk jugs!... 
Tomac

[J Mack]

Thank *you*. I look forward to testing the EMB in your fullsize S&W M&P to see how much difference the extra 1.15" of bbl length makes w/regards to expansion and penetration.
Time to start saving up more empty milk jugs!...  
Tomac

In my highly unscientific test I used 24 inches of wet phone books taped together and shot three shot groups.

I soaked the books overnight then tape them together as tight as I can with duct tape before shooting them, 24” of wet phone book has stopped every expanding bullet I’ve shot within its self giving to the ability to measure penetration rifle or pistol.

[fj40mojo]

In my highly unscientific test I used 24 inches of wet phone books taped together and shot three shot groups.

I soaked the books overnight then tape them together as tight as I can with duct tape before shooting them, 24” of wet phone book has stopped every expanding bullet I’ve shot within its self giving to the ability to measure penetration rifle or pistol.

Even the .50BMG?

[J Mack]

Even the .50BMG?

24” of wet phone book has stopped every expanding bullet I’ve shot within its self giving to the ability to measure penetration rifle or pistol.

I don't have any expanding bullets for a fifty!

[fj40mojo]

I don't have any expanding bullets for a fifty!

You've got to admit, it would be fun to test.

[agunforeachhand]

In my highly unscientific test I used 24 inches of wet phone books taped together and shot three shot groups.

I soaked the books overnight then tape them together as tight as I can with duct tape before shooting them, 24” of wet phone book has stopped every expanding bullet I’ve shot within its self giving to the ability to measure penetration rifle or pistol.

Somebody has way too much time on his hands

[J Mack]

Somebody has way too much time on his hands

You said it brother, and he’s quickly becoming the number one poster at Boise Shooters just behind the admin.
Oh wait that you…………..!!   

[agunforeachhand]

fj still has me beat

[fj40mojo]

fj still has me beat

Hmmm....haven't seen my name in the top 5 posters of the week yet. Oddly enough though, you've been #1 three weeks running. So, back on topic. Penetration, or was it expansion. 

[Tomac]

So, back on topic. Penetration, or was it expansion. 

Yes... 
Tomac

[agunforeachhand]

Hmmm....haven't seen my name in the top 5 posters of the week yet. Oddly enough though, you've been #1 three weeks running.:

He said top poster pecker wrecker not weekly top poster

Besides why are you gals so concerned looking at that stupid weekly poster thing that our fearless leader feels we need ??

[fj40mojo]

He said top poster pecker wrecker not weekly top poster

Besides why are you gals so concerned looking at that stupid weekly poster thing that our fearless leader feels we need ??

It helps me filter.

[luvmy45]

Tomac,

I've read that HP get clogged up by fabric and what not, and can fail to expand.

Next time out using the just, put some denim material in front of the jugs and see what the fabric does to the expansion properties of the bullet.

Just a thought, be interesting to see.

[9Shooter]

I've heard that too.  I think that's why the Hornady Critical Defense was originally made.  Interesting in the pic with the unfired round, the core comes almost to the point.  I wonder if that would help with penetration/early expansion similar to the polymer insert of the Hornady ammo.

[agunforeachhand]

Tomac, sorry I crapped in your thread.

I am looking forward to the new tests we try here in a couple weeks, if anyone would like to join us or has something they would like us to try then please let us know.

[fastfire]

I don't have any expanding bullets for a fifty!

I'll shoot a 750gr A-MAX at it.
One time I shot at dry phone books with AP's, I bullet exited the 6th book out the side of the book.

[luvmy45]

I've heard that too.  I think that's why the Hornady Critical Defense was originally made.  Interesting in the pic with the unfired round, the core comes almost to the point.  I wonder if that would help with penetration/early expansion similar to the polymer insert of the Hornady ammo.

I would love to try some Critical Defense ammo... know anyone that carry's it locally? I hate to mail order ammo just to try it out, would rather just pick it up locally.

[fj40mojo]

I would love to try some Critical Defense ammo... know anyone that carry's it locally? I hate to mail order ammo just to try it out, would rather just pick it up locally.

At the risk of being pummeled and ridiculed mercilessly by the masses....Cliff's got some.

[luvmy45]

No pummeling here... by the time I order it in, pay for shipping the price will probably be about the same as going down to cliffs and picking some up.

I've learned what to get there and what not too... powder and primers... probably not, Big Blue reloading equipment... you bet, same price as the catalog and he's got a ton in stock.

Thanks FJ

[agunforeachhand]

I would love to try some Critical Defense ammo... know anyone that carry's it locally? I hate to mail order ammo just to try it out, would rather just pick it up locally.

Anyone know the real difference between the XTP's and the critical defense? I shoot the XTP's and love them, I might have to try them out on a test.

Larry's in Nampa might have some BK, I can check it out tomorrow and find out if you would like me to? ( See I really can be nice )   I stop into Larry's quite abit so it would really be no problem. I am guessing you are looking for .45's?

[agunforeachhand]

BK, I just got off the phone with Larry's they have the XTP's and TAP's in .45auto, the XTP's are 18.99 and the TAP's are 18.95. If that helps you at all

[luvmy45]

I see the TAP's all the time, but the critical defense ammo has a polymer filling in the cavity of the HP that supposedly prevents clogging of bullet, therefore insuring expansion in any clothing. At least that's how it reads.

The XTP and TAP's don't have that, not that they are not good bullets, but the CD ammo seems to be a bird of a different feather altogether.

If Cliff's has them I'll be swinging by to grab some this week... don't think their open on Monday's though.

Thanks for checking guys...

[agunforeachhand]

I see the TAP's all the time, but the critical defense ammo has a polymer filling in the cavity of the HP that supposedly prevents clogging of bullet, therefore insuring expansion in any clothing. At least that's how it reads.

The XTP and TAP's don't have that, not that they are not good bullets, but the CD ammo seems to be a bird of a different feather altogether.

No thank you BK that was what I was wondering myself. The difference between the XTP's and CD. Hey if you stop in there see how much some .40sw or 9mm in the CD is if you don't mind.