Hollowpointer Modified Ammo Range Report

[Josh Smith]

From My Ammo Tests Archive, 10-22-2009

A while back I bought a hollowpointer/accurizer tool. There were doubts expressed as to whether the modified bullets would perform.

I ran a 100 yard test. However, before we get to that test, let me walk you through the process of making the ammo.


Here are the components to the hollowpointer...

Fairly simple setup, but precise.


The first step is to put the round in the bottom block.


Assemble, and put on some sort of press - even a hammer will work.


Pull the handle...


... and a gaping hollowpoint (depending on depth settings) results.

But how do they perform?

They do shoot more accurately than unmodified ammo, but to the same point of aim. This is probably because they've been set to a standard size, and because the center of mass is further back. This is speculation however. I just know it works!

I set up four water jugs at 100 yards, and fired into them.

These are the results:


This is the first jug. It's pretty well shredded.

[Josh Smith]

A line of all four jugs...


Here's a bullet I recovered from right beyond the fourth jug...


Two more stopped inside the fourth jug.

I believe the variation in penetration is due to the fact that I fired 10 rounds, and kept firing after the jugs were pretty well empty. I tried this test before with three jugs and failed to recover any. I therefore added a fourth jug and kept firing until empty to try to get a few decent samples.


This is a picture of the unmodified round, modified round, and the three bullets I was able to recover.

Keep in mind that this is CCI 40gn LRN I modified. Their website lists the velocities thus:

Muzzle 1235

50 yards 1092

75 yards 1040

100 yards 998

So, when the bullet impacted, it was acting as a heavy .22 short. Yet, it still expanded to over .36".

These are doing better than my old standby, Winchester Xpert, and are of course more consistent.

I'm impressed.

Josh

[tnavressdog]

Nice report. I've been wanting to get one of these tools myself. Which one did you use and where did you get it?

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

I got it from D Rock on Rimfire Central.

Were I doing it again today, I'd get the one that fits in a handloading die. I did not handload at the time, I do not think... though I may of just not known about the other, or not wanted to spend the money on it as it costs more.

I prefer the ones made from steel. Just seems to make sense to me. Paco Kelley has quite a reputation for his brass version, though.

Josh

[Izzy43]

I have one of those D Rock tools as well. You mentioned that you found them more accurate. What was your measurement method to determine greater accuracy after the bullet was modified and at what distance was that accuracy tested? Thanks.