Design change to Winchester ranger?

[SoCalDep]

Update, LASD has approved Federal 9mm 147 gr HST for duty use.

Ranger-T is really good ammo, which is why it is still (and will be for the foreseeable future) approved.

Out of a full-size gun, I like the HST, but would be very happy with either from both 9mm and .45. In a compact 9mm like my Shield, USP9C, Sig P239, and soon probably some other guns... I'll take the HST...

I was a bit surprised that the reliability nod went to the HST in testing. Not by much, but I figured the rounded nose of the Ranger-T would give it the advantage. I think the slight velocity bump gave the HST some wiggle room with the various less-than-ideal shooting platforms.

That said, both are definitely good rounds and if one was reliable while the other wasn't, I'd have no problem going with either to get the reliability I want.

[painkiller]

I took a micrometer recently and there is a noticeable difference in oal length even to the naked eye

[TJW]

Maybe they are trying to make it look like the "Speer Gold Dot".

[Gun Kraft]

Update, LASD has approved Federal 9mm 147 gr HST for duty use.

What's old is new again. Unless they also bumped the velocity I'd be leery of 147gr in a 9mm caliber due to concerns about reliable expansion under varying (ie. less optimal) conditions. I prefer a lighter round at higher velocity due to that reason.

[SoCalDep]

LASD, LAPD, and others who have a fair bit of experience with terminal ballistics have been using 147gr for decades... Expansion is consistent even through short barrel guns. Even more importantly... Penetration is more better than lighter bullets.

[TJW]

watch a few youtube videos on Winchester Ranger T-series 127 gr 9mm +P+ , 40 S&W 180 gr, and 45 acp +P 230gr. Almost all tests of these rounds going thru denim/gel fail to expand. Too many videos to list, round goes right through and out the back, over-penetrates. Winchester Ranger in not reliable in expansion thru denim. The hollow point cavity plugs and the round act like a full metal jacket. Their standard pressure expands better, but Federal HST in any grain/caliber is much more consistent expansion.

[Rico911]

I was fortunate to meet Dr Martin Fackler in a court hallway while testifying on a trial several years ago. He published hundreds of articles on wound ballistics. During our short conversation, I asked him about wounds and the part expansion plays on it. He said expansion plays very little especially with slow pistol rounds compared to rifle rounds. Penetration depth is more vital. He also seemed to prefer the Ranger SXT, but this was back in the early 2000's.

Heavier pistol rounds consistently penetrate deeper, look at the failure of the 115gr 9mm Silvertip during the FBI Miami shooting in 1986. That round expanded but failed to reach vital organs.