Winchester Ranger SXT (RA9SXT) 147 gr. 9mm Questions

[snatchel]

A buddy and I picked up 4 boxes of this stuff for a heck of a price, but are having a really hard time finding ballistics on it. I have found ballistics for Ranger T's... and a few others, but the part number RA9SXT is a ghost round. Anyone have a link to this? Apparently this is an older bullet that isn't made any more, i'm not real sure. Any info would be appreciated.

[E.Marquez]

Progression and improved ammo line ....Black Talon > RA9SXT with the black Lubalox coating >RA9SXT no coating > and now the RA9T
I don't have ballastics for them, but im sure it can be found by searching if interested.

RA9SXT...It's an older design that many claimed had a very specific velocity required for proper expansion.. The newest offering RA9T or Ranger -T is said to offer a wider range of terminal velocity that gives full, controlled and reliable expansion.

[snatchel]

Interesting. I carry 147 grain Gold Dots, but for 4 boxes @ $75 we couldn't turn it down. This is an antiquated brand then?

[The Annoyed Man]

Interesting. I carry 147 grain Gold Dots, but for 4 boxes @ $75 we couldn't turn it down. This is an antiquated brand then?

Gold Dots? No, they are generally considered pretty reliable, particularly with overcoming barriers like sheet metal and automotive safety glass. There may be others better, but not too many. The Gold Dot is a very good bullet.

[MoJo]

Interesting. I carry 147 grain Gold Dots, but for 4 boxes @ $75 we couldn't turn it down. This is an antiquated brand then?

Here's some Chronograph results from 2006

Winchester Ranger 147 gr. SXT JHP(RA9SXT)(Restricted/Government Issue)
HI: 1021 fps
LO: 950 fps
AV: 986 fps
ES: 71 fps
SD: 14.46 fps
n: 47 rnds
Comments: Advertised velocity is 990 fps.


Test Date: 18August2006

Winchester Ranger 147 gr. JHP (RA9T)(Restricted/Government Issue)
HI: 1142 fps
LO: 1016 fps
AV: 1055 fps
ES: 126 fps
SD: 38.31 fps
n: 15 rnds
Comments: Advertised velocity is 990 fps.

Test Platform: Glock 17 (ser.#XXX564US) Barrel: 4.49"/114mm
Temperature: 75 F Humidity: 68 % Elevation: 650 ft. ASL
Instrumental Distance: ~6.00 ft. (Shooting Chrony F-1)

Here's a you tube of the bullet being shot for expansion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY05GU8ZNfc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[carlson1]

A buddy and I picked up 4 boxes of this stuff for a heck of a price, but are having a really hard time finding ballistics on it. I have found ballistics for Ranger T's... and a few others, but the part number RA9SXT is a ghost round. Anyone have a link to this? Apparently this is an older bullet that isn't made any more, i'm not real sure. Any info would be appreciated.

That Ranger ammo will blow up your pistol. I took a liken to you along time ago, so I will man up and take it off of your hands. Just let me know when and where.

[Beiruty]

I prefer Gold dots, cheaper easily available and it does work as designed.

[snatchel]

A buddy and I picked up 4 boxes of this stuff for a heck of a price, but are having a really hard time finding ballistics on it. I have found ballistics for Ranger T's... and a few others, but the part number RA9SXT is a ghost round. Anyone have a link to this? Apparently this is an older bullet that isn't made any more, i'm not real sure. Any info would be appreciated.

That Ranger ammo will blow up your pistol. I took a liken to you along time ago, so I will man up and take it off of your hands. Just let me know when and where.

LoL. I'll keep that in mind.

I think I will stick to the Gold Dots for now. We plan on testing out the Ranger stuff at some point in the future.... maybe after I will load a few magazines with it. From what I have read thus far, I'm hesitant to carry it in the shorter barrel Kahr, but I did like the numbers out of a G17.

[brewster2012]

Why the hesitation out of the short barrel Kahr? I have my Shield loaded with it, but should I be concerned? Ignorance is bliss, but I'd rather be prepared and properly outfitted.

[brewster2012]

Never mind, just reread the thread and saw the post about the specific velocity for correct expansion. If I get adventurous I may try to determine the expansion out of my Shield by shooting into bucket of wet newspapers, etc. I found a great price on these at SGammo and bought a bunch along with the 147 fmj counterparts that were also gov't contract ammo.

[The Annoyed Man]

A buddy and I picked up 4 boxes of this stuff for a heck of a price, but are having a really hard time finding ballistics on it. I have found ballistics for Ranger T's... and a few others, but the part number RA9SXT is a ghost round. Anyone have a link to this? Apparently this is an older bullet that isn't made any more, i'm not real sure. Any info would be appreciated.

That Ranger ammo will blow up your pistol. I took a liken to you along time ago, so I will man up and take it off of your hands. Just let me know when and where.

LoL. I'll keep that in mind.

I think I will stick to the Gold Dots for now. We plan on testing out the Ranger stuff at some point in the future.... maybe after I will load a few magazines with it. From what I have read thus far, I'm hesitant to carry it in the shorter barrel Kahr, but I did like the numbers out of a G17.

That's why I carry Corbon PDX in my 9mm Kahrs.

[MoJo]

Guys listen, the 147 gr 9mm rounds have been less than stellar in real world shootings. The biggest problem is they are all subsonic loads that will penetrate but won't expand. Federal loads a 147 gr HST +P load that's hard to find but, works very well.

I personally use Cor Bon DPX, Gold Dot 124 +P, Golden Saber 124 +P, or Federal Classic 115 gr +P+. For my guns that aren't +P rated I use Remington 115 JHP. DPX is my go to carry load for 9mm the others are in the order I list them. You can carry what you want but, do some serious research and make a decision on more than factory published data and what some internet guru tells you.

[carlson1]

There is nothing wrong with 147 grain. I Now use Hornady Critical Duty that is 135 grain, but would not hesitate to carry 147 grain.

[snatchel]

Ditto. I have no issues carrying 147 grain 9mm's, especially in a full sized gun.

MoJo-- This is how I look at it: Expansion is something that I want, penetration is something that I need.

YMMV

[MoJo]

There is nothing wrong with 147 grain. I Now use Hornadh Critical Duty that is 135 grain, but would not hesitate to carry 147 grain.

I never said there was anything wrong with 147 gr ammo - - - I said the real world record isn't good if you are comfortable with it great! I am not comfortable with 147 grain non +P ammo for the reasons I explained. We are all responsible for our own salvation.

Ditto. I have no issues carrying 147 grain 9mm's, especially in a full sized gun.

MoJo-- This is how I look at it: Expansion is something that I want, penetration is something that I need.

Without good expansion you have a higher probability of a shoot through. How are you going to explain that in court if it happens and an innocent bystander is injured or killed?