Remington 9mm 124gr BJHP in Clear Ballistics Gel

[5pins]

Test Gun: Sig P229, Beretta Nano.
Barrel length: 3.9, 3 inches.
Ammunition: Remington 147gr BJHP Golden Saber
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 1036, 997fps
Gel Temperature 70 degrees.

In the fifth installment of the budget 9 series, we take a look at the lighter weight brother of the last cartridge we shot. The Remington 124gr BJHP Golden Saber. The price on this one comes in at $15.99 a box of fifty, a dollar less than the 147gr version.

From the Sig P229, I got an average velocity of 1036fps with a high of 1065fps and a low of 984.


Ten yards off hand five shots with the Sig P229

In the Nano, I got a five-shot velocity average of 997 fps with a high of 1020fps and a low of 975fps.


Ten yards off hand five shots with the Beretta Nano

From the Sig, the first round in the bare gel had a velocity of 967fps and penetrated to 16.5 inches. The expansion was .64 inches and recovered weight was 122.4 grains. The second round had a velocity of 1012fps and penetrated to 15.5 inches. the bullet expanded to .64 inches also and had a recovered weight of 123.3 grains.



When shot in the clothing covered gel the first round had a velocity of 1003fps and penetrated to 20 inches. There was no expansion but part of the hollow point had separated. Recovered weight was 121.4 grains. Round two hit the gel block at a velocity of 1093fps and penetrated to 18 inches. The bullet expanded to .64 inches and had a recovered weight of 120.1 grains.



From the Nano, the first round in the gel had a velocity of 1007fps and penetrated to 16 inches. It expanded to .63 inches and had a recovered weight of 123.9 grains. The last round traveled at 991fps and penetrated to 15.75 inches. The expansion was also .63 inches and the recovered weight was 123.4 grains.

 

[Riomouse911]

Other than that one clinker, not too bad.

 

[Vonderek]

Good enough. And cheap enough to actually get some decent practise with it.

 

[Charlie98]

I ordered 4 boxes of it last month, haven't had a chance to test it in the Kahrs, yet. The price sure is right, and it looks like as long as the velocity stays up there, the expansion is good... in theory, anyway.

 

[C0untZer0]

Thanks for the test.

The problem with the Golden Saber has always been that when tested against heavy clothing or the IWBA 4 x denim protocol, a high percentage of the expanded jackets strip off and the lead core continues on to penetrate past 18 inches.

They also don't do well through glass, but they seem to perform well against light clothing.

 

[roo_ster]

Thanks for the test.

The problem with the Golden Saber has always been that when tested against heavy clothing or the IWBA 4 x denim protocol, a high percentage of the expanded jackets strip off and the lead core continues on to penetrate past 18 inches.

They also don't do well through glass, but they seem to perform well against light clothing.

True that.

OTOH, GS are more likely to feed properly from ammo-finicky semi-autos. Back in the day I chose GS over a competing premium JHP because I could tell just by hand-cycling, it cycled smoother with less resistance. Both operated my 1911 when clean and oiled, but the GS, IMO, would be more likely to work in a dry or fouled gun.

 

[Nuclear]

Golden Sabers were the only round that didn't feed reliably in my 40S&W BHP.