A preliminary test (without a barrier) was performed with the Sig Sauer .45 ACP 230-grain V-Crown JHP.
Sig Sauer Elite .45ACP 230-grain V-Crown JHP (no barrier)
Test Firearm: HK USP45; 4.41-inch barrel
Barrier: None
Test Medium: H2O @ 75° F
Conditions: 80° F @ 44% relative humidity
Range: 10 feet
Average Diameter: 0.6055 inch
Retained Mass: 229.9 grains
Impact Velocity: 807.6 feet per second
Recovered Length: 0.481'' (12.22 mm)
Frontal:
Side:
Rear:
Predictive Analysis:
Q-model
DoP: 16.605 inches
Wound Mass: 2.354 ounces
Wound Volume: 3.917 cubic inches
Pressure at Impact: 2,017.662 psi
mTHOR model
DoP: 16.160 inches
Wound Mass: 2.291 ounces
Wound Volume: 3.812 cubic inches
DoP = maximum equivalent depth of penetration in calibrated ordnance gelatin (or soft tissue)
Wound Mass = total weight of tissue damaged/destroyed within the entire wound channel
Wound Volume = total volume of the permanent cavity
The minimum diameters, measured across the three smallest innermost 'notches', for the test round were 0.495'', 0.502'' and 0.502''. The maximum diameters, measured across the outermost tips of the petals were 0.710'', 0.712'' and 0.712''. Although I was not pleased to see the beginnings of jacket separation with this JHP design, expansion was remarkably uniform in every respect with an average recovered diameter of 0.6055'' and a retained mass of 229.9 grains (99.96% retention). Predicted terminal penetration of the Sig Sauer .45 ACP 230-grain V-Crown fell right in the middle of the 14'' - 18'' range that I like to see in premium JHP designs and wound mass is acceptable at about 2⅓ ounces. However, given the moderate expansion (1.341x caliber) of this particular design and its failure to expand against the IWBA 4LD mechanical failure test, I am not impressed with it enough to recommend the V-Crown JHP for use in the self-defense role.
Sig Sauer Elite .45ACP 230-grain V-Crown JHP vs. four layers of 16-ounce denim
Test Firearm: HK USP45; 4.41-inch barrel
Barrier: Four (4) layers of 16-ounce cotton denim (IWBA protocol)
Test Medium: H2O @ 75° F
Conditions: 80° F @ 44% relative humidity
Range: 10 feet
Average Diameter: 0.4515 inch
Retained Mass: 230 grains
Impact Velocity: 823.7 feet per second
No images. All three test rounds passed through the 4 layers of 16-ounce denim and through the test medium without expanding. All three test rounds behaved like FMJRNs, passing through nearly 5 feet of water test medium. All test rounds were found laying on the berm back stop, undeformed except for very minor damage on the expansion cavity lip.
Predictive Analysis:
Q-model
DoP: 25.057 inches
Wound Mass: 1.660 ounces
Wound Volume: 2.761 cubic inches
Pressure at Impact: 2,726.738 psi
mTHOR model
DoP: 25.798 inches
Wound Mass: 1.709 ounces
Wound Volume: 2.843 cubic inches
DoP = maximum equivalent depth of penetration in calibrated ordnance gelatin (or soft tissue)
Wound Mass = total weight of tissue damaged/destroyed within the entire wound channel
Wound Volume = total volume of the permanent cavity
The .45 ACP 230-grain V-Crown JHP failed on all three attempts to expand when fired through four layers of 16-ounce denim. Testing was discontinued at this point because the .45 ACP 230-grain V-Crown JHP failed to perform adequately against the IWBA failure protocol of four layers of 16-ounce denim. It appears that my experience was not unique in this regard. Others who have tested the Sig Sauer V-Crown JHP across a range of calibers, weights, and velocities have had similar experiences with the design.
ShootingTheBull410, who uses properly prepared 10% concentration ordnance gelatin, also experienced identical issues against the IWBA 4LD protocol here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdRktq_-OU0
Of the only two valid terminal ballistic test mediums extant (10% concentration ordnance gelatin and water), testing in water is known for its ability to produce expansion in even the most marginal/obstinate JHP designs and serves as a valuable discriminator for designs that simply will not perform under even the best conditions. In other words, if a JHP will not expand when it is tested in water, chances are that it will not expand in 10% concentration ordnance gelatin or soft tissue either. I'd recommend avoiding the Sig Sauer V-Crown JHP (in any caliber/weight) until Sig Sauer corrects the issues seen here and in other prior testing.
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