Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets Review

First Impressions of Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets

The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets promise a revolutionary approach to terminal ballistics. These aren’t your grandfather’s lead round nose bullets; they are a solid copper projectile designed for deep penetration and significant tissue damage, a departure from traditional expanding rounds.

My search for a reliable .45 Colt load for both hunting and potential self-defense in bear country led me to these. I needed a round that could penetrate thick hides and bone, while also delivering enough energy transfer to stop a threat.

Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the clean, uniform appearance of the solid copper bullets. They have a distinctive nose geometry with radial flutes, clearly illustrating Lehigh Defense’s innovative design. The bullets felt substantial, a testament to the 250-grain weight and monolithic construction.

Compared to traditional jacketed hollow points or lead semi-wadcutters, the Lehigh Defense bullets looked radically different. I had considered Buffalo Bore’s hard cast lead rounds, but the potential for lead fouling and the desire for barrier penetration pushed me toward the Xtreme Penetrator. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – these bullets looked like they meant business, but I was eager to see how they performed in real-world scenarios.

I was definitely intrigued and excited to test the claims of exceptional penetration and wound cavity creation. The promise of overcoming barriers without compromising performance also appealed to me greatly, especially given my use case.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator bullets was at a controlled shooting range. I wanted to establish a baseline for accuracy and reliability before moving on to more challenging scenarios. I was shooting them out of my Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt with a 7.5″ barrel.

The Lehigh Defense bullets performed consistently, grouping within a respectable 2-3 inches at 25 yards. I experienced no feeding or cycling issues in my revolver. The recoil was stout but manageable, typical of a 250-grain .45 Colt load.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions, I felt confident enough to carry the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator rounds during a backcountry hiking trip in Montana. I encountered heavy rain and muddy conditions throughout the trip. The rounds showed no signs of corrosion or degradation.

The solid copper construction provided peace of mind that the bullets would maintain their integrity even after exposure to the elements. I also performed a penetration test on a stack of water jugs and some plywood. The Lehigh Defense bullets lived up to their name, easily penetrating the barriers and demonstrating impressive straight-line penetration.

Breaking Down the Features of Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets

Specifications

The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets boast several key specifications that contribute to their performance. These bullets are designed and manufactured by Lehigh Defense.

• Caliber: .45 Colt, making them compatible with a wide range of revolvers and some lever-action rifles chambered in this classic cartridge.
• Bullet Weight: 250 grains, providing a good balance of velocity and kinetic energy for deep penetration.
• Bullet Type: Fluid Transfer Monolithic (FTM), a proprietary design featuring a solid copper construction and a unique nose geometry with radial flutes.
• Quantity: 50 bullets per box, a standard quantity for reloading or factory ammunition.
• Sectional Density: 0.175, indicating a good potential for penetration, especially in a solid bullet design.
• Core Material: Copper, ensuring consistent weight and resistance to deformation during penetration.
• Projectile Caliber: .45 Caliber, standard for .45 Colt firearms.

Performance & Functionality

The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator bullets are engineered for a specific purpose: deep, straight-line penetration and significant tissue damage. The unique nose design is intended to create a larger permanent wound cavity than traditional round nose or flat nose bullets.

These bullets consistently penetrate deeply into various materials, including water jugs, plywood, and ballistic gel. They provide a reassuring level of stopping power, especially against larger or heavily clothed targets. However, they are not designed to expand, which means their effectiveness relies on penetration depth and the creation of a permanent wound cavity through fluid transfer.

Design & Ergonomics

The solid copper construction and the FTM nose design are the defining characteristics of these bullets. The monolithic design ensures consistent weight and prevents fragmentation upon impact. The shape contributes to straight-line penetration, and the flutes are designed to force hydraulic energy outwards.

Reloading these bullets is straightforward, and they seat easily in .45 Colt cases. However, it is crucial to follow recommended load data to ensure safe and consistent performance.

Durability & Maintenance

The solid copper construction of the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator bullets ensures excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. These bullets can be stored for extended periods without any degradation in performance.

Cleaning the barrel after shooting these bullets is also relatively easy, as solid copper does not leave behind as much fouling as lead. Standard bore cleaning solvents and brushes are sufficient for removing any copper residue.

Accessories and Customization Options

These bullets are primarily designed for reloading, allowing users to create custom ammunition tailored to their specific needs. While there are no “accessories” in the traditional sense, reloaders can experiment with different powder loads and seating depths to optimize performance in their firearms.

The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator bullets are compatible with any firearm chambered in .45 Colt, but users should ensure their firearm is in good working order and capable of handling the pressures generated by the load. Some lever-action rifles may require adjustments to ensure proper feeding with these bullets.

Pros and Cons of Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets

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Who Should Buy Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets?

The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets are perfect for hunters seeking deep penetration on game animals. They also benefit individuals who prioritize barrier penetration and require a reliable self-defense round in situations where heavy clothing or intermediate barriers are likely to be encountered. Finally, they are well-suited for those who reload their ammunition and want to experiment with a high-performance, non-expanding bullet.

Those prioritizing maximum expansion and immediate stopping power on lightly clothed targets may want to consider traditional hollow-point bullets instead. Also, reloaders who are new to the hobby might want to gain experience with more common and less expensive bullet types before working with these premium projectiles.

Conclusion on Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets

The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator .45 Colt 250 Grain Fluid Transfer Monolithic FTM Centerfire Pistol Bullets offer a unique approach to terminal ballistics with their solid copper construction and FTM nose design. Their deep penetration and ability to create a larger permanent wound cavity make them a viable option for hunting and self-defense.

While they may not deliver the same immediate stopping power as expanding bullets in some situations, their reliability and barrier penetration capabilities are significant advantages. The price is justified for those who demand consistent performance and a reliable projectile.

I would recommend these bullets to anyone seeking a high-performance, non-expanding .45 Colt load for hunting or self-defense. If you need a bullet that can penetrate deeply and reliably, the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator is an excellent choice.