Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets Review

First Impressions of Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets

The world of .45 ACP ammunition is vast, filled with options promising everything from match-grade accuracy to devastating stopping power. When I first encountered the Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets, I was intrigued, not just by the catchy name, but by the core concept behind its design: controlled fragmentation for enhanced terminal ballistics. The Lehigh Defense bullets aim to balance penetration depth with a wider wound cavity, theoretically offering a more effective solution for self-defense.

My usual load for my trusty 1911 was a standard 230-grain FMJ, reliable and accurate, but lacking the guaranteed expansion I desired for personal protection. I was searching for a round that offered consistent expansion and deep penetration, addressing the common concerns about over-penetration or under-expansion in self-defense scenarios.

The packaging of the 50-round box was straightforward. Opening it revealed the solid copper projectiles, their hollow points cleanly formed and visually distinctive. Compared to traditional jacketed hollow points, the all-copper construction gave them a premium feel, a promise of consistent performance. These bullets were noticeably lighter than my standard 230-grain loads. This difference made me curious about how it would affect recoil and accuracy.

I had considered other premium self-defense rounds like the Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot. Ultimately, the unique “controlled fracturing” design of the Lehigh Defense bullets, promising multiple wound channels, swayed my decision. I was definitely excited to see how this innovation would perform in live-fire testing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets at my local indoor range, a controlled environment that allowed me to focus on accuracy and reliability. I fired them from my Kimber 1911, a pistol known for its accuracy and dependability.

The first few rounds were surprisingly smooth. The recoil was noticeably lighter than my standard 230-grain FMJ rounds. Accuracy was excellent at 15 yards, producing tight groupings of around 2 inches. There were no failures to feed or eject. The lower recoil allowed for faster follow-up shots.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Lehigh Defense bullets, I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my 1911. The bullets have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve experienced no malfunctions related to the ammunition.

There are no signs of wear and tear on the bullets themselves, as they are consumed upon firing, but the brass cases have held up well for reloading. I meticulously clean my firearm after each range session. This habit has ensured consistent performance and prevented any potential issues arising from residue build-up. Compared to some cheaper brands I’ve used in the past, these bullets consistently deliver on accuracy and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lehigh Defense. They are known for innovative bullet designs.
• Bullet Type: Hollow Point (HP). This type is designed for expansion and energy transfer.
• Caliber: .45 ACP. It is a classic and potent handgun caliber.
• Bullet Weight: 170 grain. This relatively lightweight offering promises reduced recoil and faster velocities.
• Quantity: 50. Standard packaging for handgun ammunition.
• Sectional Density: 0.119. This value suggests good penetration capability for its weight.
• Core Material: Copper. Solid copper construction ensures consistent expansion and minimizes fragmentation risks.
• Projectile Caliber: .451 Caliber. It is the standard diameter for .45 ACP projectiles.
• Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet. A standard box quantity for reloading or practice.

These specifications are crucial for understanding the Lehigh Defense bullet’s performance. The lighter weight of the 170-grain bullet translates to reduced recoil and potentially faster muzzle velocity, leading to flatter trajectories and improved accuracy. The solid copper construction promotes consistent expansion and deep penetration, making it an effective choice for self-defense.

Performance & Functionality

The Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets perform exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and reliability. The controlled fracturing design aims to create multiple wound channels while maintaining sufficient penetration depth.

The primary strength lies in its terminal ballistics. The bullet reliably fragments into multiple projectiles after penetrating a certain depth, creating multiple wound paths. One area for potential improvement is the price point, which is higher than standard self-defense rounds.

Overall, these bullets meet and exceed my expectations. They offer a compelling combination of accuracy, reliability, and impressive terminal performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The all-copper construction of the Lehigh Defense bullets is visually appealing and feels substantial. The lighter weight contributes to a more manageable recoil impulse. The design is straightforward, with a clean hollow point cavity designed for consistent expansion.

There is no real learning curve. These rounds function just like any other .45 ACP ammunition in terms of loading and firing.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets are designed for single-use. The brass casings are reloadable and can withstand multiple loading cycles with proper care. Regular cleaning of the firearm after use is recommended to maintain optimal performance and longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

These bullets are ammunition and do not require accessories in the traditional sense. Reloaders can use these projectiles in their own custom loads. The .45 ACP is compatible with a wide variety of 1911-style pistols. This makes customization of the firearm itself very common.

Pros and Cons of Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing .45 ACP 170 Grain Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Bullets