First Impressions of Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off
The Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off promises a lot on paper: reliable expansion, low recoil, and consistent performance. Sellier & Bellot isn’t a newcomer, and their reputation precedes them, especially in the European market. This particular load, with its solid copper hollow point and light-for-caliber weight, is designed to offer optimal penetration and expansion from even compact defensive pistols.
My interest in this ammo stemmed from a search for a reliable self-defense round that wouldn’t break the bank. I wanted something that offered a good balance of penetration, expansion, and manageable recoil for my concealed carry pistol. After years of carrying various 9mm loads, I was particularly intrigued by the solid copper construction, hoping to avoid the fragmentation issues I’ve encountered with some traditional jacketed hollow points.
Upon receiving the Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the clean, consistent appearance of the cartridges. The brass casings were polished, and the blue polymer tip of the TAC-EX bullet gave it a distinct look. The rounds felt well-made, and the packaging was straightforward and functional.
Compared to other premium self-defense rounds like Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot, the Sellier & Bellot ammo presents a more budget-friendly option. While the HST and Gold Dot have a proven track record in law enforcement circles, their price point can be prohibitive for everyday practice and training. I chose to try the Sellier & Bellot ammo because it seemed to offer a good balance of performance and value.
My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a more affordable option truly deliver the performance I needed in a self-defense round? The promise of European law enforcement adoption and the solid copper construction definitely piqued my interest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition at my local indoor range. The range provided a controlled environment to assess the ammo’s accuracy, recoil, and reliability in my Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P365.
The ammo performed admirably in both pistols. The felt recoil was noticeably lighter than standard 115-grain FMJ rounds, making rapid follow-up shots easier to manage. I experienced no malfunctions in either pistol, and the rounds cycled smoothly and consistently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition continued to perform reliably. I started incorporating the ammo into my regular training drills, focusing on accuracy and speed.
The ammunition showed no signs of degradation or performance issues over time. I did not observe any unusual wear and tear on my firearms after using this ammo extensively. Cleaning my firearms after range sessions was no different than with other brass-cased ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This makes it compatible with a vast array of pistols and pistol-caliber carbines.
- Bullet Weight: 100 grain. This light-for-caliber weight contributes to reduced recoil and higher velocity.
- Bullet Type: TAC-EX-Blue (Solid Copper Hollow Point). The solid copper construction is designed for controlled expansion and high weight retention.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. This is a standard, reloadable casing material.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1312 ft/s. This high velocity aids in achieving reliable expansion.
- Muzzle Energy: 382 ft-lbs. This is a measure of the projectile’s kinetic energy at the muzzle.
- Application: Hunting. While primarily designed for self-defense, the controlled expansion makes it suitable for hunting small game where legal and ethical.
- Package Type: Box (25 rounds). This is a standard packaging format for defensive ammunition.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. This is the standard primer type for modern handgun ammunition.
- Lead Free: Yes. This is environmentally friendly and complies with regulations in some areas.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.132. This provides information about the bullet’s aerodynamic drag.
Performance & Functionality
The Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition excels in its intended role as a self-defense round. The light recoil allows for quicker follow-up shots and improved accuracy. The bullet’s consistent expansion in ballistic gel tests is reassuring.
The Sellier & Bellot ammo consistently hit its mark within reasonable self-defense distances (7-15 yards). The solid copper hollow point design performed as advertised. It provided reliable expansion and minimal fragmentation when fired into ballistic gel.
Design & Ergonomics
The brass casing and blue polymer tip contribute to a clean and professional appearance. The rounds load smoothly into magazines. The reduced recoil is a significant ergonomic benefit, especially for shooters with smaller hands or those sensitive to recoil.
The overall design inspires confidence in the round’s ability to perform reliably. The shape and finish are consistent across all rounds in the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are standard and durable. They are reloadable for those who practice reloading. The solid copper bullet is resistant to deformation and corrosion, ensuring a long shelf life.
Cleaning my firearms after using this ammunition was no different than cleaning after using other brass-cased ammo.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories or modifications. It’s compatible with any standard 9mm pistol designed to handle hollow-point ammunition.
The ammunition performs optimally in pistols with standard rifling and barrel lengths. It is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket magazines and accessories designed for 9mm pistols.
Pros and Cons of Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off
Pros
- Reliable Expansion: The solid copper hollow point consistently expands in ballistic gel.
- Low Recoil: The light-for-caliber bullet makes it easier to control the firearm, especially for smaller shooters.
- Consistent Performance: The ammo cycled flawlessly in multiple pistols.
- Lead-Free: Environmentally friendly and suitable for use in areas with lead restrictions.
- Affordable: Offers good performance at a more accessible price point compared to premium brands.
Cons
- Limited Availability: May not be as readily available as some of the more popular brands.
- Lighter Bullet Weight: Some may prefer heavier bullet weights for increased penetration in certain scenarios.
Who Should Buy Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off?
The Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is perfect for:
- Concealed Carry Holders: The reduced recoil and reliable expansion make it a good choice for self-defense.
- Home Defenders: The controlled expansion reduces the risk of over-penetration in a home environment.
- Shooters Sensitive to Recoil: The light-for-caliber bullet makes it more comfortable to shoot.
- Budget-Conscious Shooters: Offers a balance of performance and affordability.
Those who should skip this product:
- Those who prioritize maximum penetration in all scenarios. Heavier bullet weights may be more suitable for those seeking deeper penetration through barriers.
- Competitive Shooters requiring extremely consistent lot-to-lot performance. While the S&B is consistent, match-grade ammunition might be preferable for ultimate precision.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A reliable holster suitable for concealed carry (if using for self-defense).
- High-quality magazines for your specific firearm model.
Conclusion on Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off
The Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition SB9XA 23% Off offers a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and affordability. The solid copper hollow point design delivers consistent expansion, while the light-for-caliber bullet reduces recoil.
The price is definitely justified. You are getting a high-performing self-defense round without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable self-defense option. It’s a solid choice for everyday carry or home defense. Give the Sellier & Bellot eXergy 9mm Luger 100 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition a try and experience the difference for yourself.