BARNES BULLETS - TAC-XP 9MM (0.355") SOLID COPPER HP FB HANDGUN BULLETS

These bullets are fantastic. They are very uniform, with a deep hollow point cavity and extremely easy to load. OAL comes out the same on each and every one I loaded. Cases do not need belling, therefore the cases last longer and fit tighter to the bullet. These will be my dedicated self defense load in my 45 acp carry gun. They look like factory loads except for not being black color.

Brownells sent me an email asking that I review the Barnes TAC-XP bullet. Remember, this is marketed as as "tactical" bullet. Inasmuch as I've never used any Barnes bullet in a tactical situation, that is, to actually shoot someone, nor have I read a review written by anyone who has shot someone with the bullet, I am not yet qualified to give it a grade, at all. Hence my 3-star "on the fence" appraisal. I will say this: I've bought and used a lot of Barnes bullets, back to the days when there was only one Barnes bullet, the Barnes X. That ought to show my age. That bullet, and a couple of other later model "solids" are devastating on game. They will down an animal, particularly a large one, just by breaking its shoulder. They are wonderful hunting bullets. Yet, I buy and reload them for 45ACP, 10MM, .44Mag, 223, 300 BO, .308, 30-06, and some others, based mainly on Barnes's marketing, except where I have not used them for hunting (30-06 only). And I have absolutely no doubt that what Barnes says is true. They are a great company with great products. But I shall have to wait until I actually shoot someone with a "TAC" bullet before writing a review of that bullet. Seriously. USMC (ret)