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Corbon 9mm 115-gr. DPX Ammunition Test...

4320 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Stephen A. Camp
5
Hello. Corbon's DPX represents an approach to gaining both expansion and penetration to at least 12" in 10% ballistic gelatin without possible bullet fragmentation.

"DPX" stands for "Deep Penetrating X" while the "X" refers to the Barnes copper X-bullet. In rifle calibers, this homogeneous bullet expands such that it formed an "X," hence the name. The rifle bullets had four petals. The 9mm pistol bullet has six.


The 9mm DPX measures 1.12" LOA and the profile is similar to that of the Speer Gold Dot in this caliber. The expanded bullet was fired from a Browning Hi Power into water. Dimensions: 0.61 x 0.59 x 0.50" tall and weight was still right at 115-gr.

More than a few use a 9mm service handgun, but many also use compacts in 9mm. For that reason, I chronographed 10 shots from a Browning Hi Power with the factory barrel and 10 shots from a Glock 26, also with its factory tube. I also wanted to see if conventional or polygonal rifling had any good or bad effects on the load's performance.


The DPX was tried in two sizes of pistols: compact and service.

Browning Mk III 9mm:
Average Velocity: 1244 ft/sec
Std. Deviation: 20

Glock 26:
Average Velocity: 1181 ft/sec
Std. Deviation: 17

From these two pistols, neither reached the advertised velocity of 1275 ft/sec.


Fired from my off-side hand, the 115-gr. DPX generated very little felt recoil.

This ammunition fed flawlessly from full magazines and it fed smoothly without any hesitation. Ejection was positive. There were zero failures of any kind.

A load's capability for extreme accuracy is frequently not given high priority due to the short time frames and distances expected in a private citizen deadly force scenario. Reliability is considered paramount and while I do agree, I also set high stock in pistol/load combination that is capable of the precise shot should the opportunity present itself.

For that reason, I fired a group of ten shots from 15 yards, seated and using a two-hand hold, and a rest for both the Hi Power and the Glock.


Corbon's 115-gr. DPX from the Hi Power appears capable of more accuracy than could be wrung out of it in a fight. I'm absolutely sure the group would be smaller w/o the human error I introduced despite my wrists being braced and the firing done slowly.


From the Glock 26, DPX grouped well. It appears that the copper bullet will "shoot" whether from conventional rifling or polygonal.

In either pistol used in these tests, I've shot no 9mm load I'd consider uncomfortable, but some are more pleasant than others. This load is extremely easy to shoot accurately and felt recoil is very similar to that of Remington's 115-gr. JHP +P, a load that many are familar with through actual use.

I was very favorably impressed with the 9mm DPX ammunition.

If interested in more on Corbon's 9mm DPX, a more detailed report can be found at:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon%209mm%20115.htm

Best.
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INteresting, seems it is working as well as the older Tarsus load did.

Now if they would just bring it out in 38super ;)
Hello Mr.Camp,

Thanks for another Spectacular Report!

This load has got my attention, because it's seems to be the mildest of the +P's, I just can't bring myself to shoot the real hot stuff in my High Powers.

Is this the "mildest" 115gr. +P stuff that you know of?

Thanks & Take Care,
THE SOCKMAN
Hello. It seems about the same as the Remington 115-gr. +P JHP in terms of velocity and expanded case diameter, etc. I rather like it for use in the Hi Power. I don't have access to pressure testing equipment, but I THINK this would be a choice load for the BHP. (One of mine is loaded with it as this is typed.)

Best.
Hello. I tried some of the DPX though a Glock 17 yesterday and got the following:

Average Velocity: 1228 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 54
Standard Deviation: 19


Accuracy was plenty good as was feeding and ejection.

Best.
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Stephen,

Did you notice how it was for muzzle flash? It's an important consideration for self-defence ammo.
Hello, abninftr. I didn't test it for flash, but I think I recall reading that Corbon did use flash retardant powder in this load, but I do not know that for a fact.

Best.
They probably did. I know they use it in their JHP loads.
G
Another great report/ as usual Mr. Camp. I look forward to your report on the .380 DPX.
Mr. Camp,

Another very interesting and very well planned and written report, something I've come to expect form your keyboard. Other gun writters could take a lesson from your expertise.

Thank you.
Any word on whether or not they're considering other bullet weights (124 or 147)?
Hello. No, so far it's my understanding that the 115-gr. is the only DPX load being considered for 9mm.

Best.
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