February 2001
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1.0 40 S&W 155 Grain Duty Ammunition Technical Evaluation

1.1 EVALUATION PERSONNEL

1. Personnel designated to conduct the evaluations of the product samples may include, but not be limited to; the INS National Firearms Unit personnel, INS Firearms Instructors, and INS Field Agents. In addition, other outside organizations may conduct tests as necessary.

1.2 CARTRIDGE

1. All cartridges in the product sample will be measured for the following to conform to Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer's Institute (SAAMI):
   • Overall case length
   • Overall cartridge length
2. All cartridges in the product sample will be examined for the following defects or deficiencies:
   • Bent
   • Cracked
   • Split
   • Deformed
   • Corroded
   • Crushed
   • Folded
   • Bulged
   • Damaged by water or chemicals
3. Cartridges displaying any of the defects listed are unacceptable if such defect(s) could adversely affect the cartridge's ability to:
   • Feed
   • Chamber
   • Fire
   • Extract
   • Eject
4. All cartridges in the product sample will be examined to verify the head stamp with the manufacturer's symbol and cartridge designation.
5. Cartridges not head stamped with the manufacturer's symbol and cartridge designation are unacceptable.

1.3 PRIMER

1. Primers that are not sealed with a water-resistant lacquer or anaerobic sealant are unacceptable.
2. Primers that are not of a conventional heavy-metal construction to include materials such as lead styphnate are unacceptable.
3. The use of DDNP based primers or other reduced hazard primers are unacceptable.
4. No weight or penalty will be assigned to primer failures that occur during universal receiver test phases.
5. All primers in the product sample will be examined for the following defects or deficiencies:
   • Missing
   • Inverted
   • Crushed
   • Unsealed or improperly sealed
6. Primers displaying any of the defects are unacceptable if such defect(s) could adversely affect the cartridge's ability to:
   • Feed
   • Chamber
   • Fire
   • Extract
   • Eject

1.4 POWDER

1. All product samples which are not certified by the manufacturer to contain flash suppressants in the powder are unacceptable.

1.5 PROJECTILE

1.5.1 Projectile Type

1. The projectile must be one of the following design(s):
   • Controlled Expansion, designed to significantly increase their frontal area after entry into ballistic gelatin.
   • Controlled Separation, designed to separate into two or more secondary projectiles after entry into ballistic gelatin.
2. Projectiles that do not meet the specifications are unacceptable.

1.5.2 Projectile Weight

1. A representative sample (ten) of projectiles will be weighed to determine if the projectile weighs 155 grains + 1.5% as per SAAMI Z299.3. Projectiles that do not meet the specification are unacceptable.

1.5.3 Projectile Inspection

1. All projectiles will be examined for the following defects or deficiencies:
   • Broken
   • Deformed
   • Missing jacket
   • Improper crimp
   • Inverted
   • Angled
   • Damaged
2. Projectiles displaying any of the defects are unacceptable if such defects could adversely affect a cartridge's ability to:
   • Feed
   • Chamber
   • Fire
   • Extract
   • Eject
   • Meet dispersion requirements
   • Meet terminal ballistic requirements

1.5.4 Velocity

1. Ten rounds of each product sample will be fired from a 4 inch SAAMI test barrel attached to a universal receiver. Their velocities will be measured using an Oehler 55 chronograph and recorded using an Oehler 83 computer program.
2. Values obtained must average 1195 fps ± 60 fps at 15 feet. Two re-tests allowed.
3. The standard deviation of the velocities as calculated by the Oehler computer program must not exceed 30 fps. A standard deviation in excess of 30 fps is unacceptable. Two re-tests will be allowed.
4. Test equipment:
   • Oehler model 55 chronograph screens
   • Oehler model 83 ballistic computer system
   • One 4 inch SAAMI PV barrel

1.6 DISPERSION

1. Firearm - The value for dispersion will be an average extreme spread of no greater than 3.0 inches for five, five shot groups fired at a distance of 25 yards from a Beretta model 96-D Brigadier pistol with 4.72" x 1.25" 1/16 rate of twist barrel affixed to a mechanical rest.
   • Best Value Scoring: The product sample exhibiting the smallest average value for dispersion will be assigned the 125 points with other product samples receiving a percentage of points equal to the percentage of their value for dispersion as compared to the value of the smallest dispersion.
   • An average dispersion that exceeds the maximum allowable extreme spread of 3.0 inches is unacceptable.
   • One re-test using a second test pistol will be allowed.
2. Test Barrel - The value for dispersion must be an average extreme spread of no greater than 3.0 inches for five, five shot groups fired at a distance of 50 yards from a 4.72" x 1.25" diameter test barrel affixed to a universal receiver.
   • Best Value Scoring: The product sample exhibiting the smallest average value for dispersion will be assigned 75 points, with other product samples receiving a percentage of 75 points equal to the percentage of their value for dispersion as compared to the value of the smallest dispersion.
   • Dispersion exceeding the maximum allowable average extreme spread of 3.0 inches will be considered unacceptable.
3. Test equipment:
   • One 4.72" Beretta model 96-D with 1/16 rate of twist barrel in machine rest
   • Oehler model 83 ballistic computer
   • Oehler model 55 chronograph screens
   • Oehler model 35 optical target screens
   • Universal receiver

1.7 TERMINAL BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE

• Each product sample will be fired into Kind and Knox type 250A Ballistic Gelatin mixed to a 10% consistency, and evaluated for penetration and weight retention using the five tests listed above. An active projectile is defined as any primary projectile or any secondary projectile evolving from the primary projectile which creates a separate and distinct penetration of 5 inches or more, and retains a minimum of 20% of the weight of the original projectile.
  • To received scoring value, active projectiles must penetrate to a minimum depth of 9 inches in 10% ballistic gelatin.
  • Primary active projectiles will be scored by measuring from the point at which the penetration occurs in the gelatin to a minimum allowable scoring depth of 9 inches to a maximum allowable scoring depth of 12 inches.
  • Secondary active projectiles will be scored by measuring from the point at which they separate from the primary projectile to a minimum allowable scoring depth of 9 inches and a maximum allowable scoring depth of 12 inches.
  • Active projectiles that fail to reach a minimum penetration depth of 9 inches or exceed a maximum of 20 inches will receive a score of zero.
  • Active projectiles that penetrate beyond 12 inches but less than a maximum of 20 inches will not be given additional score and will not be penalized for penetration within this zone.
  • Fragments that do not meet the criteria for active projectiles, but exceed the maximum allowable depth of 20 inches of penetration, are acceptable.

  1.7.1 Depth of Penetration, tests 1A, 2 and 3

  1. Test 1A - Bare gelatin. In this test five shots are fired directly into a block of bare gelatin ten feet from the muzzle.
  2. Test 2 - Heavy clothing. In this test five shots are fired at a distance of 10 feet, from the muzzle to the front of the block. The gelatin block is covered with four layers of clothing which consist of:
     • One layer of 5.25 oz. cotton T-shit material (48 inches per thread)
     • One layer of 3.5 oz. cotton shirt material (80 threads per inch)
     • One 10 oz. hollow fill fiber comforter in 8" squares at a fill power of 500-550 in a 4.1 oz cambric shell cover (232 threads per inch)
     • One layer of 14.4 oz. denim (50 threads per inch)
  3. Test 3 - Automobile glass. One piece of AS-1 one-quarter inch laminated automobile safety glass measuring 8" x 8" is set with the top edge of the glass angled back at 45º to the horizontal, and with the right side of the glass angled 15% to the left. This sets the line of the bore of the weapon at a 15º offset to the side, resulting in a compound angle of impact for the projectile upon striking the glass. Light clothing is one layer of cotton T-shirt material and one layer of the cotton shirt material. Five shots are fired at a distance of 10 feet, measured from the muzzle to the center of the glass. This test with its two angles simulates a shot taken at the driver of a car from the left front quarter of the vehicle and not directly in front of it.

   

  • The gelatin block size for these tests will be 6" x 6" x 16". Additional blocks of gelatin will be used behind the primary block to ensure the capture of projectiles to a penetration depth of 20 inches in the ballistic gelatin.
  • Best value scoring: The measured values for penetration of the five rounds will be averaged. The product sample exhibiting the greatest measured average value for penetration will receive 200 points. Other product samples will receive a percentage of the maximum number of points equal to the percentage of their average value for penetration as compared to the greatest average value for penetration.

   

  4. Test 4 - Wallboard. Two pieces of half-inch standard gypsum board are set three-fifths of an inch apart. The pieces are six inches square. The gelatin block is covered with light clothing and set 18 inches behind the rear-most piece of gypsum. Five shots are fired at a distance of 10 feet from the muzzle to the front surface of the first piece of gypsum. This test simulates a typical interior building wall.
  5. Test 5 - Steel (20 gauge). Two pieces of 20 gauge hot-rolled steel with a galvanized finish are set three inches apart. The steel is in six-inch squares. The gelatin block is covered with light clothing and placed 18 inches behind the rear-most piece of steel. Five shots are fired at a distance of 10 feet measured from the muzzle to the front piece of steel.
  6. Depth of penetration, test 4 and 5.
     • Five rounds of each product sample will be fired for each of the two tests. Two or more failures to reach the minimum 9 inch depth or penetration that exceed the maximum 20 inch depth will render the ammunition unacceptable.

  1.7.2 Weight Retention

  • These tests will be conducted at the same time as the tests for Depth of Penetration, in 1.7.1a., b., and c. above.
  • The value for retained weight will be determined by finding the sum of the weights of the active projectiles, that reach or exceed a depth of penetration of 9 inches and do not exceed 20 inches of penetration.
  • The measured values for the retained weight for the five rounds will be averaged.
  • Best value scoring: The product sample exhibiting the greatest average retained weight will receive 75 points. Other product sample results will receive a percentage of the maximum number of points equal to the percentage of their average retained weight as compared to the product sample with the greatest average retained weight.

  1.7.3 Temporary Stretch Cavitation (TSC) - Test 1B

  • Five rounds of each product sample will be fired for this test.
  • The block size of the gelatin will be 10" x 10" x 12". Additional blocks of gelatin will be used behind the primary block to ensure the capture of projectiles to a penetration depth of 20 inches in the ballistic gelatin. No materials or barriers will be placed in front of the block of gelatin.
  • The TSC will be measured at the point of greatest volume and the volumes averaged.
  • The test will be recorded using a Kodak high-speed camera.
  • The analysis and measurements of the test will be accomplished using a Sensors Application Inc. (SAI) model-100 motion analysis computer station and Image Express software specifically designed for tracking and measuring temporary stretch cavity.
  • Best value scoring: The product sample exhibiting the greatest average volume will receive 125 points. Other product sample results will receive a percentage of the maximum number of points equal to the percentage of their average greatest volume as compared to the product sample exhibiting the largest value for average greatest volume.

  1.7.4 Test Equipment

  • One 4.72" Beretta model 96-D with 1/16 rate of twist barrel in machine rest.
  • Oehler model 83 ballistic computer
  • Oehler model 55 chronograph screens
  • Oehler model 35 optical target screens
  • Universal receiver
  • Kodak model 4540 high-speed video camera
  • SAI model 100 motion picture analysis computer
  • One mechanical rule accurate to .02 inches
  • One RCBS Rangemaster electronic scale accurate to ± .05 grains weight

1.8 PRESSURE

1. Ten rounds of each product sample will be fired.
2. Equipment
   • Oehler model 83 ballistic computer
   • ANSI/SAAMI 4 inch PV barrel
   • Piezo-electric transducer system
   • PCB model 462 conformal transducer calibration module
3. Chamber pressures will be measured and the maximum probable sample mean calculated using procedures established by ANSI/SAAMI.
   • Maximum probable sample mean pressures which exceed ANSI/SAAMI standards of 37,800 psi are unacceptable.
4. Manufacturers will be notified if their product sample is determined to have failed. The INS will confirm pressure data in cooperation with the vendor. The sample will be considered unacceptable if excessive pressures are confirmed.

1.9 FUNCTIONAL RELIABILITY

1. A total of 4,500 rounds of each product sample will be fired using three firearms.
2. Product samples that exhibit two or more failures to properly feed, chamber, fire, extract or eject during the firing of 1,500 rounds per firearm will be considered unacceptable.
3. Equipment
   • Three Beretta model 96-D Brigadier pistols drawn from inventory at the NFU.
4. Data recorded
   • Firearm serial number
   • Ammunition manufacturer and lot designation
   • Functional failure type
   • Results of inspection after functional failure
5. Functional failure
   • A functional failure is any stoppage or problem that prevents the firearm from firing regardless of cause, or;
   • Any condition that affects function or safety that can be attributed to the ammunition by virtue of the nature of the malfunction.
   • Functional failures can include, but are not limited to:
     • Failures to feed
     • Failures to chamber
     • Failures to fire
     • Failures to extract
     • Failures to eject
     • Damage to firearm caused by excessive pressure
     • Damage to firearm caused by case separation
     • Damage to firearm caused by any ammunition component failure
   • Functional failures will be determined to be attributed to the ammunition if:
     • A post-functional failure test is conducted immediately following the functional failure, after an INS Armorer has inspected the firearm and no anomalies are found; and
     • The firearm, fired in the same mode in which the sample malfunctioned, is able to function-fire 10 rounds of SAAMI specification 155 grain JHP ammunition from a different manufacturer without failure, and;
     • The INS Armorer determines that the firearm's functional failure was specifically related to the ammunition
6. Function fire procedure
   • Eleven rounds will be loaded in all test magazines whenever possible (standard Beretta model 96-D magazines).
   • The magazine will be inserted in the pistol with the slide locked to the rear of the pistol. The test officer will use the slingshot method or the slide release catch to release the slide.
   • The test firearms will be fired using a firm, two-handed grip until all rounds have been fired.
   • The test firearms will be cleaned, lubricated and maintained as provided in the manufacturer's manual. If maintenance instructions are not provided, maintenance will be performance at 500 round cycles.
7. Best value scoring
   • A value of 150 points will be given to the ammunition that completes the functional reliability test, with each firearm, with no malfunction failures.
   • A value of 105 points will be given to the ammunition that completes the functional reliability test, with each firearm, with one function failure.
   • A product test sample that experiences two or more functional failures, with one firearm, will be considered unacceptable.

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