Hex Bullet Hi-Jinx: Taurus' capable copper bullet

American Handgunner, March-April, 2003 by Charles E. Petty

And that's what the Hex bullet does.

We tested it by shooting into calibrated 10-percent gelatin, and the same material covered with the FBI's standard "heavy" clothing which consists of layers of denim, down, flannel shirt and T-shirt material. Another heavy clothing arrangement consisting of four layers of denim, flannel and T-shirt material was also used.

Just a glance at the test results shows the Hex bullet works. There is no meaningful difference in expanded diameter between bullets fired into bare gelatin and that covered with heavy clothing simulants. We see, as expected, a slightly deeper penetration as a result of the clothing. Accuracy is comparable to other good defensive bullets and not an issue. The velocity level is appropriate for the bullet weight and compares with those of other manufacturer's loads with the same weight bullet. Recoil is comparable and manageable. The .45 ACP load is just the first in a series. We can expect to see .38 Special, .40 S&W and 9mm loads with the Hex Bullet in the future.

We need to end with a note of caution. This is truly outstanding ammunition but it's not the long-sought magic bullet. They still do not exist. The ultimate success of any defensive encounter is still the responsibility of the shooter--not the bullet. But having said that, good ammo certainly helps in the equation (see "Gelatin Test Results" chart).

While the data speaks very eloquently for itself, it does show the slight increase in penetration predicted due to the effect of the heavy clothing. The difference in recovered weight is due to fiber remaining in the bullet cavity.

Gelatin Test Results

Test firearm: S&W 4506 with 5" barrel

                    Velocity               Expanded  Recovered
                     (fps)    Penetration    Dia.       Wl.

Bare Gelatin          964        12.5"      0.853      184.5
FBI Heavy Clothing    958        13.25       .863      185.9
4-Lyer denim          962        13.0       0.856      185.5

Accuracy Test Results

Test firearm: Rock River Arms Match 5" barrel

Velocity (fps)   1     2     3    Average

989             2.46  2.12  2.48   2.35

Velocity From Various Handguns

Accuracy results are 10 shots @25 yd. from Ransom Rest. Velocity is the
instrumental average of all shots as measured by PACT chronograph.

Firearm             BBL Length  Velocity

SIG P-220              4.4        950
Colt Commander         4.5        993
Kimber Elite Carry     4.0        940
Colt Officer's ACP     3.5        923

For more information, contact Taurus International Manufacturing, 16175 Northwest 49th Ave., Miami, FL 33014, (800) 327-3776, www.taurususa.com