DoubleTap 45 Colt 160gr Lead Free – Reliable Barnes TAC-XP Defense Ammo, 20 Rounds

Description

DoubleTap 45 Colt 160gr Lead Free ammunition loads a 160 grain Barnes TAC-XP solid copper hollow point into a standard pressure 45 Colt case. Because it stays within normal SAAMI pressure, DoubleTap rates it safe for any 45 Colt revolver, from classic single actions to the Taurus Judge and Ruger Alaskan. It is a light, fast bullet for the caliber, which keeps recoil manageable in short barrels while still giving solid expansion. Each box holds 20 rounds.

• Why a Light Copper Bullet Works in 45 Colt
• DoubleTap 45 Colt 160gr Lead Free Specifications
• Field Notes and Carry Tips

Why a Light Copper Bullet Works in 45 Colt

The 45 Colt has a reputation for heavy lead bullets at modest speed. That is great for hunting, but those loads can kick hard in small revolvers and may not expand well when fired from a short barrel. DoubleTap went the other way here. The 160 grain TAC-XP is an all copper hollow point with deep petals that open reliably even at lower velocities, and it holds together without shedding lead fragments.

DoubleTap lists about 1,125 feet per second and 450 foot pounds from a 5.5 inch barrel. More important for carry owners, it still clocks about 970 fps from a 3 inch Taurus Judge and about 935 fps from a 2.5 inch Ruger Alaskan. That is plenty of speed for the TAC-XP to expand, which is why DoubleTap calls this a strong defensive choice for the Judge.

Lead free construction also has practical upsides. It works in areas that restrict lead ammunition, it keeps your bore free of lead fouling, and the solid copper design gives consistent weight retention shot after shot.

DoubleTap 45 Colt 160gr Lead Free Specifications

These figures come from DoubleTap’s listing for this load, and they match the distributor data for UPC 013964483758.

• Brand: DoubleTap Ammunition
• Item number: 45CS160X
• Caliber: 45 Colt (Long Colt), standard pressure
• Bullet: 160 grain Barnes TAC-XP solid copper hollow point
• Lead free: yes
• Velocity: about 1,125 fps from a 5.5 inch barrel
• Energy: about 450 ft-lbs from a 5.5 inch barrel
• Velocity from a 3 inch Taurus Judge: about 970 fps
• Velocity from a 2.5 inch Ruger Alaskan: about 935 fps
• Rounds per box: 20

Field Notes and Carry Tips

Since this is a standard pressure load, you do not need a +P rated revolver to use it. That makes it a good fit for older Colt Single Action Army clones, Taurus Judge and Raging Judge models, Smith and Wesson Governor revolvers, and 45 Colt derringers. Always confirm your firearm is chambered for 45 Colt before loading.

The lighter bullet shoots to a different point of impact than 250 or 255 grain cowboy loads. Fire a few cylinders at your usual distance so you know where it lands with your sights. In a Judge or Governor, many owners alternate this load with 410 buckshot or defense shells for a mixed defensive setup.

For home defense, the shallower penetration of a light copper hollow point compared with heavy hardcast reduces the chance of over-penetration while still delivering reliable expansion.

If you carry a 45 Colt revolver for defense, especially a short barrel model, DoubleTap 45 Colt 160gr Lead Free is a dependable way to get real expansion without punishing recoil. Stock a box for practice and one for the nightstand.

Store the box in a cool, dry place and rotate carry rounds every few months, since repeated chambering and handling can loosen crimps over time. Copper bullets also run slightly longer than lead bullets of similar weight, so check that rounds sit flush in your cylinder and the cylinder turns freely before you rely on them.

Hunting with a stronger revolver or lever gun? Step up to DoubleTap 45 Colt +P 225gr Lead Free, or see DoubleTap’s 45 Colt 160gr Lead Free product page for more velocity data.