Guardian 32 acp with Lehigh Xtreme Cavitator ammo test

[MitchSC]

Hi, This is my first post. I wanted  to share my experience/test with the Lehigh 32 Auto 50gr Xtreme Cavitator Ammunition in the NAA 32 ACP Guardian.

I carry in the front pocket. I own several hand guns ranging from 22 - 45 cal. My preferred carry is the Ruger  LC9s or the Guardian 32acp. I find myself carrying the Gardian a lot more because I just don't notice it. I'm 63 yo, have been in my share of bar room brawls (in my younger days) and other touchy situations but have never needed a firearm. I can hit what I'm aiming at and feel armed carrying the Guaurdian. I was excited to discover a manufactured 32 cartridge that was capable of 13.5" penetration and produce a significant wound channel. The bullet tip  is shaped like a square drive screwdriver with a groove cut around it. I  really wanted it to work but was skeptical about it being able to feed properly. so I ordered 2 boxes (40 rounds) to test. Here is the test and results. 1 FMJ is chambered to begin the sequence in each test.

Mag 1: Loaded with 6 rds (full mag) Ext Cav.
Result: Feed failure (jam)  round 4. Cleared jam. Round 5 jammed.

Mag 2: Loaded with 6 rds (full mag) Ext Cav.
Result: Feed failure (jam)  round 5. Stopped

Mag 3: Changed Mag. Loaded with 6 rds (full mag Ext Cav.
Result: Feed failure (jam)  round 4.  Stopped

At this point it was obvious I could not carry a full mag of this cartridge.

Mag 4: Loaded 3 FMJ under 3 Ext Cav,
Result: No Failure

Mag 5: Loaded 3 FMJ under 3 Ext Cav,
Result: Feed failure (jam)  round 3

Mag 6: Loaded 4 FMJ under 2 Ext Cav,
Result: No Failure

Repeated  three times with no failure.

Conclusions: I have fired over 200 FMJ rounds from my Gardian with no failure to feed. I feel from the above unscientific test that I can be confident carrying 3 EXT CAV and 4 FMJ (1 chambered w 2+4 in the mag). YMV.

[Uncle_Lee]

Welcome Mitch.
That kind of information is indeed helpful and welcome here.
Pictures, everyone loves pictures.
Guns and bar fights are the best...

[MitchSC]

Thanks for the welcome Uncle Lee! I originally thought the jammed cartridge was catching on the groove in the previous bullet. However, here is a picture of a jam on the last round. I'm not a gunsmith but it appears that the shape and length of the cartridge  combined with the magazine spring getting weaker stops it from feeding properly. Here is a link to view the ammo if interested. It may be just loaded a little to light, I can tell the difference in recoil between it and the FMJ.  The jam is easily cleared by hitting the butt of the slide with the heel of my hand, but not something I would want to have to do in a self defense situation.

[RogueTS1]

Welcome to the forum Mitch................. good testing.............very informative. Well done.

[MitchSC]

Welcome to the forum Mitch................. good testing.............very informative. Well done.

Thanks for the welcome and the kind words!

[Canoeal]

I like the info, good work. For me however if it fails it fails, not going in my gun at all...Part of the reason I am a revolver guy.

[RogueTS1]

Mitch; that is the classic signs of a pistol that needs the chamber throated.

[OV-1D]

  Looks like the barrel chamber bore cut is off center from the picture , definitely not feeding properly . SEND IT BACK ASAP .

[uncle milty]

Hi Mitch. If you think the loads might be light, Underwood buys the Lehigh bullets and puts hotter loads behind them.