T Series Browning Hi Power and JHPs

[Bombsaway]

Yesterday I took my '66 BHP out and ran about 50 rounds of WWB 147gr JHPs through it. I read some accounts where the older Brownings had trouble feeding JHP, so I decided to see for myself. I took a couple of half gallon milk jugs, and a 2-liter soda bottle, filled them with water, and proceeded to tear them to shreds. The bottles literally exploded, I assume due to some round expansion. It was a blast (literally).

Not a single FTF or FTE. In fact, it was flawless. This is the weapon I used to qualify for my permit about a decade ago, but I've never carried it. I have fired a lot of ball ammo through it.

It was a great way to end my day, and I got a "new" carry weapon in the process. Maybe I'll have to get that VM2 I've been dreaming about.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[automatic slim]

I managed to locate a '69 BHP in mint condition with the original carrying case . It's so nice however, that it's a safe queen.

[chjtoken]

My BHP from the early 70's is particular as to what type of JHP that it will chamber reliably. The 147 grain rounds that I have tried have about a 20% FTFeed ratio. 115 Grain work fine with a variety of manufacturers ammo. One of these days, I am going to polish the feed ramp and see if I can get it reliable with the larger bullets.

[Beans]

My "T" Browning HP has no problems firing HP ammo.
I even loaded up some 158 Gr SWC Lead, the data was out of an older Speer manual, and they worked fine.
I did have problems with that load in a new Browning HP, Feeding problems existed.

[Bark'n]

My BHP from the early 70's is particular as to what type of JHP that it will chamber reliably. The 147 grain rounds that I have tried have about a 20% FTFeed ratio. 115 Grain work fine with a variety of manufacturers ammo. One of these days, I am going to polish the feed ramp and see if I can get it reliable with the larger bullets.

You send that puppy to Bill Laughridge at Cylinder & Slide and It will feed anything you run through it without a hiccup. He specializes in BHP's. Reasonable rates too. A little bit of a back-log, but that's because he's in such high demand. It will be worth the trip.

[jyo]

The Brownings reputation for not feeding JHPs comes from way back when hollow-points often featured either blunt noses or even exposed lead up front---not the case anymore---new JHP bullets are shaped to match FMJs as much as possible---often they will feed in unmodified pistols (try it before you really need it!). The heavier 147 grain 9mm ammo came out rather recently---the pistol was designed around 115-125 grain projectiles---I NEVER use 147s brcause they are too slow---the 9mm is a medium caliber and if you use slow bullets, you are giving up the one thing the 9mm had going for it---speed! Pistols that will not feed JHPs just need a little attention from a proper gunsmith.

[loboleather]

I've owned Browning Hi Power pistols for over 40 years. I've fed them everything from WW2 surplus Nazi SMG ammo to handloads with .358 SWC's. I've never had a problem with any ammo. Great pistols, completely reliable under just about any circumstances.

[bmcgilvray]

I have a late 1940s commercial Hi-Power that loves the 147 grain JHP load; a load notable for imparting extra "spin" on my spinner target. Even though bullet weight isn't all there is to it with effective self defense loads that 147 grain load is hard hitting.