Barnes VOR-TX loads the .40 S&W with a 140gr TAC-XP bullet at 1,120 fps for 390 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. The TAC-XP is an all-copper hollow point with no lead core. The entire bullet is machined from solid copper, which means there is no jacket to separate and no lead to fragment. This construction gives the TAC-XP near-100% weight retention on impact. The bullet expands through a series of pre-cut petals in the nose that fold back reliably, even at lower velocities or after passing through intermediate barriers.

The all-copper design makes this load lead-free, which matters for two groups of shooters. First, anyone who trains at indoor ranges where lead exposure is a concern. Second, hunters or pest control shooters in jurisdictions that restrict lead ammunition. The TAC-XP bullet penetrates deeper per grain of weight than a conventional JHP because it does not lose mass during expansion. A 140gr all-copper bullet that retains its full weight will often out-penetrate a 180gr JHP that sheds 30-40% of its mass through fragmentation. That is why Barnes chose the lighter weight. The 140gr TAC-XP reaches similar penetration depths as heavier conventional bullets while producing less felt recoil.

This load is a strong option for shooters who prioritize deep, straight-line penetration over large wound cavities. The controlled expansion of the copper petals creates a consistent wound channel without the unpredictable fragmentation patterns of lead-core bullets. It works well in both compact carry guns and full-size duty pistols. The lower recoil of the 140gr projectile makes it particularly comfortable in smaller .40 S&W platforms where heavy bullets produce punishing snap. Shooters who want a single defensive load that works through auto glass, plywood, and drywall without changing its behavior will find the TAC-XP does exactly that.