Black Talon ammo refers to a controversial line of jacketed hollow-point (JHP) handgun and rifle ammunition manufactured by Winchester Ammunition, a division of Olin Corporation, from 1991 to 2000. It became widely known for its distinctive black coating and unique design intended for self-defense and law enforcement use.
Origins and Design
Introduced in the early 1990s, Black Talon rounds featured a reverse-tapered jacket over a lead core, topped with a hollow point. A defining characteristic was its black "Lubalox" coating, a low-friction oxide applied to the bullet. This coating, while primarily functional to reduce barrel fouling and friction, also gave the ammunition its ominous "black" appearance, which contributed to its public perception.
The Distinctive Expansion
Black Talon rounds were specifically engineered to perform predictably upon impact. They were known for the unique construction of the bullet and their sharp petal shape after expansion following impact with tissue or other wet media. When the bullet struck a target, the hollow point would cause the jacket to peel back into several sharp, claw-like segments, or "talons," which were intended to maximize tissue disruption and energy transfer. This design aimed to provide effective stopping power while remaining within the parameters of what was then considered appropriate for defensive ammunition.
Controversy and Discontinuation
Despite its technical design, Black Talon ammunition quickly became the subject of intense public and media scrutiny, particularly after being linked to several high-profile criminal incidents in the mid-1990s. Media reports often sensationalized the bullet's capabilities, portraying it as exceptionally deadly and capable of inflicting unusually severe wounds. Concerns were also raised by medical professionals about the potential for the sharp expanded petals to cut surgical gloves and pose risks during emergency treatment.
Amidst the controversy and public outcry, Winchester voluntarily withdrew Black Talon ammunition from civilian sales in late 1993, though sales to law enforcement agencies continued for a period. The product was eventually phased out entirely and replaced by Winchester's "Supreme Expansion Technology" (SXT) line, which featured a similar, functionally equivalent design without the black coating and marketed differently to avoid the negative connotations associated with Black Talon.
Here's a summary of key aspects of Black Talon ammunition:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) ammunition |
| Manufacturer | Winchester Ammunition (Olin Corporation) |
| Production Years | 1991–2000 (civilian sales discontinued in 1993) |
| Calibers | Produced in common pistol calibers such as 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 Magnum, as well as rifle calibers like .308 Winchester. |
| Distinctive Features | Black Lubalox coating; designed to expand into sharp, claw-like "petals" upon impact. |
| Purpose | Marketed for self-defense and law enforcement use, emphasizing stopping power and controlled expansion. |
| Legacy | Became infamous due to media sensationalism and public controversy, leading to its withdrawal from the civilian market and eventual replacement by similar, rebranded products (e.g., Winchester SXT). |
Black Talon ammunition remains a significant, albeit controversial, part of modern ammunition history, often cited in discussions about bullet design, effectiveness, and public perception of firearms technology.
