This video highlights the overwhelming popularity and widespread use of 9mm ammunition across civilian, law enforcement, and military sectors. It warns of the significant supply chain risks associated with this over-reliance, particularly in scenarios of war escalation or widespread demand. The speaker, demonstrating significant expertise in firearm market trends and historical supply issues, strongly advises diversifying firearm calibers to mitigate potential future shortages and price spikes.
This video provides a tour of the Scheels ammo section, highlighting the speaker's go-to ammunition choices for various calibers and purposes. It covers preferences for 9mm training and self-defense rounds, 5.56mm range ammo, and specific recommendations for .300 Blackout, particularly for suppressed use. The speaker also touches on shotgun shells and general philosophy for .380 and .22LR, while noting pricing inconsistencies and the benefits of bulk ammo purchasing.
This expert guide from Line45 provides a strategic approach to stockpiling ammunition, anticipating potential shortages. It details seven critical calibers (.22 LR, 9mm Luger, .223/5.56 NATO, 12 Gauge slugs/buckshot, 7.62x39mm, .308/7.62 NATO, and niche calibers) that Americans should consider stocking. The advice emphasizes maintaining separate reserves for training and defensive use, considering supply chain vulnerabilities, import restrictions, and geopolitical factors.
TheYankeeMarshal offers a practical perspective on self-defense ammunition, prioritizing penetration over expansion. He argues that concerns about overpenetration with ball ammo are often overstated compared to the risk of missing, and that the difference in wound channel size between non-expanding and expanding bullets may not be as significant as commonly believed. The discussion also touches on regulatory aspects, referencing New Jersey's ban on JHPs.
Gun owners are increasingly moving away from traditional hollow-point ammunition due to real-world performance limitations, especially when encountering barriers. This shift is driven by advancements in bullet technology offering superior weight retention, barrier penetration, and wound channel creation. The video explores several alternatives, including solid copper hollow points, fluted solid projectiles, tumble-on-impact rounds, bonded jacketed hollow points, ballistic tip ammunition, frangible rounds, and hybrid loads, detailing their performance characteristics and suitability for various self-defense scenarios.
This in-depth ballistic gel test evaluates Underwood's 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP ammunition fired from a Canik Mete MC9 (3.1" barrel) and an FN 509 (4.5" barrel). The test meticulously records muzzle velocities, penetration depths, projectile expansion, and weight retention, providing valuable data for self-defense ammunition selection. The expert analysis highlights the ammunition's excellent performance, particularly its massive expansion and near 100% weight retention, while also discussing penetration nuances.
This expert analysis explores the evolving firearm caliber landscape, detailing why shooters are increasingly looking beyond the ubiquitous 9mm Luger. It highlights emerging alternatives like .30 Super Carry, 5.7x28mm, 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and .22 TCM, examining their unique ballistic advantages, capacity benefits, and specific applications. The content emphasizes how advancements in ammunition and firearm design are enabling more specialized choices for concealed carry and self-defense.
This review details a ballistic gel test of Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP ammunition fired through heavy clothing barriers. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, utilized both a Glock 30 (3.8-inch barrel) and a Rock Island 1911 (5-inch barrel) to assess projectile performance. The results indicated a significant failure of the ammunition to expand as intended, with both projectiles clogging and tumbling, leading to deep penetration without terminal effectiveness.
This expert-level analysis details a ballistic gel test of Underwood 9mm +P+ 115 Grain Xtreme Penetrator ammunition. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, evaluates performance from different barrel lengths and provides critical data on velocity, penetration, and terminal effects. The findings offer valuable insights for selecting defensive handgun ammunition.
This review details a ballistic gel test of Seismic Ammo's 9mm Quakemaker +M 185-grain rounds. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, evaluated performance through a heavy clothing barrier using a Ruger PC Charger and an HK SP5. The results indicated significant tumbling and a complete failure of the projectile to expand, leading to poor penetration performance and a negative recommendation for self-defense.
This video from USCCA presents a practical comparison of two snake shot loads: 50 grains of No. 4 lead shot versus 80 grains of No. 8 bismuth shot. The demonstration, conducted by an experienced instructor, highlights the pattern differences when fired from handguns at a target. Viewers are encouraged to engage by commenting on their preferred load for snake defense scenarios.
This review details a ballistic gel test of Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P 110 grain ammunition fired from 2-inch and 3-inch barrels. The testing instructor, demonstrating significant expertise, found the +P rounds produced mild recoil comparable to standard pressure .38 Special, with the primary difference being a louder report. Performance in gel showed good expansion and penetration within expected self-defense parameters.
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