40 S&W Vs 357 Sig Ballistic Chickens! Federal HST for Both Rounds

This review compares .380 ACP hollow point ammunition against Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds using ballistic gel tests. The Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 was used with Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HST hollow points, alongside CCI Blazer FMJ. Results showed FMJ over-penetrated, while hollow points expanded and stopped within the first gel block, demonstrating superior terminal performance for self-defense.

The 9mm caliber's long-standing dominance is being challenged by newer or resurgent options like .30 Super Carry, 5.7x28mm, 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and .22 TCM. These alternatives offer advantages in capacity, ballistic performance, recoil management, or terminal energy, catering to specific needs beyond the traditional 9mm balance.

While 9mm remains dominant, several calibers are gaining traction in 2025 due to specialized performance needs. .30 Super Carry offers higher capacity and similar ballistics to 9mm in smaller frames. 5.7x28mm provides rifle-like precision and low recoil. 10mm Auto delivers significant power for hunting or defense, and .357 SIG offers .357 Magnum performance in a semi-auto. .22 TCM provides magnum-level speed with minimal recoil.

This video from SPN Firearms provides a comparative look at the Springfield XD-S pistol series across 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers. The review highlights the performance of Doubletap Hollow Point ammunition in each caliber, with specific mention of 200-grain rounds for the .40 S&W. The presenter, demonstrating significant experience with the XD-S platform, also showcases popular holsters like the Hawk Holster Stash and Blacksmith Tactical OWB. The overall assessment praises the XD-S series for its reliability and value, particularly on the used market.

This review of the Taurus TH40C highlights its value as a budget-friendly subcompact .40 S&W pistol, suitable for concealed carry. The speaker, an experienced firearms instructor, details its ergonomics, capacity, and DA/SA trigger system, comparing it to other popular models like the Glock 27 and HK P2000SK. Despite its low price point, the TH40C is presented as a solid option with good features for self-defense.

This video from ClassicFirearms presents a 'Top 5' list of pistols not chambered in 9mm, featuring selections from both Jason and Eliza, a firearms instructor. The discussion covers a diverse range of calibers including 10mm, .22LR, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, highlighting each firearm's unique strengths for various applications like concealed carry, training, and personal defense. The hosts offer insights into recoil management, capacity, ergonomics, and specific use cases, encouraging audience engagement.

This head-to-head accuracy test compares the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin Model 60 .22 LR rifles. Both rifles demonstrated tight groups at 25 yards with various ammunition types. The Marlin Model 60 features a 17-round tube magazine and last-shot bolt hold-open, while the Ruger 10/22 is known for its extensive aftermarket support and 10-round rotary magazine.

This .38 Special ballistics gel test evaluated five different loads fired from a Smith & Wesson 642 snub-nose revolver. Only the Federal HST Micro and Hornady Critical Defense demonstrated reliable expansion, with the HST Micro showing a significant wound track despite shallower penetration. Lighter, expanding bullets appear more effective in short-barreled revolvers.

This ballistic gel test compares 9mm +P and .40 S&W HST ammunition. The .40 S&W demonstrated more dramatic expansion, while the 9mm +P achieved greater penetration. The host notes that .40 S&W offers superior terminal ballistics, but 9mm provides advantages in capacity and recoil management, especially in compact firearms.

This video provides a first look at the .50 Beowulf cartridge fired from an AR-15 platform rifle. It demonstrates the loading process, live fire, and the significant impact on steel targets. The footage highlights the rifle's side-charging mechanism and a Vortex red dot optic, showcasing the raw power of this big bore round.