Another GOOD One?....Winchester Elite Defender .380 Auto Self-Defense AMMO Test!

Published on February 16, 2024
Duration: 12:41

This video provides a detailed ballistic test of Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP 95-grain bonded jacketed hollow-point ammunition. The test uses two different firearms, a Ruger LCP Max and an M&P Performance Center Shield EZ, to evaluate velocity and terminal performance through a heavy clothing barrier into ballistic gel. The instructor expresses initial skepticism about the .380 ACP's ability to achieve sufficient velocity for proper expansion with this type of projectile but is ultimately surprised by the results.

Quick Summary

Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP 95-grain ammunition averaged 906 ft/s from a Ruger LCP Max (2.8" barrel) achieving 12.25" penetration, and 1006 ft/s from an M&P Shield EZ (3.8" barrel) achieving 8.5" penetration. Both retained full weight, with the Shield EZ showing superior expansion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:09Ammunition Overview: Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP
  3. 00:21Test Setup: Clothing Barrier & Gel
  4. 01:21Firearms Used: Ruger LCP Max & M&P Shield EZ
  5. 02:04Velocity Testing: Ruger LCP Max
  6. 03:31Velocity Testing: M&P Shield EZ
  7. 04:53Ballistic Gel Test: LCP Max Shot
  8. 06:02Ballistic Gel Test: Shield EZ Shot
  9. 06:15Gel Results Analysis: LCP Max vs. Shield EZ
  10. 08:03Penetration Measurements
  11. 09:00Projectile Examination
  12. 10:04Projectile Weight & Expansion Measurements
  13. 10:56Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advertised velocity for Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP 95-grain ammunition?

The Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP 95-grain bonded jacketed hollow-point ammunition is advertised with a muzzle velocity of 1,000 feet per second. However, actual velocities can vary significantly based on the firearm's barrel length.

How did Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP perform in ballistic gel from a Ruger LCP Max?

From a Ruger LCP Max with a 2.8-inch barrel, the ammo averaged 906 ft/s, achieved 12.25 inches of penetration, and showed good expansion with some pedals not fully opening. It retained its full 95-grain weight.

What were the results for Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP fired from an M&P Shield EZ?

From an M&P Shield EZ with a 3.8-inch barrel, the ammo averaged 1006 ft/s, achieved 8.5 inches of penetration, and exhibited significant expansion down to the base. It also retained its full 95-grain weight.

Is Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP considered effective for self-defense?

While the .380 ACP caliber can be challenging for reliable expansion and penetration, the Winchester Elite Defender .380 ACP showed surprisingly good performance, especially from the longer-barreled Shield EZ, with significant expansion and adequate penetration from the LCP Max.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →