Bad Medicine!...PHD .380 ACP Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test & Review!

Published on August 30, 2025
Duration: 13:32

This video provides a comprehensive ballistic gel test of the Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP self-defense ammunition. The instructor, with extensive experience, tests the ammunition's performance through a heavy clothing barrier and into ballistic gel, measuring velocity and penetration. While acknowledging the ammunition's ability to fragment as advertised, the instructor expresses a personal preference for rounds offering deeper penetration, particularly in the .380 ACP caliber.

Quick Summary

The Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition, a solid copper fracturing round, fragmented into four pedals and a central core upon impact after passing through a heavy clothing barrier. The central core penetrated approximately 11-12 inches in ballistic gel, with average velocities exceeding manufacturer claims.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:34Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP Ammunition Overview
  3. 01:41Firearm Test Platforms (M&P Bodyguard 2.0 & EZ)
  4. 02:08Velocity Testing: M&P Bodyguard 2.0
  5. 03:34Velocity Testing: M&P Performance Center EZ
  6. 04:54Ballistic Gel Test: M&P Bodyguard 2.0
  7. 05:40Ballistic Gel Test: M&P Performance Center EZ
  8. 05:58Gel Test Results Analysis
  9. 07:27Projectile Measurements and Analysis
  10. 09:01Recovered Projectile Examination
  11. 11:19Final Review and Conclusion
  12. 12:04Closing Remarks and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the performance of Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition in ballistic gel?

The Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition, a solid copper fracturing round, fragmented into four pedals and a central core upon impact after passing through a heavy clothing barrier. The central core penetrated approximately 11-12 inches in ballistic gel.

What were the average velocities recorded for the Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition?

Testing with a Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 2.0 (2.75-inch barrel) yielded an average velocity of 1006 ft/s. Using a Smith & Wesson M&P Performance Center EZ (3.88-inch barrel) resulted in an average velocity of 1035 ft/s, exceeding the manufacturer's claim.

What are the key features of the Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition?

This ammunition features a 75-grain solid copper Raptor projectile designed to fracture into four segments upon impact, creating a wider wound channel. It is marketed for personal home defense.

Does the instructor recommend the Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition?

The instructor acknowledges that the Cutting Edge PhD .380 ACP ammunition performs as advertised for fragmentation. However, due to the inherent limitations of the .380 ACP caliber, he personally prefers ammunition that offers deeper penetration for self-defense.

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