Battle of The BEST!....Defender vs Penetrator!

Published on December 17, 2022
Duration: 11:12

This video provides a detailed comparison of Underwood's Xtreme Defender and Xtreme Penetrator .380 ACP ammunition, tested in a Ruger LCP Max. The Xtreme Defender demonstrated superior performance with greater energy and a wider wound channel, while both met FBI penetration standards. The host, with high authority, concludes the Defender is the better choice for self-defense.

Quick Summary

The Underwood Xtreme Defender .380 ACP (68gr) averaged 1209 fps and 221 ft-lb of energy, creating a wider wound channel in ballistic gel than the Xtreme Penetrator (90gr, 974 fps, 190 ft-lb). Both met FBI penetration standards without expansion, but the Defender's disruption makes it the recommended self-defense choice.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:33Ammunition Overview: Defender vs Penetrator
  3. 01:49Test Firearm: Ruger LCP Max
  4. 02:07Chronograph Testing: Velocity & Energy
  5. 05:01Ballistic Gel Results
  6. 07:34Projectile Recovery and Analysis
  7. 08:59Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which .380 ACP ammunition performed better in ballistic gel tests?

The Underwood Xtreme Defender .380 ACP demonstrated superior performance in ballistic gel tests, creating a wider wound channel and significant disruption while still meeting FBI penetration standards. The Xtreme Penetrator achieved slightly deeper penetration but with a narrower wound track.

What were the velocity and energy differences between the Defender and Penetrator .380 rounds?

The 68gr Xtreme Defender averaged 1209 fps with 221 ft-lb of energy, while the 90gr Xtreme Penetrator averaged 974 fps with 190 ft-lb of energy when fired from a Ruger LCP Max with a 2.8-inch barrel.

Did the Underwood Xtreme Defender or Penetrator expand after firing?

No, neither the Underwood Xtreme Defender nor the Xtreme Penetrator expanded. Both are solid copper fluted projectiles designed for deep penetration without expansion, retaining 100% of their weight and diameter after passing through ballistic gel.

What is the recommended .380 ACP self-defense ammunition based on this test?

Based on this test, the Underwood Xtreme Defender .380 ACP is recommended over the Xtreme Penetrator for self-defense due to its greater energy output and more effective wound disruption, while still achieving adequate penetration.

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