Best 9mm Carry Ammo? *Part 2*

This video from Buckeye Ballistics provides a comprehensive gel test of Federal HST 124gr +P 9mm ammunition across various barrel lengths (3.3" to 10.5"). The expert analysis highlights how barrel length significantly impacts velocity and bullet expansion, with longer barrels generally yielding higher velocities and more dramatic "flowering" of the projectile. The test uses calibrated ballistic gelatin to simulate tissue and offers valuable insights for selecting ammunition based on intended firearm platform.

This video tests the 'ultra violent' 9mm Havoc round and the Enigwatch Centennial Safe. The Havoc round, filled with an explosive compound, demonstrates significant destructive potential in ballistic gel and hog meat tests, though it's not recommended for self-defense due to its extreme nature. The Enigwatch safe, rated for 9mm, withstands multiple 9mm impacts, protecting its contents, though internal electrical components sustain damage.

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 by Boondock Ballistician critically examines the G2 Research R.I.P. round, often dismissed as a gimmick. Through rigorous testing with ballistic gel and a Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC), the analysis reveals surprising barrier-blind performance and fragmentation potential, challenging common perceptions. The speaker, demonstrating high-level expertise, suggests design improvements for future iterations of this concept.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Federal Premium HST 147 Grain +P 9mm ammunition. The host, demonstrating high authority, analyzes terminal performance from two popular self-defense pistols, the S&W M&P Shield EZ and Canik METE MC9. The results confirm HST's reputation for consistent expansion and weight retention.

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 video rigorously tests the self-defense capabilities of various airguns against a realistic human head ballistic target. The expert instructor demonstrates that low-power BB guns like the Daisy Red Rider offer minimal threat, while even full-auto CO2 BB guns fail to penetrate the skull. However, a high-velocity Gamo pellet rifle proves capable of causing significant damage, cracking the skull. The instructor concludes that BB guns are unsuitable for self-defense, and while pellet rifles are dangerous, they lack the immediate stopping power of conventional firearms.

This video tests the BulletSafe VP3 Level IIIA vest against various calibers up to .44 Magnum using a realistic human torso dummy. While the vest stopped all tested rounds, including a .44 Magnum and 12-gauge buckshot, significant backface deformation and blunt force trauma were evident, especially with higher-energy rounds. The dummy's shoulder blade was broken by buckshot, and severe bruising was indicated by the .44 Magnum impact.

This review of the Crosman DPMS SBR full-auto BB gun highlights its realistic AR-15 SBR aesthetics and select-fire capability. The host demonstrates its operation, including loading with a speedloader and the dual CO2 power system. Performance metrics like 1400 RPM and 430 FPS are discussed, along with its accuracy and destructive potential on targets like watermelons. The device is recommended for realistic training or plinking where live firearms are impractical.

This video tests the effectiveness and dangers of using a flare gun for self-defense. While a flare gun can ignite materials and cause internal damage to a ballistic torso, its single-shot capacity, slow reload, and high risk of starting fires make it an irresponsible and dangerous choice for defense. The test highlights the unpredictable nature and significant fire hazard associated with using flare guns in a defensive scenario.