🎇BIG & Shiny, But Did They Perform?🎇

Published on August 9, 2022
Duration: 11:09

This video details a ballistics test of Steinel 185-grain solid copper hollow-point .45 ACP ammunition fired from two 1911 pistols: a Taurus Commander with a 4.25-inch barrel and a Rock Island Armory with a 5-inch barrel. The test measured velocity, gel penetration, and projectile expansion, comparing the performance between the two barrel lengths. The presenter, experienced in ammunition testing, provides insights into the ammunition's performance relative to advertised specifications and its effectiveness.

Quick Summary

The Steinel 185-grain .45 ACP solid copper hollow points were tested from 4.25-inch and 5-inch barrels. Average velocities were 841 fps and 892 fps respectively, below the advertised 990 fps. Penetration in gel was 11.25 inches and 12.25 inches, with better expansion from the 5-inch barrel. Projectiles retained full weight.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:17Ammunition Overview: Steinel .45 ACP
  3. 01:54Firearm Comparison: Taurus vs. Rock Island 1911
  4. 02:21Velocity Testing: Taurus Commander (4.25")
  5. 03:12Velocity Testing: Rock Island Armory (5")
  6. 04:15Ballistic Gel Testing Begins
  7. 05:19Gel Test Results: Wound Channels
  8. 06:23Gel Test Results: Penetration Depth
  9. 07:12Projectile Examination
  10. 07:54Projectile Weight & Expansion Measurements
  11. 09:04Final Assessment & Recommendation
  12. 10:15Outro & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the advertised velocity for the Steinel 185-grain .45 ACP ammunition?

The Steinel 185-grain solid copper hollow-point .45 ACP ammunition is advertised to achieve a velocity of 990 feet per second when fired from a 4.3-inch barrel.

How did the Steinel .45 ACP ammunition perform in ballistic gel from different barrel lengths?

From a 4.25-inch barrel, the ammo averaged 841 fps and penetrated 11.25 inches. From a 5-inch barrel, it averaged 892 fps and penetrated 12.25 inches, with better expansion from the longer barrel.

Did the Steinel .45 ACP projectiles lose weight after impact in the gel test?

No, both projectiles retained their full weight of 184.2 grains after passing through the ballistic gel, indicating excellent integrity and no significant material loss.

What is the presenter's recommendation for the Steinel 185gr .45 ACP hollow points?

The presenter would give these rounds a pass for self-defense, noting their impressive expansion and wound channel disruption, even though penetration was at the edge of the FBI standard.

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