BUDGET 9mm Defensive AMMO! Winchester 147 Grain Hollow Point Ballistic Gel Test!

This review details a ballistic gel test of Seismic Ammo's 9mm Quakemaker +M 185-grain rounds. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, evaluated performance through a heavy clothing barrier using a Ruger PC Charger and an HK SP5. The results indicated significant tumbling and a complete failure of the projectile to expand, leading to poor penetration performance and a negative recommendation for self-defense.

This video provides an expert-level analysis of current ammunition prices across ten popular calibers, highlighting significant price drops to 2019 levels. The instructor, with clear authority, advises smart gun owners on which calibers are ideal for stockpiling in 2025, offering specific price points and brand recommendations for practice and training. The content emphasizes the importance of strategic purchasing for maintaining proficiency and readiness.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Liberty Ammunition's 9mm SPIKE self-defense round. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms tester, utilizes professional equipment like a LabRadar chronograph and standardized gel blocks with heavy clothing barriers. The SPIKE round demonstrated impressive velocity from both short (Canik Mete MC9) and long (Ruger PC Charger) barrels, leading to significant temporary cavity formation and fragmentation upon impact, with penetration depths around 14.5 inches.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Underwood Xtreme Defender 9mm ammunition, specifically the 68-grain +P and 90-grain +P+ variants. The host, demonstrating high authority through detailed analysis and professional equipment, evaluates their terminal performance fired from an HK SP5 with an 8.9-inch barrel. The test highlights extreme velocities and deep penetration, offering valuable data for self-defense ammunition selection.

This review details a ballistic gel test of Speer Gold Dot Carbine 9mm 135gr ammunition, comparing performance from an HK SP5 (8.9-inch barrel) and a Henry Homesteader (16.4-inch barrel). The test reveals surprising velocity differences and significant variations in bullet expansion, highlighting the impact of barrel length and ammunition design on terminal ballistics. The host, with high authority in firearms testing, provides an analytical assessment of the results.

This video provides an expert-level comparison of two 9mm +P rounds, Liberty Bear Country and Federal Solid Core, for potential bear defense. The test, conducted by the Tools&Targets host using ballistic gel and a Canik TP9 SFX, reveals significant differences in performance. The Liberty round fragmented extensively, penetrating 12.5 inches, while the Federal round maintained its integrity, achieving 24 inches of penetration. The host concludes that while both rounds perform as advertised, 9mm is generally insufficient for grizzly bear defense.

This review covers the Mossberg Maverick 88, a budget-friendly 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, highlighting its simplicity and reliability for home defense. It details a comparison with the Mossberg 500/590, a full field strip, and the use of the Opsol Mini-Clip adapter with Aguila Minishells to increase capacity and ensure reliable cycling. Range tests confirm the adapter's necessity for 100% Minishell reliability.

This test evaluates Federal Syntech Defense 9mm SJHP ammunition using a Canik Mete MC9 and Glock 17. The ammo consistently segmented into three petals and a core, with the core penetrating 18-18.5 inches and segments stopping around 9 inches. Velocity averaged 1033 fps from the MC9 and 1094 fps from the G17, demonstrating high consistency.

The Taurus Model 856 in .38 Special is a capable snub-nose revolver, offering a smooth trigger and good accuracy for its class. It performs well in both single and double-action at typical defensive ranges, with comfortable grips aiding recoil management. The 856 proves to be a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for concealed carry or self-defense.

This review tests three .380 ACP ammunition types in a Ruger LCP Max with a heavy clothing barrier over ballistic gel. The Winchester 95gr FMJ, Underwood 90gr Xtreme Penetrator, and Federal 99gr Hydra-Shok Deep were evaluated for penetration and expansion. Despite being FMJ, the Winchester proved to be the most effective due to superior penetration, outperforming premium defensive rounds that failed to expand.