Cherry Bomb!....Underwood Hardcast .380 Auto +P AMMO Test!

Published on July 27, 2023
Duration: 13:19

This comprehensive test evaluates Underwood's 100-grain Hardcast .380 Auto +P ammunition using a Lab Radar chrono and gel blocks with a heavy clothing barrier. The expert instructor demonstrates its performance from both a Ruger LCP Max and a Smith & Wesson Shield EZ, highlighting significant velocity differences and extreme penetration capabilities. The analysis concludes that while penetration is high, potentially exceeding typical self-defense needs, it's a viable option for home defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

Underwood's 100-grain Hardcast .380 Auto +P ammunition is engineered for maximum penetration. Testing revealed no expansion and significant depth penetration (over 25 inches) through gel blocks, even with a heavy clothing barrier. Velocities varied by firearm barrel length, averaging 1041 fps from a Ruger LCP Max and 1130 fps from a Smith & Wesson Shield EZ.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:44Underwood Hardcast .380 +P Ammo Details
  3. 01:50Firearms Used: LCP Max & Shield EZ
  4. 02:35Velocity Test: Ruger LCP Max
  5. 04:05Velocity Test: S&W Shield EZ
  6. 05:23Gel Test: LCP Max Results
  7. 06:16Gel Test: Shield EZ Results
  8. 06:43Gel Test Analysis: Penetration & Tumble
  9. 09:06Projectile Examination
  10. 10:13Performance Conclusion: Penetration Focus
  11. 12:30Viewer Engagement & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance characteristics of Underwood's 100-grain Hardcast .380 Auto +P ammunition?

This ammunition is designed for maximum penetration. In testing, it showed no expansion and significant depth penetration through gel blocks, even with a heavy clothing barrier. It's noted for its hardcast bullet construction and +P pressure loading.

How did Underwood's Hardcast .380 +P ammo perform from different firearms?

From a Ruger LCP Max (2.75" barrel), it averaged 1041 fps. From a Smith & Wesson Shield EZ (~3.5" barrel), it averaged 1130 fps. The Shield EZ achieved significantly higher velocities due to its longer barrel.

Is Underwood's Hardcast .380 Auto +P suitable for self-defense?

Its extreme penetration makes it highly effective for home defense where over-penetration into unintended areas is less critical. For general self-defense, the deep penetration might be excessive, but its performance is consistent with its design for maximum penetration.

What was the projectile behavior after impact with Underwood's Hardcast .380 +P ammo?

In gel tests, the projectiles from both firearms showed no expansion. The LCP Max round went straight through 32 inches of gel. The Shield EZ round tumbled and traveled 25.5 inches before exiting the gel block.

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