Effective Failure?...Sellier & Bellot XRG .38 Special Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

This in-depth ballistic gel test evaluates Underwood's 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP ammunition fired from a Canik Mete MC9 (3.1" barrel) and an FN 509 (4.5" barrel). The test meticulously records muzzle velocities, penetration depths, projectile expansion, and weight retention, providing valuable data for self-defense ammunition selection. The expert analysis highlights the ammunition's excellent performance, particularly its massive expansion and near 100% weight retention, while also discussing penetration nuances.

This expert-level analysis details a ballistic gel test of Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120-grain ammunition, comparing performance from 2-inch and 3-inch barrel revolvers. The test highlights how barrel length significantly impacts velocity and the ability of the projectile to overcome clothing barriers and achieve proper expansion. The Federal Punch demonstrated insufficient performance from shorter barrels, failing to expand and clogging with fabric.

This review details a ballistic gel test of Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP ammunition fired through heavy clothing barriers. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, utilized both a Glock 30 (3.8-inch barrel) and a Rock Island 1911 (5-inch barrel) to assess projectile performance. The results indicated a significant failure of the ammunition to expand as intended, with both projectiles clogging and tumbling, leading to deep penetration without terminal effectiveness.

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 review details a ballistic gel test of Fort Scott Munitions TUI .38 Special ammunition, evaluating its terminal performance and velocity consistency. The test, conducted by an expert using standardized protocols, revealed that while the TUI projectiles successfully tumbled as designed, achieving significant penetration and disruption, the ammunition exhibited extreme velocity inconsistency across different firearms. This inconsistency led to a negative overall assessment despite meeting terminal ballistic goals.

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 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.