Hollow Point 9mm Ballistic Gel Test: Rocky Ford Ammo

Published on December 18, 2025
Duration: 27:02

This video provides a comprehensive review of Rocky Ford 9mm hollow point ammunition, including both standard velocity and subsonic loads. The presenter conducts ballistic gel tests, chronograph readings, and accuracy assessments across various firearms. The review highlights the ammunition's reliability and accuracy but expresses disappointment in the hollow points' expansion in controlled gel tests, comparing unfavorably to premium self-defense rounds.

Quick Summary

Rocky Ford 124-grain 9mm hollow points, both standard and subsonic, showed reliable feeding and good accuracy but failed to expand in ballistic gel tests, penetrating both blocks. This performance was considered insufficient for self-defense when compared to premium ammunition like Hornady Critical Duty +P.

Chapters

  1. 00:26Introduction & Ammo Overview
  2. 00:59Testing Plan: Gel, Chrono, Accuracy
  3. 01:50Firearms Used for Testing
  4. 02:49Ballistic Gel Setup (Clear Ballistics)
  5. 03:29Ammunition Specs: 124gr HP
  6. 05:22Reliability Testing: Ross Martin RM1S
  7. 05:53Reliability Testing: Core Pistol 9mm
  8. 06:03Reliability Testing: Canik Prime
  9. 06:17Reliability Testing: Custom Glock 19
  10. 06:46Reliability Testing: EAA Brat
  11. 07:08PCC Reliability: Suppressed & Unsuppressed
  12. 07:42Accuracy Testing at 15 Yards
  13. 09:00Subsonic PCC Test (Suppressed)
  14. 09:48Chronograph Setup & Shoutout
  15. 10:12Standard Velocity Chrono Results (1150 FPS)
  16. 11:19Subsonic Chrono Results (1050 FPS)
  17. 12:02Standard Velocity Chrono Results (XAR PCC)
  18. 12:47Subsonic Chrono Results (XAR PCC)
  19. 13:49Ballistic Gel Test: Importance of Expansion
  20. 14:06Ballistic Gel Test Setup
  21. 14:50Test 1: Rocky Ford 1150 FPS HP into Gel
  22. 16:01Test 2: Rocky Ford 1150 FPS HP into Gel
  23. 17:02Test 3: Rocky Ford 1150 FPS HP into Gel
  24. 17:49Analysis of Standard Velocity Gel Results
  25. 18:08Test 1: Rocky Ford 1050 FPS Subsonic HP into Gel
  26. 19:15Test: Rocky Ford 1050 FPS Subsonic HP (XAR PCC)
  27. 19:49Analysis of Subsonic Gel Results
  28. 20:18Comparison: Hornady Critical Duty +P
  29. 20:54Hornady Critical Duty +P Gel Test Results
  30. 21:39Recovered Hornady Projectile Analysis
  31. 22:24Overall Ballistic Gel Performance Summary
  32. 24:03Rocky Ford Ammo: Pros & Cons
  33. 25:08Hollow Point Performance Verdict
  34. 26:04Conclusion & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key findings from the Rocky Ford 9mm hollow point ballistic gel tests?

The Rocky Ford 124-grain 9mm hollow points, both standard and subsonic, consistently penetrated two blocks of ballistic gel without significant expansion. This performance was deemed insufficient for self-defense compared to premium ammunition like Hornady Critical Duty +P.

How did Rocky Ford 9mm ammunition perform in terms of reliability and accuracy?

The Rocky Ford 9mm ammunition demonstrated good reliability, feeding consistently across multiple firearms. Accuracy was also noted as good, with the presenter maintaining tight groups at 15 yards.

What were the chronograph results for Rocky Ford 9mm ammunition?

The 124-grain standard velocity hollow points averaged around 1145 ft/s, closely matching the advertised 1150 ft/s. The 124-grain subsonic hollow points averaged 1050 ft/s, also consistent with the stated velocity.

What is the recommended use for Rocky Ford 9mm ammunition based on this review?

Based on the ballistic gel tests, the Rocky Ford 9mm hollow points are not recommended for self-defense due to a lack of expansion. They are suggested as suitable for range or target practice ammunition.

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