Is "Good Enough", Good Enough?...Black Hills .40 S&W Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on April 19, 2026
Duration: 11:31

This video presents a ballistic gel test of Black Hills Ammunition's 155-grain JHP .40 S&W self-defense rounds. The instructor, with apparent experience in firearms testing, evaluates performance from both a Glock 27 (3.5-inch barrel) and a Glock 22 (4.5-inch barrel). While not top-tier, the ammunition demonstrated adequate expansion and penetration, particularly from the longer barrel, suggesting it's a viable option for concealed carry or self-defense.

Quick Summary

Black Hills Ammunition's 155-grain JHP .40 S&W rounds achieved average velocities of 1083 FPS from a 3.5-inch barrel and 1143 FPS from a 4.5-inch barrel. The ammunition demonstrated adequate expansion and penetration in ballistic gel, with depths of 22.5 and 24.5 inches respectively, making it a suitable choice for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Weather
  2. 00:20Previous Test Recap
  3. 00:40Clothing Barrier Setup
  4. 00:46Ammunition: Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP
  5. 00:53Manufacturer Velocity Claim
  6. 01:01Cartridge Overview
  7. 01:14Test Firearms: Glock 27 & Glock 22
  8. 01:41Velocity Testing Setup
  9. 02:13Glock 27 Velocity Results
  10. 02:31Glock 27 Average Velocity
  11. 02:54Glock 22 Velocity Testing
  12. 03:06Glock 22 Velocity Results
  13. 03:23Glock 22 Average Velocity
  14. 03:44Velocity Comparison: G27 vs G22
  15. 04:06Ballistic Gel Test Begins
  16. 04:09Glock 27 Gel Test Shot
  17. 04:39Gel Test Issue: Bullet Exit
  18. 04:56Gel Test Setup Adjustment
  19. 05:11Glock 27 Gel Test Result (Visible)
  20. 05:24Glock 22 Gel Test Shot
  21. 05:40Gel Test Results Analysis
  22. 05:49Bullet Path & Expansion (G27)
  23. 06:04Energy Transfer & Penetration
  24. 06:21Bullet Path & Expansion (G22)
  25. 06:42Total Penetration Depth (G27)
  26. 06:49Total Penetration Depth (G22)
  27. 07:02Projectile Close-Up
  28. 07:13G27 Projectile Expansion
  29. 07:18G22 Projectile Expansion
  30. 07:34Recovered Projectiles
  31. 07:45Overall Performance Assessment
  32. 07:59Impact of Clothing Barrier
  33. 08:04Common Sense in Ammo Selection
  34. 08:19Adequate Expansion Criteria
  35. 08:27JHP Design Benefits
  36. 08:38Projectile Weight Analysis
  37. 08:57Projectile Size Analysis
  38. 09:20Barrel Length Impact on Performance
  39. 09:26Conclusion: Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP
  40. 09:31Performance Summary
  41. 09:45Real-World Considerations
  42. 09:54Ammunition Reliability & User Skill
  43. 10:03Final Thoughts on Test
  44. 10:16Standard Pressure .40 S&W
  45. 10:27Upcoming 180gr Test
  46. 10:41Viewer Engagement: Comments
  47. 10:53Affiliate Links & Channel Support
  48. 11:07Thanks to Range Gang Members
  49. 11:12End of Testing for the Day
  50. 11:22Future Content Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the average velocities for Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP from different barrel lengths?

In the ballistic gel test, the Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP ammunition averaged 1083 feet per second from a Glock 27 with a 3.5-inch barrel. From a Glock 22 with a 4.5-inch barrel, the average velocity was 1143 feet per second.

How did the Black Hills 155gr JHP .40 S&W perform in ballistic gel regarding expansion and penetration?

The Black Hills 155gr JHP .40 S&W demonstrated adequate expansion and penetration in ballistic gel. Penetration depths were approximately 22.5 inches from a shorter barrel and 24.5 inches from a longer barrel, with noticeable disruption and energy transfer.

Is Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP considered good self-defense ammunition?

The instructor concluded that while not top-tier, the Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP performs adequately for self-defense. It offers consistent velocity, decent expansion, and sufficient penetration, making it a viable option, especially if found at a good price.

What is the difference in performance between a shorter and longer barrel for .40 S&W with this ammunition?

A longer barrel, like the 4.5-inch barrel of the Glock 22, yields higher velocities (around 60 FPS more in this test) and potentially better overall performance for the Black Hills .40 S&W 155gr JHP compared to a shorter barrel like the 3.5-inch Glock 27.

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