Is This The BEST .380 Defensive AMMO? Federal Hydra-Shok Deep, Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on April 16, 2022
Duration: 12:04

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test and analysis of Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .380 Auto ammunition, comparing it to the Federal Hydra-Shok Low Recoil variant. The instructor, demonstrating significant expertise, details the performance metrics of each round, including penetration depth, expanded diameter, weight retention, and average muzzle velocity, using a Smith & Wesson M&P Performance Center Shield EZ. The findings suggest both Hydra-Shok variants are top performers in the .380 caliber for defensive use.

Quick Summary

The Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .380 Auto (99 grain) achieved 18 inches of penetration in ballistic gel, retained 99.4% of its weight, and expanded to an average diameter of 0.444-0.449 inches, with an average muzzle velocity of 957 fps. The Hydra-Shok Low Recoil (90 grain) penetrated 14 inches, retained 90.1% of its weight, and expanded to 0.456-0.457 inches at 988 fps.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Ammo Selection
  2. 00:18Test Setup Overview
  3. 00:35Ammunition Comparison
  4. 01:34Firearm Used
  5. 02:09Velocity Test: Hydra-Shok Low Recoil
  6. 02:44Velocity Average: Hydra-Shok Low Recoil
  7. 02:56Velocity Test: Hydra-Shok Deep
  8. 03:43Velocity Average: Hydra-Shok Deep
  9. 04:07Ballistic Gel Test: Hydra-Shok Low Recoil
  10. 04:36Initial Impressions: Hydra-Shok Low Recoil
  11. 04:57Ballistic Gel Test: Hydra-Shok Deep
  12. 05:22Gel Performance Analysis
  13. 06:59Penetration Measurements
  14. 07:57Projectile Examination & Weight
  15. 09:01Expanded Diameter Measurements
  16. 09:23Final Verdict: Best .380 Ammo
  17. 10:13Conclusion & Future Tests
  18. 11:07Call to Action & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .380 Auto perform in ballistic gel?

The Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .380 Auto (99 grain) achieved 18 inches of penetration, retained 99.4% of its weight (99.4 grains), and expanded to an average diameter of 0.444-0.449 inches, with an average muzzle velocity of 957 fps.

What are the performance metrics for Federal Hydra-Shok Low Recoil .380 Auto?

The Federal Hydra-Shok Low Recoil .380 Auto (90 grain) penetrated 14 inches in ballistic gel, retained 90.1% of its weight (90.1 grains), and expanded to an average diameter of 0.456-0.457 inches, with an average muzzle velocity of 988 fps.

Which .380 defensive ammunition performed better: Hydra-Shok Deep or Hydra-Shok Low Recoil?

Both Federal Hydra-Shok variants performed exceptionally well. The Deep version offered greater penetration (18 inches vs 14 inches), while the Low Recoil version achieved slightly wider expansion (0.457 inches vs 0.449 inches). Both are considered top-tier for .380 defensive use.

Is Federal Hydra-Shok Deep considered good .380 defensive ammunition?

Yes, the Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .380 Auto is considered excellent defensive ammunition. It demonstrated impressive penetration (18 inches) and weight retention (99.4%) with good expansion in ballistic gel tests, outperforming many other .380 rounds.

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