Just a Little Bit More...9MM Hornady Custom 147 Grain Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on March 22, 2026
Duration: 12:53

This expert-level review details a ballistic gel test of Hornady Custom 147gr 9mm ammunition, evaluating its performance against a heavy clothing barrier. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, reveals disappointing expansion results from both a Canik Mete MC9 (3.1" barrel) and an FN 509 (4.5" barrel) due to velocities falling below optimal levels for the XTP projectile. While penetration was adequate, the lack of reliable expansion against simulated clothing limits its effectiveness as a primary self-defense round.

Quick Summary

The Hornady Custom 147gr 9mm XTP ammunition showed disappointing results in a ballistic gel test with a clothing barrier. Velocities from a 3.1" barrel averaged 926 fps and from a 4.5" barrel averaged 992 fps. Neither velocity was sufficient for reliable expansion of the XTP projectile, leading to deep penetration but limited wound channel disruption.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:23Ballistic Gel Setup
  3. 00:41Ammo Introduction & Skepticism
  4. 01:17Bullet Examination
  5. 01:34Handguns for Testing
  6. 01:52Chronograph & Velocity Test Setup
  7. 02:21Canik MC9 Velocity Results
  8. 03:22FN 509 Velocity Results & Muzzle Energy
  9. 05:01Ballistic Test MC9
  10. 05:36Ballistic Test FN 509
  11. 06:17Gel Analysis: No Expansion
  12. 07:22Penetration Depths
  13. 08:08Wound Channel Comparison
  14. 08:42Recovered Bullets & Weight
  15. 10:08Bullet Measurements
  16. 10:37Conclusion & Recommendations
  17. 11:22Final Thoughts & Channel Info

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Hornady Custom 147gr 9mm ammo expand in the ballistic gel test?

No, the Hornady Custom 147gr 9mm XTP projectile did not achieve reliable expansion after passing through a heavy clothing barrier in the ballistic gel test. While some minor flaring was observed from the shorter barrel, neither the Canik MC9 nor the FN 509 facilitated sufficient expansion.

What were the muzzle velocities for the Hornady 147gr 9mm ammo?

The average muzzle velocity from a 3.1-inch Canik Mete MC9 barrel was 926 fps. From a 4.5-inch FN 509 barrel, the average muzzle velocity was 992 fps. These velocities were considered on the edge for proper expansion of the XTP projectile.

How deep did the Hornady 147gr 9mm bullets penetrate in ballistic gel?

The bullet fired from the Canik Mete MC9 penetrated 13.75 inches into the ballistic gel. The bullet fired from the FN 509 penetrated 20.25 inches, which is considered deep by some standards but acceptable by the instructor.

Is Hornady Custom 147gr 9mm a good self-defense round based on this test?

Based on this ballistic gel test with a clothing barrier, the Hornady Custom 147gr 9mm is not recommended as a primary self-defense round due to its failure to reliably expand. While it would likely still be effective if placed accurately, better-performing options for expansion exist.

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