Makarov In The Middle!...9MM Kurz VS Mak VS Luger Hornady Critical Defense Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on May 30, 2026
Duration: 18:19

This video details a ballistic gel test comparing Hornady Critical Defense ammunition across three calibers: 9mm Kurz (380 ACP), 9x18mm Makarov, and 9x19mm Luger. The test measures velocity, penetration, and expansion through a clothing barrier. The 9mm Luger demonstrated superior performance, while the 380 ACP showed minimal expansion and penetration, and the 9mm Makarov performed adequately but with room for improvement in velocity.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing Hornady Critical Defense ammunition, the 9mm Luger averaged 1,083 fps with excellent expansion and 14 inches of penetration. The 9x18mm Makarov averaged 926 fps, expanded adequately, and penetrated 15.75 inches. The 380 ACP (9mm Kurz) averaged 879 fps, failed to expand, tumbled excessively, and penetrated 28.25 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:20Clothing Barrier Setup
  3. 00:36Ammunition Overview: 9mm Makarov, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Luger
  4. 00:48Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition
  5. 01:02Cartridge Specifications: 380, Makarov, Luger
  6. 01:15Projectile Differences
  7. 01:34Firearm Selection for Testing
  8. 01:57Velocity Testing Setup
  9. 02:419mm Kurz (380 ACP) Velocity Results
  10. 02:569mm Kurz (380 ACP) Average Velocity
  11. 03:549x18mm Makarov Velocity Results
  12. 04:179x18mm Makarov Average Velocity
  13. 04:239mm Luger Velocity Results
  14. 04:59Ballistic Gel Test: Introduction
  15. 05:039mm Kurz (380 ACP) Gel Test
  16. 05:329mm Kurz (380 ACP) Gel Results Analysis
  17. 05:549x18mm Makarov Gel Test
  18. 06:069x18mm Makarov Gel Results Analysis
  19. 06:509mm Luger Gel Test
  20. 07:139mm Luger Gel Results Analysis
  21. 07:30Gel Test Close-Up Comparison
  22. 08:05Projectile Examination: 380 ACP
  23. 08:42Projectile Examination: 9x18mm Makarov
  24. 09:07Projectile Examination: 9mm Luger
  25. 09:30Final Performance Summary
  26. 09:50Winner and Loser Identified
  27. 10:35Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady Critical Defense 380 ACP perform in a ballistic gel test?

The Hornady Critical Defense 380 ACP ammunition, fired from a short-barreled pistol, averaged 879 fps. It failed to expand, exhibited significant tumbling, and penetrated approximately 28.25 inches, exiting both gel blocks. This performance suggests it is not ideal for self-defense applications requiring reliable expansion.

What were the results for 9x18mm Makarov Hornady Critical Defense in ballistic gel?

The 9x18mm Makarov Hornady Critical Defense averaged 926 fps. It successfully expanded upon impact, spitting out cloth, and penetrated 15.75 inches into the ballistic gel, stopping near the end of the first block. This indicates adequate performance for its caliber.

How did the 9mm Luger Hornady Critical Defense perform in ballistic gel compared to other calibers?

The 9mm Luger Hornady Critical Defense demonstrated superior performance, averaging 1,083 fps. It expanded significantly and penetrated 14 inches into the ballistic gel. This round showed the best overall terminal ballistics among the tested calibers, with excellent expansion and penetration.

What are the key differences between 9mm Kurz, 9x18mm Makarov, and 9mm Luger cartridges?

The 9mm Kurz (380 ACP) and 9mm Luger use a 0.355-inch diameter projectile, while the 9x18mm Makarov is slightly larger at 0.364 inches. The 9mm Luger also typically uses heavier projectiles and achieves higher velocities, offering greater ballistic potential compared to the other two.

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