New Ain't Always Improved...NEW 9MM Punch 115 VS 124 Grain Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on December 19, 2025
Duration: 13:19

This video provides an objective and analytical comparison of Federal Premium's new 9mm Punch 115gr and 124gr self-defense ammunition. The host, demonstrating high authority through standardized testing, found the 124gr load superior in this specific test due to better velocity, energy, and expansion from a short-barreled pistol.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test using a Canik Mete MC9 (3.1" barrel), the 124gr Federal Punch 9mm averaged 1133 FPS and expanded to 0.63", outperforming the 115gr load which averaged 1088 FPS and expanded to 0.60". Both penetrated 17-17.25 inches and retained nearly all their weight, but the 124gr demonstrated superior velocity and energy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Conditions
  2. 00:30Test Setup and Ammunition Overview
  3. 01:33Ballistic Specifications and Test Firearm
  4. 02:50Velocity Testing: 124 Grain
  5. 04:30Velocity Testing: 115 Grain
  6. 06:16Ballistic Gel Performance
  7. 09:50Projectile Analysis and Measurements
  8. 11:48Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Federal Punch 115gr and 124gr 9mm perform in a ballistic gel test?

In a test using a Canik Mete MC9 (3.1" barrel), the 124gr Federal Punch averaged 1133 FPS and expanded to 0.63", while the 115gr averaged 1088 FPS and expanded to 0.60". Both penetrated 17-17.25 inches and retained nearly all their weight.

Which Federal Punch 9mm load is better for self-defense from a short-barreled pistol?

Based on this specific ballistic gel test with a Canik Mete MC9, the 124gr Federal Punch is recommended due to its higher average velocity (1133 FPS), greater muzzle energy (353 ft-lb), and better expansion (0.63") compared to the 115gr load.

What equipment was used for the Federal Punch 9mm ballistic gel test?

The test utilized a Canik Mete MC9 pistol, Federal Premium Punch 115gr and 124gr 9mm Luger ammunition, 10% ordnance ballistic gel blocks, heavy clothing barriers, a LabRadar chronograph for velocity measurements, and digital calipers for expansion analysis.

What are the factory specifications for Federal Punch 9mm ammunition?

Factory specifications list the 115gr Federal Punch at 1180 FPS and the 124gr at 1150 FPS, typically from a 4-inch barrel. Actual results, especially from shorter barrels like the Canik Mete MC9's 3.1 inches, will likely be lower.

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