NOT Better Than a Sharp Stick!...Punch vs Buffalo Bore .25 acp Ammo Ballistic Gel Test!

This review tests the lethality of various pocket pistol calibers by simulating different scenarios. Initial tests show even small rimfire and .25 ACP rounds penetrate plywood, but a ceramic tile barrier stops them. Ballistic gel tests reveal significant differences in penetration and wound channels, with modern JHP and +P loads outperforming standard FMJ, especially in .25 ACP and .380 ACP.

The Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless, a .25 ACP pistol designed by John Moses Browning, is evaluated for modern self-defense. While its small size and low recoil make it manageable at close range, its diminutive sights, challenging ergonomics for a full grip, and limited ballistics present significant drawbacks for effective self-defense. The .25 ACP round shows surprising expansion but lacks penetration compared to .22 LR in ballistic gel, with its main advantage being reliable centerfire ignition.

This video compares the performance of Federal Premium .22LR Punch self-defense ammunition against PMC Bronze .25 ACP FMJ ammunition. The test utilizes heavy clothing and ballistic gel, shot through a Beretta Bobcat and a Falcon model 2032 pistol. The title "Punching ABOVE Its Weight!" suggests an examination of the .22LR's effectiveness in a self-defense context compared to a slightly larger caliber.

This video provides a ballistic gel test and review of the Federal 9BPLE +P+ 115 Grain 9mm ammunition. It explores the performance of this round, originally developed for the Illinois State Police, from short-barrel handguns. The test utilizes a Canik Mete MC9 and a Glock 17, and includes a heavy clothing simulation to assess penetration and expansion. The video also highlights the author's affiliations with various retailers and tools, and includes disclaimers about safe shooting practices and the non-sale of firearms or ammunition within the video.

This video tests the lethality of various pocket pistol calibers using a ballistic dummy. Smaller calibers like .22 Short, .22 LR, .25 ACP, and .32 ACP showed limited penetration, often stopping at the sternum or ribs. Larger calibers such as .380 ACP, .410 shotgun shells, .45-70, and .500 Magnum demonstrated significantly higher terminal ballistics, causing substantial damage.

This review critically examines the .25 ACP's effectiveness as a self-defense cartridge, comparing it to the .380 ACP. While the .25 ACP offers low recoil and a smaller firearm size, ballistic gel tests show inadequate penetration, and real-world data indicates a high failure-to-incapacitate rate. Modern .380 ACP pistols are generally recommended as superior for self-defense.

This review covers the Mossberg Maverick 88, a budget-friendly 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, highlighting its simplicity and reliability for home defense. It details a comparison with the Mossberg 500/590, a full field strip, and the use of the Opsol Mini-Clip adapter with Aguila Minishells to increase capacity and ensure reliable cycling. Range tests confirm the adapter's necessity for 100% Minishell reliability.

This test evaluates Federal Syntech Defense 9mm SJHP ammunition using a Canik Mete MC9 and Glock 17. The ammo consistently segmented into three petals and a core, with the core penetrating 18-18.5 inches and segments stopping around 9 inches. Velocity averaged 1033 fps from the MC9 and 1094 fps from the G17, demonstrating high consistency.

The Taurus Model 856 in .38 Special is a capable snub-nose revolver, offering a smooth trigger and good accuracy for its class. It performs well in both single and double-action at typical defensive ranges, with comfortable grips aiding recoil management. The 856 proves to be a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for concealed carry or self-defense.

This review tests three .380 ACP ammunition types in a Ruger LCP Max with a heavy clothing barrier over ballistic gel. The Winchester 95gr FMJ, Underwood 90gr Xtreme Penetrator, and Federal 99gr Hydra-Shok Deep were evaluated for penetration and expansion. Despite being FMJ, the Winchester proved to be the most effective due to superior penetration, outperforming premium defensive rounds that failed to expand.