Pistols vs Concrete Blocks .30SC 5.7x28 .357SIG 10MM Auto

This video from The Gun Dungeon discusses the current market dominance of 9mm handguns and the decline of other calibers like .40 S&W. The host, an experienced handloader, argues that while 9mm is effective, the lack of variety in new firearm releases is detrimental to enthusiast choice. He notes that advancements in bullet technology have benefited all calibers, not just 9mm, and laments the loss of options for consumers seeking firearms beyond the most popular chamberings.

The 9mm caliber's long-standing dominance is being challenged by newer or resurgent options like .30 Super Carry, 5.7x28mm, 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and .22 TCM. These alternatives offer advantages in capacity, ballistic performance, recoil management, or terminal energy, catering to specific needs beyond the traditional 9mm balance.

This YouTube video focuses on identifying and showcasing the best small-frame handguns suitable for concealed carry that also pack a significant punch. The content highlights firearms chambered in powerful calibers such as 9mm, .40 Smith & Wesson, .45 ACP, and .357 SIG, emphasizing their effectiveness for self-defense while remaining manageable for everyday carry.

This video from TheGunCollective showcases a significant number of new firearm releases across various manufacturers. Key introductions include the Kel-Tec PR-3AT with its unique stripper clip system, the Rost Martin RM1F striker-fired pistol series, and Stoeger's additions to the STR line. Springfield Armory unveils the Echelon 4.0FC, while Smith & Wesson revives the Night Guard revolver series. The review also highlights collaborations like the Canik Prime Radian and the high-end Staccato C4X and Atlas Gunworks Project Alias. Other notable releases are the SDS Arms Inglis P-35 Hi-Power clones, PSA's modular AXR family, Zev Technologies' FDP-9 folding pistol, and Bond Arms' AR-compatible lever-action rifle.

While 9mm remains dominant, several calibers are gaining traction in 2025 due to specialized performance needs. .30 Super Carry offers higher capacity and similar ballistics to 9mm in smaller frames. 5.7x28mm provides rifle-like precision and low recoil. 10mm Auto delivers significant power for hunting or defense, and .357 SIG offers .357 Magnum performance in a semi-auto. .22 TCM provides magnum-level speed with minimal recoil.

Yoki Sturrup showcases her extensive Glock collection, firing every model from .380 ACP to .45 GAP. She highlights personal favorites like the G43X for carry and the G19X as her ultimate favorite, praising its balance and feel. The review covers various generations and calibers, including unique custom builds and duty-grade pistols, offering insights into their performance and handling.

This video compares the terminal performance of five common pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) by shooting watermelons. The test demonstrates a significant increase in destructive power from .22LR up to .45 ACP, with the larger calibers causing more explosive expansion and fragmentation. Specific hollow-point ammunition from Speer, Aguila, and Underwood was used, highlighting the importance of bullet construction for terminal ballistics.

Buckeye Ballistics conducted a comparative test of common pistol calibers (.22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) against concrete blocks. The host, demonstrating significant firearm and ballistics knowledge, emphasized extreme safety precautions due to ricochet risks. The test revealed that while larger calibers showed more damage, none could fully penetrate the concrete block's second wall, suggesting limitations for self-defense scenarios against hardened barriers.

This Taurus TX22 review details its performance with various .22 LR ammunition. While initially reliable with CCI Mini-Mags and cycling standard velocity rounds well, it encountered malfunctions with sub-sonic and high-velocity loads. A catastrophic failure occurred due to a squib load followed by a second shot, resulting in a bulged barrel and damaged magazine.

This video compares the terminal ballistics of .22LR, .22WMR, and .17HMR rimfire cartridges using cantaloupes as targets. The .22LR showed a clean pass-through with minor damage, the .22WMR caused an explosive front-face disintegration, and the .17HMR, despite its speed, disintegrated internally with no exit. The test highlights how different rimfire rounds perform on soft tissue simulants.