Premium Pocket Power!...Federal Premium HST VS Punch .380 ACP Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on August 25, 2024
Duration: 13:02

This comprehensive ballistic gel test compares Federal Premium HST and Punch .380 ACP self-defense ammunition fired from a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0. The expert analysis details velocity, energy, penetration, and expansion, concluding both rounds offer effective performance for their caliber, with HST exhibiting slightly higher energy and more consistent velocity.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test with heavy clothing, Federal HST .380 ACP (99 gr) averaged 929 FPS and 190 ft-lb, penetrating 14.75 inches and expanding to 0.428" x 0.592". Federal Punch (85 gr) averaged 895 FPS and 151 ft-lb, penetrating 15.5 inches and expanding to 0.444" x 0.458".

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:47Ammunition & Firearm Details
  3. 01:49Cartridge & Projectile Comparison
  4. 02:32Federal Punch Velocity Test
  5. 04:04Federal HST Velocity Test
  6. 04:44Muzzle Energy Comparison
  7. 05:49Ballistic Gel Test: Punch
  8. 06:25Ballistic Gel Test: HST
  9. 06:58Gel Performance Analysis
  10. 09:10Projectile Recovery & Measurements
  11. 10:53Ammunition Performance Conclusion
  12. 11:40Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Federal HST and Punch .380 ACP perform in a ballistic gel test with heavy clothing?

Both Federal HST and Punch .380 ACP performed well. The HST penetrated 14.75 inches and expanded to 0.428" x 0.592", while the Punch penetrated 15.5 inches and expanded to 0.444" x 0.458". Both showed minimal to no mass loss.

What were the average velocities and muzzle energies for Federal HST and Punch .380 ACP from a 2.75-inch barrel?

Federal HST averaged 929 FPS with 190 ft-lb of energy, while Federal Punch averaged 895 FPS with 151 ft-lb of energy. The HST also showed a more consistent velocity with a lower extreme spread.

Which .380 ACP ammunition, Federal HST or Punch, had better expansion?

Federal HST exhibited a larger maximum expanded diameter (0.592 inches) compared to Federal Punch (0.458 inches). However, the HST's expansion was noted as slightly more irregular, with two petals not fully opening.

Does the barrel length affect .380 ACP ammunition performance in ballistic tests?

Yes, barrel length significantly impacts velocity. Testing with a 2.75-inch barrel yielded lower velocities than advertised for a 3.75-inch barrel, demonstrating the importance of considering the firearm's specific dimensions.

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