Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 40 S&W Short Barrel Ammo Gel Test (HD)

Published on January 30, 2014
Duration: 5:58

This video provides a ballistics gel test of four premium defensive ammunition loads fired from a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield with a 3.1-inch barrel. The expert instructor analyzes the penetration and expansion of Federal Tactical Bonded 165gr, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty 175gr, and Federal HST 180gr, highlighting how short barrels affect terminal performance. The results offer valuable insights for selecting self-defense ammunition for compact firearms.

Quick Summary

A ballistic gel test from a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 40 S&W with a 3.1-inch barrel revealed that short barrels reduce velocity, impacting ammo performance. Federal HST 180gr and Speer Gold Dot are benchmark rounds, with HST favoring expansion and Gold Dot penetration. Hornady Critical Duty excels in barrier penetration.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction & Test Overview
  2. 00:33Ammunition Tested
  3. 01:07Test Procedure
  4. 02:06Speer Gold Dot Results
  5. 02:36Federal Tactical Bonded Results
  6. 03:02Hornady Critical Duty & Federal HST Results
  7. 03:46Analysis of Critical Duty
  8. 04:14Comparison of HST and Gold Dot
  9. 04:37Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a short barrel affect 40 S&W ammunition performance?

A short barrel, like the 3.1-inch barrel on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, typically results in lower muzzle velocity for any given round. This velocity loss can impact the ammunition's ability to expand reliably and achieve optimal penetration depths in ballistic gel tests.

Which 40 S&W defensive rounds performed best in the Shield's short barrel gel test?

Federal HST 180gr and Speer Gold Dot are considered modern standards. The HST showed more expansion and less penetration, while the Gold Dot had less expansion and more penetration. Both demonstrated good retained weight and are strong performers for self-defense.

What is the advantage of Hornady Critical Duty ammunition?

Hornady Critical Duty, particularly the 175gr load tested, features Flex Lock technology designed for superior barrier penetration. This means it's engineered to perform well even after passing through intermediate barriers like glass or clothing, often retaining significant weight.

What is the purpose of a ballistic gel test for firearms?

A ballistic gel test simulates tissue to evaluate how ammunition performs upon impact. It measures critical factors like penetration depth, expansion diameter, and retained bullet weight, providing insights into a round's potential effectiveness for self-defense or hunting.

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