Starfire Is BACK!...Should You Care? 9mm PMC SFX Self-Defense Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on March 23, 2024
Duration: 14:22

This video tests PMC SFX 9mm Starfire hollow-point ammunition through ballistic gel with a heavy clothing barrier. Results varied significantly based on barrel length and velocity. The 4.5-inch barrel Glock 17 achieved proper expansion and penetration, while the 3.1-inch barrel Canik MC9 failed to expand due to insufficient velocity, resulting in over-penetration. The instructor notes that while the ammo performed as claimed at higher velocities, its effectiveness is highly dependent on barrel length and velocity.

Quick Summary

PMC SFX 9mm Starfire 124-grain ammunition's performance in ballistic gel tests is highly dependent on barrel length and velocity. From a 4.5-inch barrel, it achieved ideal expansion and penetration. However, from a 3.1-inch barrel, insufficient velocity prevented expansion, leading to over-penetration, especially with a heavy clothing barrier.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:20PMC SFX Starfire 9mm Ammo Overview
  3. 01:03Ammunition Box Specs & Velocity Discrepancies
  4. 03:11Test Firearms: Canik MC9 & Glock 17
  5. 03:30Velocity Test: Canik MC9 (3.1" Barrel)
  6. 04:56Velocity Test: Glock 17 (4.5" Barrel)
  7. 06:25Ballistic Gel Test: Canik MC9 Shot
  8. 07:34Ballistic Gel Test: Glock 17 Shot
  9. 07:47Gel Test Results: MC9 vs G17 Comparison
  10. 08:45Penetration Depth Measurements
  11. 09:45Projectile Examination: MC9 vs G17
  12. 10:09Barrier Performance Discussion
  13. 11:25Projectile Measurements & Expansion Data
  14. 12:08Conclusion: PMC SFX Starfire Performance
  15. 13:00Final Thoughts & Future Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

How did PMC SFX 9mm Starfire 124-grain ammunition perform in ballistic gel tests?

The PMC SFX 9mm Starfire 124-grain ammunition showed mixed results. From a 4.5-inch barrel (Glock 17) at 1148 FPS, it expanded well and penetrated 15.5 inches. However, from a 3.1-inch barrel (Canik MC9) at 1071 FPS, it failed to expand and over-penetrated at 21.75 inches.

What factors influenced the PMC SFX Starfire ammunition's performance?

The primary factors influencing performance were barrel length and resulting velocity. The heavy clothing barrier also played a role, requiring sufficient velocity for the projectile to overcome it and expand properly. Lower velocities from shorter barrels prevented expansion.

What is the claimed velocity for PMC SFX 9mm Starfire 124-grain ammunition?

The box for the PMC SFX 9mm Starfire 124-grain ammunition claims a velocity of 1126 feet per second. However, actual velocities can vary based on the firearm's barrel length and other factors.

How does the PMC SFX Starfire projectile compare visually to other hollow-point rounds?

When properly expanded, the PMC SFX Starfire projectile visually resembles popular hollow-point designs like the Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot, suggesting a similar design philosophy for expansion.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →