What Were They Thinking?!...Hornady 9MM Subsonic Handgun Ammo!

Published on April 9, 2023
Duration: 10:54

This expert-level review details a comprehensive ballistic gel test of Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP ammunition. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, highlights the critical role of velocity in achieving reliable projectile expansion, particularly with XTP bullets. Results from two handguns with different barrel lengths (3-inch and 4.5-inch) demonstrate that subsonic velocities may not be sufficient for optimal performance, leading to significant over-penetration and minimal expansion.

Quick Summary

Expert testing of Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP revealed insufficient expansion and significant over-penetration. Average velocities were 932 fps (3" barrel) and 968 fps (4.5" barrel), falling short of optimal performance requirements for XTP bullets.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:15Ballistic Gel & Barrier Setup
  3. 00:37Hornady Subsonic Ammo Details
  4. 01:20Speaker's XTP Experience & Comparison
  5. 01:40Handguns for Velocity Testing
  6. 02:08Canik MC9 (3") Velocity Test
  7. 03:10P80 (4.5") Velocity Test
  8. 04:12Ballistic Gel Test Rounds
  9. 05:26Gel Examination: Poor Performance
  10. 06:24Penetration & Over-Penetration
  11. 07:24Recovered Projectile Analysis
  12. 07:53Weight Retention & Expansion Measurement
  13. 08:46Conclusion: Hornady XTPs Need Speed
  14. 09:18Final Remarks & Channel Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP perform in ballistic gel tests?

The Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP ammunition demonstrated poor terminal performance. Fired from 3-inch and 4.5-inch barrels, the projectiles showed minimal expansion and significant over-penetration in ballistic gel, failing to meet expectations for self-defense.

Does Hornady 9mm Subsonic XTP expand reliably at subsonic velocities?

Based on expert testing, Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP projectiles require higher velocities for reliable expansion. The test indicated that subsonic velocities, even from a 4.5-inch barrel, were insufficient for optimal XTP expansion.

What were the average velocities for Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP?

When fired from a 3-inch barrel (Canik MC9), the average velocity was 932 fps. From a 4.5-inch barrel (P80), the average velocity was 968 fps, both below the advertised 975 fps on the box.

What is the recommended barrel length for Hornady 9mm Subsonic XTP?

While the test used 3-inch and 4.5-inch barrels, the results suggest that XTP bullets generally need higher velocities for expansion. Longer barrels may offer a slight advantage, but optimal performance might require velocities exceeding those achieved with this subsonic load.

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