Would You Bet On Black?...10MM Hornady Black Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on January 10, 2026
Duration: 11:52

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test of Hornady Black 10mm 155gr XTP ammunition, conducted by the Tools&Targets host. The test evaluates performance through a heavy clothing barrier using both a Glock 29 (3.8" barrel) and a Glock 20 (4.6" barrel). While the ammunition demonstrated good expansion and weight retention, the measured velocities were significantly lower than advertised, leading to a critical assessment of its true 10mm performance.

Quick Summary

The Hornady Black 10mm 155gr XTP ammunition demonstrated good expansion (0.55-0.59") and weight retention (150-151gr) in ballistic gel tests through heavy clothing. However, measured velocities averaged 1204 fps (Glock 29) and 1286 fps (Glock 20), falling short of the advertised 1410 fps, leading to a critique of its true 10mm power.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Conditions
  2. 00:33Test Setup: Gel & Ammo
  3. 01:34Firearms Used: Glock 29 & 20
  4. 02:01Chronograph Test: Glock 29 Velocity
  5. 03:32Chronograph Test: Glock 20 Velocity & Energy
  6. 04:54Ballistic Gel Shots Through Clothing
  7. 06:17Gel Track Analysis: Penetration Depths
  8. 08:11Recovered Projectile Measurements
  9. 09:26Final Assessment & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady Black 10mm 155gr XTP perform in ballistic gel tests?

The Hornady Black 10mm 155gr XTP ammunition showed good expansion, reaching approximately 0.55-0.59 inches in diameter, and retained most of its weight (around 150-151 grains) after passing through heavy clothing and ballistic gel.

What were the measured velocities for Hornady Black 10mm from a Glock 29 and Glock 20?

From a Glock 29 (3.8" barrel), the average velocity was 1204 fps. From a Glock 20 (4.6" barrel), the average velocity was 1286 fps. Both were significantly lower than the advertised 1410 fps.

What was the penetration depth of Hornady Black 10mm ammo in ballistic gel?

When fired through heavy clothing, the 10mm Hornady Black 155gr XTP from a Glock 29 penetrated 17.5 inches, while from a Glock 20 it penetrated 16 inches in the ballistic gel test.

Is Hornady Black 10mm considered full-power 10mm based on this test?

Based on the significantly lower-than-advertised velocities measured (1204 fps from G29, 1286 fps from G20 vs. advertised 1410 fps), the reviewer concluded it performed more like a 'spicy .40 S&W' than a true full-power 10mm round.

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