0% Lead Ammo: Destroys Body Armor

Published on December 26, 2025
Duration: 6:10

This video from Civilian Tactical features a comprehensive ballistic test of 1776 USA's 9mm Lead-Free Sporting Ammunition. The host, demonstrating high expertise, compares its performance against standard 9mm FMJ. The lead-free rounds, constructed from bonded steel, exhibit superior penetration capabilities, notably breaching soft body armor from Armored Republic and RTS Tactical, a feat standard FMJ could not achieve. The tests also included cinderblock and car door penetration, showcasing the unique performance characteristics of this lighter, faster projectile.

Quick Summary

1776 USA's 9mm Lead-Free Sporting Ammunition, featuring a bonded steel projectile, demonstrated superior ballistic penetration capabilities by defeating soft body armor that stopped standard 9mm FMJ. Tested with a Girsan Influencer X 1911, these lighter, faster rounds (90gr, 1350 FPS) also penetrated cinderblocks and car doors effectively.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Lead-Free Ammo vs. Body Armor
  2. 00:59Ammunition Composition: Bonded Steel
  3. 01:36Cinderblock Penetration Test
  4. 02:21Velocity & Reliability Check
  5. 02:54Car Door Penetration Test
  6. 03:31Energy Transfer: Water Bucket Test
  7. 04:05Body Armor Backpack Test
  8. 05:25Armor Dissection & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 9mm lead-free ammunition defeat body armor?

Yes, in testing by Civilian Tactical, 1776 USA's 9mm Lead-Free Sporting Ammunition, made of bonded steel, successfully penetrated soft body armor from Armored Republic and RTS Tactical that stopped standard 9mm FMJ rounds. This highlights the potential for specialized ammunition to overcome common ballistic protection.

What makes 1776 USA's lead-free 9mm ammunition different?

This ammunition uses a bonded steel projectile instead of lead. It is lighter and more rigid, allowing for higher velocities (1350 FPS) and superior barrier penetration compared to traditional lead-core rounds, as demonstrated in tests against cinderblocks and car doors.

How does lead-free 9mm perform in a Girsan Influencer X 1911?

The Girsan Influencer X 1911, chambered in 9mm, reliably cycled with the lighter, faster lead-free rounds during testing. This indicates that the ammunition's performance characteristics do not impede the firearm's operational function, maintaining reliability.

What are the ballistic advantages of bonded steel projectiles?

Bonded steel projectiles, like those in 1776 USA's lead-free ammo, are more rigid and lighter than lead. This composition allows them to achieve higher velocities and penetrate barriers more effectively, such as soft body armor, cinderblocks, and vehicle doors, which can stop conventional FMJ rounds.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Civilian Tactical

View all →