All Beauty & No Brawn? 9mm Norma Monolithic Hollow Point, Ballistic Gel Test!

This video details a comprehensive ballistic gel test of Hornady Custom 147 Grain 9mm ammunition, conducted by an experienced instructor. The test evaluates projectile performance through a heavy clothing barrier using two different handguns, the Canik Mete MC9 and FN 509, with detailed analysis of velocity, penetration, expansion, and weight retention. The instructor provides expert insights into the effectiveness of this ammunition for self-defense based on the empirical data gathered.

This video details a ballistic gel test of Federal Hydra-Shok .38 Special +P 129 Grain ammunition, evaluating its performance across different handgun barrel lengths (2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch). The test includes chronograph readings and analysis of penetration, expansion, and tumbling within a heavy clothing barrier. The results indicate that while the ammunition achieves good penetration, it consistently fails to expand reliably, particularly from shorter barrels, suggesting a need for higher velocity for optimal performance.

This video conducts a ballistic gel test comparing two .38 Super self-defense ammunition types: Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr JHP and Lehigh Defense 115gr Controlled Fracturing. The test, performed from a Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911, reveals significant differences in terminal performance. The Colt ammunition failed to expand, tumbling and exiting the gel block with no expansion, while the Lehigh ammunition fractured as designed, with its fragments and core achieving substantial penetration and spread.

This video by Ted from Line45 outlines seven essential calibers Americans should stockpile to prepare for potential ammunition shortages, citing patterns observed in past events like the 2020 crunch. The advice focuses on calibers that disappear first due to high demand from various user groups, supply chain vulnerabilities, and production limitations. The instructor emphasizes maintaining separate stashes for training and defensive ammunition for each caliber.

This video emphasizes that defensive ammunition selection should be based on performance and testing in the specific firearm, not marketing or brand reputation. Key performance indicators include reliable penetration (12-18 inches FBI benchmark), consistent expansion through barriers like clothing, and controllability for fast follow-up shots. The speaker, Ted from Line 45, highlights that barrel length, gun weight, and recoil tolerance significantly impact ammunition performance, making personal testing crucial.

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test comparing Buffalo Bore .25 ACP ammunition fired from a Lorcin pistol versus a Beretta 21A Bobcat. The test evaluates projectile performance through a simulated clothing barrier, measuring penetration depth and velocity. The instructor, with significant firearms experience, highlights the critical role of the firearm platform in achieving consistent ammunition performance, particularly for smaller calibers.

This guide details the field strip and reassembly process for the Mossberg Maverick 88 shotgun, as demonstrated by the Tools&Targets host. It covers the removal and reinstallation of key internal components, emphasizing the platform's simplicity for maintenance. The host, possessing high authority and hands-on experience, provides practical insights into the shotgun's design and operation.

This video details a comprehensive terminal ballistics test of Federal Syntech Defense 9mm ammunition. The host, demonstrating high authority and expertise, uses professional equipment like LabRadar and standardized protocols to evaluate projectile performance in ballistic gel through a clothing barrier. The test compares results from a Canik Mete MC9 and a Glock 17 Gen 4, providing objective data on velocity, segmentation, and penetration depth.

This video provides an expert-level unboxing and range test of the Taurus Model 856 .38 Special revolver. The host, an experienced firearms enthusiast, conducts empirical trigger weight testing and side-by-side comparisons. He demonstrates proficiency in both single and double-action shooting, achieving tight groups at various distances and with different ammunition types. The review highlights the revolver's accuracy, reliability, and comfortable handling, recommending it as a solid choice for a .38 Special snub-nose.

This comprehensive review from Tools&Targets analyzes the performance of three top .380 ACP ammunition loads: Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep, Underwood Xtreme Penetrator, and Winchester 95-grain FMJ. Using a Ruger LCP Max and standardized ballistic gel testing through a heavy clothing barrier, the analysis provides objective data on velocity, penetration, and expansion. The expert assessment highlights the practical implications for concealed carry and self-defense scenarios.