Better Than HST?...Federal PUNCH 9mm vs 45acp Self-Defense AMMO Test!

Published on March 17, 2024
Duration: 15:42

This video details a ballistic gel test comparing Federal Punch 9mm 124gr and 45 ACP 230gr ammunition fired from short-barreled handguns. The test simulates self-defense scenarios using a heavy clothing barrier. Both calibers demonstrated impressive expansion and penetration, with the 45 ACP performance being particularly noteworthy given its caliber and barrel length.

Quick Summary

Federal Punch 9mm 124gr averaged 1,087 ft/s from a 3.1-inch barrel, showing immediate expansion and 19.25-inch penetration. The 45 ACP 230gr averaged 826 ft/s from a 3.8-inch barrel, achieving up to 21.5-inch penetration with excellent expansion and weight retention, suggesting it's a top choice for short-barrel 45 ACP self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:42Ammunition Overview: Federal Punch 9mm & 45 ACP
  3. 02:04Firearms Used: Canik MC9 & Glock 30 Gen 4
  4. 02:219mm Velocity Testing
  5. 03:5045 ACP Velocity Testing
  6. 05:18Ballistic Gel Test: 9mm vs 45 ACP
  7. 06:019mm Gel Performance
  8. 06:0345 ACP Gel Performance
  9. 07:45Overall Gel Results and Analysis
  10. 09:34Penetration Depth Measurements
  11. 11:06Projectile Examination
  12. 12:23Projectile Weight Retention
  13. 13:23Conclusion: Federal Punch Performance
  14. 14:11Final Thoughts: 9mm vs 45 ACP Short Barrel

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Federal Punch 9mm perform in short-barrel ballistic gel tests?

The Federal Punch 9mm 124gr, fired from a 3.1-inch barrel, averaged 1,087 ft/s. It showed immediate expansion in ballistic gel, with good petal formation and penetrated approximately 19.25 inches, retaining its full 124.21-grain weight.

What were the results of the Federal Punch 45 ACP ballistic gel test from a short barrel?

The Federal Punch 45 ACP 230gr, fired from a 3.8-inch barrel, averaged 826 ft/s. It demonstrated impressive expansion and penetration, reaching up to 21.5 inches, with recovered projectiles retaining significant weight (around 670-694 grains).

Is Federal Punch ammunition a good choice for self-defense from short-barreled handguns?

Yes, the test suggests Federal Punch ammunition performs exceptionally well in short-barreled handguns for self-defense. Both 9mm and 45 ACP variants showed excellent expansion and penetration, with the 45 ACP's performance being particularly noteworthy for its caliber and barrel length.

How does Federal Punch 45 ACP compare to Federal HST in short-barrel tests?

Based on this test, the Federal Punch 45 ACP 230gr performed comparably to, or even better than, Federal HST in short-barrel conditions, especially regarding expansion and penetration for a 230-grain round, which is often difficult to achieve from shorter barrels.

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