Hollow Point Carry Ammo is Unreliable Trash

Published on December 3, 2024
Duration: 15:08

This video emphasizes the critical importance of testing carry ammunition for reliability in your specific firearm. The host, Trench Grenade, argues that 'fancy' carry ammo, despite its performance in gel tests, can be unreliable due to variations in bullet design and firearm feed ramp geometry. He stresses that every handgun is unique and requires live-fire testing with at least 100 rounds of chosen carry ammo to ensure it cycles flawlessly before relying on it for self-defense. If testing is not immediately feasible, he recommends using standard 124-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition for training and carry.

Quick Summary

Testing carry ammunition is vital because firearm-specific compatibility issues can cause malfunctions. The host recommends firing at least 100 rounds of your chosen hollow-point ammo to ensure reliability. If testing isn't feasible, standard 124-grain FMJ 9mm is a more dependable alternative than untested premium rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Intro: Carry Ammo Dangers
  2. 00:22FMJ vs. Hollow Point Carry Ammo
  3. 01:05Range Malfunction Anecdote
  4. 01:38No Sponsors for Neutrality
  5. 01:53Support the Channel (Patreon)
  6. 03:03Why Carry Ammo Can Be Bad
  7. 03:13Glock 26 & Ammo Compatibility
  8. 03:36Federal Hydroshock Issues
  9. 03:55Sig Carry Ammo Example
  10. 04:23Feed Ramp Interface
  11. 05:04Why FMJ Feeds Better
  12. 05:34Sig V-Crown vs. HST Length
  13. 06:10Every Handgun is Different
  14. 06:13Shotgun Patterning Analogy
  15. 07:06Test Holsters, Mags, and Ammo
  16. 08:03Hornady Critical Duty Example
  17. 08:30Mistake: Relying on Gel Tests
  18. 09:12Recommendation: Test Your Ammo
  19. 09:46The 100-Round Test
  20. 10:19Life vs. Ammo Cost
  21. 10:27Summary: Handgun Uniqueness
  22. 10:47Researching Ammo Compatibility
  23. 11:05Sig V-Crown Unreliability
  24. 11:17Testing Process Recap
  25. 11:46Train How You Fight
  26. 12:17If You Can't Afford Testing
  27. 12:39FMJ vs. Hollow Point Terminal Ballistics
  28. 13:02Functioning Gun is Key
  29. 13:09Handgun & Ammo Variability
  30. 13:38Don't Find Out in a Gunfight
  31. 14:08Final Takeaway: Test Your Ammo
  32. 14:26Simple Conclusion
  33. 14:29Support & Sign Off

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is testing carry ammunition important?

Testing carry ammunition is crucial because not all firearms are compatible with every type of self-defense round. Factors like bullet shape, length, and the firearm's feed ramp geometry can cause malfunctions. Firing at least 100 rounds of your chosen carry ammo ensures it cycles reliably in your specific gun, preventing potential failures during a critical situation.

What is a reliable alternative if I can't afford to test carry ammo?

If you cannot afford to test specialized carry ammunition, the video recommends using standard 124-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) 9mm ammunition for both training and carry. FMJ rounds are generally more consistent in feeding due to their simpler, longer projectile shape, making them a more reliable choice than untested hollow points.

How many rounds should I fire to test my carry ammo?

The host strongly recommends firing at least 100 rounds of your chosen carry ammunition through your firearm. This extensive testing, spread across multiple magazines, helps confirm consistent reliability and ensures that the ammunition will feed and function properly under various conditions.

Can standard 124-grain FMJ ammo be used for self-defense?

Yes, standard 124-grain FMJ 9mm ammunition can be used for self-defense, especially if your chosen hollow-point carry ammo has not been reliably tested. While FMJ may not expand as effectively as hollow points, a functioning firearm with FMJ is significantly better than a malfunctioning firearm with premium ammo.

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