Hornady's New Critical Duty Faces FBI Ammo Test Protocol

This expert-level guide, informed by a firearms instructor, details the shift away from traditional hollow points in 2025-2026 due to advancements in defensive ammunition. It covers Solid Copper Hollow Points, Fluted Solids, Tumble-on-Impact rounds, Bonded Jacketed Hollow Points, and Ballistic Tip ammunition, highlighting their performance characteristics, barrier penetration capabilities, and suitability for various firearm platforms and legal restrictions. The information emphasizes consistency, control, and versatility in critical situations.

This video details a comprehensive barrier penetration test for Hornady Critical Duty 9mm ammunition, conducted by an experienced firearms reviewer. The test utilizes Clear Ballistics gelatin and various barriers, including wood and 16-gauge steel, to evaluate the ammunition's performance against real-world obstacles. Comparisons are made with other ammunition types like Speer Gold Dot, offering valuable insights for defensive handgun users.

This video, presented by an expert with deep knowledge of firearms ballistics and safety standards, explores the significant power of the .357 Magnum cartridge. It details its historical development, superior velocity and penetration capabilities compared to .38 Special, and crucial considerations like extreme muzzle blast, flash, and the risk of over-penetration. The guide emphasizes responsible ammunition selection, practice, and understanding the trade-offs of this potent handgun round.

This expert analysis from Garand Thumb, featuring insights from individuals with military backgrounds, delves into the terminal ballistics of various 9mm defensive rounds. Utilizing ballistics gel, chronographs, and dummies, the video evaluates popular options like Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Duty to determine their effectiveness for self-defense scenarios, emphasizing shot placement as paramount but acknowledging the significant impact of proper ammunition selection.

This expert analysis from Tools&Targets rigorously tests 9mm +P ammunition for bear defense, comparing Liberty Bear Country and Federal Solid Core Syntech. The data reveals significant differences in penetration and weight retention, with the Liberty round fragmenting heavily and the Federal round offering deep penetration. The host, demonstrating high expertise, concludes that while both rounds perform as advertised, 9mm is generally insufficient for grizzly bear defense, advocating for larger calibers.

This video provides an expert-level analysis of Underwood's 9mm +P 68 Grain Xtreme Defender ammunition through rigorous ballistic gel testing. The host, demonstrating high authority, uses professional equipment like a LabRadar chronograph to measure velocity and energy transfer across different firearm barrel lengths (Canik Mete MC9 3.1" vs. Glock 17 4.5"). The test simulates real-world conditions with a heavy clothing barrier and provides detailed insights into penetration depth and projectile integrity, concluding that the lightweight round offers consistent performance.

This review provides an expert look at the Heizer Defense PS1 Pocket Shotgun, a unique single-shot firearm chambered in .410 and .45 Colt. The video highlights its durable stainless steel or titanium construction, integrated grip storage, and impressive reliability demonstrated through extensive stress testing. Manufactured in Missouri, the PS1 is positioned as a novel option for concealed carry or self-defense, with production and pricing details also discussed.

This review provides an expert look at the Gilboa Snake, a unique double-barrel AR-15 variant. The design, originating from Israel, focuses on maximizing firepower in short engagement windows. Key features include dual magazine wells, a proprietary gas piston system, and independent dual triggers for civilian compliance. The presenter, Liam Brien, demonstrates a high level of technical expertise regarding its operation and legal configurations.

This video compares the recoil of the Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum and .50 AE calibers. The .44 Mag features a new muzzle brake, while the .50 AE uses a 300-grain Speer Gold Dot. Simultaneous firing highlights the visual difference in muzzle flip and recoil impulse between the two powerful handguns.

This video provides an expert analysis of 9mm vs. .45 ACP performance using high-speed cameras. Instructors Patrick Sweeney and Jim Tarr from Guns & Ammo demonstrate how factors like bullet mass and energy affect recoil, slide cycling, and muzzle rise, concluding that 9mm generally offers superior control.