Just a Little Bit More...9MM Hornady Custom 147 Grain Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on March 22, 2026
Duration: 12:53

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.

Quick Summary

The Hornady Custom 147 Grain 9mm XTP bullet showed poor expansion in ballistic gel tests, penetrating 13.75 inches from a 3.1" barrel (926 fps) and 20.25 inches from a 4.5" barrel (992 fps) with minimal to no expansion. This suggests higher velocities are needed for reliable expansion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Range Setup
  2. 00:23Ballistic Gel & Chronograph Setup
  3. 00:41Hornady 147gr 9mm Custom Ammo Introduction
  4. 01:17Hornady 147gr XTP Cartridge Examination
  5. 01:34Test Handguns: Canik MC9 & FN 509
  6. 01:52Velocity Test Setup & Expectations
  7. 02:21Canik MC9 Velocity Results (926 fps Avg)
  8. 03:22FN 509 Velocity Results (992 fps Avg) & Energy
  9. 05:01Ballistic Gel Test: Canik MC9 Impact
  10. 05:36Ballistic Gel Test: FN 509 Impact
  11. 06:17Gel Analysis: Lack of Expansion
  12. 07:22Penetration Depth Comparison
  13. 08:08Wound Channel Disruption Analysis
  14. 08:42Recovered Bullet Condition & Weight Retention
  15. 10:08Bullet Measurement & Expansion Diameter
  16. 10:37Conclusion: Hornady 147gr XTP Performance
  17. 11:22Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Hornady 147gr 9mm XTP perform in ballistic gel tests?

The Hornady 147gr 9mm XTP showed disappointing expansion. Fired from a 3.1" barrel at 926 fps, it penetrated 13.75" with minimal expansion. From a 4.5" barrel at 992 fps, it penetrated 20.25" with no expansion, indicating insufficient velocity for reliable expansion through clothing barriers.

What are the key differences in performance between the Canik MC9 and FN 509 using Hornady 147gr 9mm ammo?

The FN 509's longer 4.5" barrel achieved higher average velocity (992 fps) and deeper penetration (20.25") compared to the Canik MC9's 3.1" barrel (926 fps, 13.75"). However, neither firearm induced significant expansion from the 147gr XTP bullet under these test conditions.

What velocity is needed for Hornady 147gr 9mm XTP bullets to expand reliably?

Based on this test, the Hornady 147gr 9mm XTP requires velocities significantly above 1000 fps to reliably overcome clothing barriers and achieve proper expansion. Velocities around 926-992 fps were insufficient for this purpose.

Does Hornady 147gr 9mm XTP ammunition retain its weight well?

Yes, the Hornady 147gr 9mm XTP demonstrated excellent weight retention. Recovered bullets weighed 146.4 grains (from MC9) and 147.1 grains (from FN 509), indicating minimal material loss even without significant expansion.

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