Lead Instead?...Underwood 9MM +P 115 Grain "Sporting" Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on March 13, 2026
Duration: 12:44

This guide details a comprehensive ballistic gel test procedure for Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP ammunition, as demonstrated by an expert instructor. It covers test setup, firearm preparation, velocity and penetration measurements, and projectile analysis, providing critical data for self-defense ammunition evaluation. The expert's methodology ensures reliable and comparable results across different firearm platforms.

Quick Summary

The Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP ammunition demonstrated excellent performance in ballistic gel tests. Fired from a 4.5-inch FN 509, it achieved 1342 fps average velocity, expanded to 0.615"x0.604", and penetrated 10.75 inches with near 100% weight retention.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:32Ammunition & Projectile Details
  3. 01:22Firearms Used
  4. 02:03Canik MC9 Velocity Test
  5. 03:30FN 509 Velocity Test
  6. 04:51Ballistic Gel Test
  7. 05:57Penetration Results
  8. 08:31Projectile Analysis
  9. 10:09Conclusion & Recommendations
  10. 11:57Channel Support & Gear

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key performance metrics for Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP fired from a Canik Mete MC9?

Fired from a 3.1-inch barrel Canik Mete MC9, the Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP averaged 1242 fps, penetrated 12.75 inches into ballistic gel, expanded to 0.566"x0.568", and retained 115.4 grains of its original weight.

How did the FN 509 perform with the Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP ammunition?

The 4.5-inch barrel FN 509 achieved a higher average velocity of 1342 fps and greater expansion to 0.615"x0.604" with the Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP. It penetrated 10.75 inches into ballistic gel and retained 115.2 grains.

What is the significance of the standard deviation and extreme spread in ballistic testing?

Standard deviation and extreme spread measure the consistency of muzzle velocity across multiple shots. A lower standard deviation and extreme spread, like the 3.6 and 9 recorded for the FN 509, indicate more consistent performance than higher values, such as the 14.1 and 36 from the Canik MC9.

Does Underwood 9mm +P 115 Grain Sporting JHP meet the FBI minimum penetration standard?

When fired from the FN 509, the ammunition penetrated 10.75 inches, falling slightly short of the FBI's general minimum of 12 inches. However, its significant expansion and high energy are considered by the reviewer to compensate for this.

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