More Pressure, Better Performance? Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on June 24, 2022
Duration: 11:02

This video details a ballistic gel test of Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P ammunition fired from two different barrel lengths: a 3-inch Taurus GX4 and a 4.25-inch P80. The test focuses on penetration and expansion, with the presenter noting the Critical Duty's consistent performance, prioritizing penetration while achieving adequate expansion for energy transfer and barrier blind performance. Both firearms achieved substantial penetration, with minimal velocity differences observed between the barrel lengths.

Quick Summary

Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P ammunition excels in ballistic gel tests, achieving 18-18.5 inches of penetration and adequate expansion averaging 0.44-0.48 inches. Fired from both 3-inch and 4.25-inch barrels, it demonstrates consistent performance, prioritizing deep wound channels and barrier blind capabilities for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:31Ammunition: Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135gr +P
  3. 01:26Firearms Used: Taurus GX4 & P80
  4. 02:04Chronograph Readings: Taurus GX4
  5. 02:39Chronograph Readings: P80
  6. 03:35Ballistic Gel Test: Taurus GX4 Shot
  7. 04:10Ballistic Gel Test: P80 Shot
  8. 04:37Gel Results Analysis: Wound Channels
  9. 05:44Penetration Measurements
  10. 06:15Close-up Gel & Wound Channel View
  11. 06:52Projectile Examination
  12. 07:39Weight Retention & Expansion Measurements
  13. 08:37Conclusion: Critical Duty Performance
  14. 09:20Final Thoughts & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P perform in ballistic gel?

Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P demonstrates excellent penetration, reaching 18-18.5 inches in ballistic gel from both 3-inch and 4.25-inch barrels. It also achieves adequate expansion, averaging around 0.44-0.48 inches, while retaining most of its weight, making it effective for self-defense and barrier penetration.

What is the difference in performance between a 3-inch and a 4.25-inch barrel for 9mm +P ammunition?

Using Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P, a 4.25-inch barrel yielded a modest velocity increase of about 70 fps over a 3-inch barrel. Penetration in gel was nearly identical (18 vs 18.5 inches), and expansion was comparable, suggesting barrel length has a limited impact on this specific ammunition's terminal ballistics.

What are the key features of Hornady Critical Duty ammunition?

Hornady Critical Duty ammunition features a nickel-plated casing for reliable feeding and a FlexLock projectile designed for superior barrier penetration and controlled expansion. It is engineered for duty applications where encountering barriers is a possibility, prioritizing deep wound channels and energy transfer.

What is the recommended expansion and penetration for self-defense ammunition?

For self-defense, many experts recommend a minimum of 12 inches of penetration to reliably reach vital organs and some degree of expansion to create a larger wound channel and dump energy. Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 Grain +P meets these criteria, offering deep penetration and adequate expansion.

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