New from Apex Tactical; Ongoing Court Cases; .380 Frankengun: Gun Talk Radio|9.3.17 C

Published on September 5, 2017
Duration: 44:21

This discussion with Paul Earhart of Apex Tactical explores the potential of the .356 TSW cartridge as a modern, high-performance alternative to 9mm Luger for personal defense and law enforcement. The .356 TSW offers significantly higher pressure capabilities (50,000 psi vs. 35,000 psi for 9mm), allowing for greater velocity and penetration, especially from shorter barrels. Apex Tactical is actively working on reviving this cartridge, including securing brass from Hornady and exploring barrel reaming for existing 9mm firearms. The conversation highlights the limitations of current 9mm ammunition performance, particularly in meeting FBI testing protocols for barrier penetration, and positions the .356 TSW as a solution that could offer comparable or superior energy to .40 S&W and .45 ACP with potentially more manageable recoil.

Quick Summary

The .356 TSW cartridge, revived by Apex Tactical, offers superior performance over 9mm Luger due to its higher pressure capabilities (50,000 psi vs. 35,000 psi). This allows for greater velocity and penetration, crucial for modern self-defense and law enforcement applications, especially from short-barreled handguns.

Chapters

  1. 00:50Introduction & Gun Rights Cases
  2. 03:13Introducing Paul Earhart & Apex Tactical
  3. 03:30The .356 TSW Cartridge Explained
  4. 04:539mm vs. .356 TSW: Pressure & Velocity
  5. 06:06Performance Benefits for Defense
  6. 07:32Apex Tactical's .356 TSW Brass Initiative
  7. 08:14Apex Tactical's Problem-Solving Approach
  8. 13:00Revisiting .356 TSW Potential
  9. 13:13Bullet Development & Case Limitations
  10. 14:19FBI Ammunition Testing Protocols
  11. 15:05Terrorism & Vehicle Attacks: Penetration Needs
  12. 16:06.356 TSW for Superior Penetration
  13. 16:55.356 TSW vs. 9mm: Case Length & Modifications
  14. 17:35Chicken & Egg: Ammo vs. Guns
  15. 18:14.356 TSW in Revolvers: Niche Benefits
  16. 19:04.356 TSW Energy vs. .40 S&W / .45 ACP
  17. 19:53Recoil Management & Gun Wear
  18. 21:25Future Development & Timeline
  19. 23:05Reloading & Powder Discussion
  20. 26:05Listener Call: .460 Rowland Comparison
  21. 29:42SHOT Show 2019 Potential Announcement
  22. 33:38FBI Terrorist Watchlist Checks
  23. 35:11Listener Call: .380 'Frankengun'
  24. 37:14Listener Call: .450 Bushmaster & Webley Revolvers
  25. 39:10Shooting Glasses Stick-on Bifocals
  26. 40:00After Show Call-in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the .356 TSW cartridge and why is Apex Tactical interested in reviving it?

The .356 TSW is a cartridge developed in the 1990s that operates at a higher pressure (50,000 psi) than 9mm Luger (35,000 psi). Apex Tactical is reviving it for its potential to offer superior velocity and penetration, especially from short barrels, making it ideal for modern personal defense and law enforcement needs where 9mm may fall short.

How does the .356 TSW compare to 9mm Luger in terms of performance?

The .356 TSW offers significantly higher pressure capabilities, allowing for greater bullet velocity and penetration compared to 9mm Luger. This is particularly beneficial for achieving consistent performance from compact handguns and meeting stringent FBI ammunition testing protocols for barrier penetration.

What modifications are needed to use the .356 TSW cartridge in existing firearms?

For 9mm pistols, the primary modification to chamber the .356 TSW would be reaming the barrel to the correct chamber length. Magazines are generally expected to remain compatible, simplifying the adoption process for manufacturers and potentially for gunsmiths modifying existing firearms.

What is Apex Tactical doing to bring back the .356 TSW cartridge?

Apex Tactical is actively working on reviving the .356 TSW. They are securing a large quantity of brass from Hornady and are developing specialized reamers for barrels. Their goal is to enable firearms manufacturers to chamber new pistols in this caliber and to allow gunsmiths to modify existing 9mm firearms.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Gun Talk Media

View all →