Plain VS Fancy!...Colt(DoubleTap) vs Lehigh .38 Super Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on April 18, 2026
Duration: 18:26

This video conducts a ballistic gel test comparing two .38 Super self-defense ammunition types: Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr JHP and Lehigh Defense 115gr Controlled Fracturing. The test, performed from a Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911, reveals significant differences in terminal performance. The Colt ammunition failed to expand, tumbling and exiting the gel block with no expansion, while the Lehigh ammunition fractured as designed, with its fragments and core achieving substantial penetration and spread.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing .38 Super self-defense rounds, Lehigh Defense 115gr Controlled Fracturing ammo successfully fractured as designed, while Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr JHP failed to expand, tumbling through the gel. The Lehigh round is deemed the winner for performing as intended.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Conditions
  2. 00:19Introducing .38 Super Ammunition Test
  3. 00:37Colt Defense (DoubleTap) vs. Lehigh Defense Ammo
  4. 00:42Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr +P JHP Details
  5. 01:10Lehigh Defense 115gr +P Controlled Fracturing Details
  6. 01:45Firearm Used: Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911
  7. 01:53Firing Pin Repair and Reliability Check
  8. 02:29Colt Defense (DoubleTap) Chronograph Readings
  9. 03:37Colt Defense (DoubleTap) Average Velocity and Stats
  10. 03:59Lehigh Defense Chronograph Readings
  11. 04:55Lehigh Defense Average Velocity and Stats
  12. 05:33Ballistic Gel Test Setup
  13. 05:37Colt Defense (DoubleTap) Gel Test Firing
  14. 06:49Colt Defense (DoubleTap) Gel Test Results Analysis
  15. 07:10Lehigh Defense Gel Test Firing (Second Attempt)
  16. 07:44Lehigh Defense Gel Test Results Analysis
  17. 08:34Detailed Gel Block Examination
  18. 09:01Colt Defense (DoubleTap) Track Analysis
  19. 09:51Lehigh Defense Track Analysis
  20. 11:00Projectile Penetration Distances
  21. 11:43Close-up Projectile and Gel Examination
  22. 13:03Recovered Projectile Comparison
  23. 13:32Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing Performance
  24. 14:21Projectile Weight Measurements
  25. 15:06Projectile Size Measurements
  26. 16:06Conclusion: Plain vs. Fancy Ammo Winner
  27. 17:44Viewer Engagement and Comments

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr JHP perform in the ballistic gel test?

The Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr +P JHP ammunition failed to expand in the ballistic gel. It tumbled and exited the gel block with zero expansion, penetrating 27.5 inches. Its average velocity was 1331 fps.

What were the results of the Lehigh Defense 115gr Controlled Fracturing .38 Super ammo test?

The Lehigh Defense 115gr +P Controlled Fracturing ammunition performed as designed, fracturing into three pedals and a core. The pedals spread widely, and the core achieved significant penetration, with one instance reaching 20 inches into the gel. Its average velocity was 1360 fps.

Which .38 Super ammunition performed better in the ballistic gel test: Colt or Lehigh?

The Lehigh Defense 115gr Controlled Fracturing ammunition is considered the winner for its designed performance. The Colt Defense (DoubleTap) 124gr JHP failed to expand, which is a critical function for self-defense expanding rounds.

What firearm was used for the .38 Super ammunition ballistic gel test?

The ballistic gel tests were conducted using a Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 pistol. The firearm had a recent firing pin replacement, which resolved previous reliability issues.

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