QUIET On The Set!...9MM Hornady Subsonic Suppressed Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on August 2, 2026
Duration: 14:00

This video details a ballistic gel test of Hornady 147-grain XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition, fired from an HK MP5 with an 8.9-inch barrel, both suppressed and unsuppressed. The instructor, with experience in firearms testing, provides velocity data, expansion results, and penetration depths, comparing the performance with and without a suppressor. The test highlights the ammunition's performance characteristics for self-defense applications, noting its subsonic nature and moderate expansion.

Quick Summary

Hornady 147-grain XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition fired from an HK MP5 averaged 1077 fps without a suppressor and 1093 fps with one. In ballistic gel, it achieved 21.75 inches of penetration without a suppressor (with tumbling) and 23 inches with a suppressor (straighter travel), demonstrating moderate expansion suitable for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Conditions
  2. 00:27Quiet 9mm Ammunition Test Setup
  3. 00:48Clothing Barrier Setup
  4. 00:54Hornady Subsonic 9mm 147gr XTP Load Details
  5. 01:12Test Firearm: HK MP5 with Suppressor
  6. 01:40Velocity Testing: No Can (5-Round Average)
  7. 02:01Subsonic Speed of Sound Explanation
  8. 02:49Velocity Testing: With Can (5-Round Average)
  9. 03:09Velocity Comparison: Suppressed vs. Unsuppressed
  10. 03:36Ballistic Gel Test: Suppressed vs. Unsuppressed
  11. 03:58Initial Gel Test Observations
  12. 04:28Projectile Analysis: Expansion & Penetration
  13. 04:59Detailed Gel Block Analysis (Tumbling vs. Straight)
  14. 05:28Penetration Depth Comparison
  15. 05:58Projectile Examination: Base Exposure & Crumbling
  16. 06:38Overall Performance Assessment
  17. 06:56Projectile Weight & Size Analysis
  18. 07:35Final Performance Summary & Recommendations
  19. 07:56Future Testing & Suppressor Exploration
  20. 08:16Viewer Feedback & Community Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the average velocity of Hornady 147gr XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition fired from an HK MP5 without a suppressor?

When fired from an HK MP5 with an 8.9-inch barrel without a suppressor, the Hornady 147-grain XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition achieved a 5-round average velocity of 1077 feet per second. The extreme spread was 54 fps, with a standard deviation of 21.1 fps.

Did using a suppressor increase the velocity of the Hornady 147gr XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition?

Yes, using a suppressor with the Hornady 147-grain XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition resulted in a slight increase in velocity. The 5-round average velocity rose to 1093 feet per second, compared to 1077 fps without the suppressor.

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

In ballistic gel, the Hornady 147-grain XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition showed moderate expansion and significant penetration. Without a suppressor, it penetrated 21.75 inches and tumbled. With a suppressor, it penetrated 23 inches and traveled straighter, indicating good energy transfer for self-defense.

Is Hornady 147gr XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition suitable for suppressed firearms?

Yes, the Hornady 147-grain XTP subsonic 9mm ammunition is designed for suppressed use and performed adequately in tests. While it showed good penetration and moderate expansion, the instructor suggested other subsonic rounds might offer slightly better performance for suppressed applications.

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