Short & Thick...Can It Do The Trick? Federal HST .45 ACP Self-Defense AMMO Test!

This video details a ballistic gel test of Fiocchi Hyperformance .45 ACP 230 grain ammunition, featuring the XTP projectile. The instructor, with extensive experience, expresses concern over the low velocity and lack of expansion observed in the tests conducted with both a Glock 30 and a 1911 pistol. The results indicate that the ammunition, despite its premium features like nickel-plated casings, fails to achieve sufficient velocity for reliable terminal performance in self-defense scenarios.

This video details a ballistic gel test of Corbon Power Ball .45 ACP +P 165-grain ammunition, evaluating its performance from different barrel lengths. The test highlights significant inconsistencies in both muzzle velocity and terminal ballistics, with some rounds showing minimal expansion while others fragmented. The instructor concludes the ammunition is unreliable due to inconsistent loading.

This video details a ballistic gel test of Remington Golden Saber 230 Grain .45 ACP ammunition, evaluating its performance through a clothing barrier. The test compares results from a Glock G30 (3.8-inch barrel) and a Rock Island Armory 1911 (5-inch barrel), measuring muzzle velocity, penetration, and expansion. The non-bonded BJHP projectile demonstrated surprising expansion, particularly from the longer barrel, though performance varied with barrel length.

This video emphasizes that defensive ammunition selection should be based on performance and testing in the specific firearm, not marketing or brand reputation. Key performance indicators include reliable penetration (12-18 inches FBI benchmark), consistent expansion through barriers like clothing, and controllability for fast follow-up shots. The speaker, Ted from Line 45, highlights that barrel length, gun weight, and recoil tolerance significantly impact ammunition performance, making personal testing crucial.

This video tests the bullet resistance of a sledgehammer against various calibers, from .22 LR to .50 BMG. The sledgehammer demonstrates significant resistance, with no caliber achieving a complete pass-through. Notably, even larger calibers like 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm NATO caused significant denting and bullet fragmentation, while the .50 BMG created a substantial divot. The experiment concludes that a sledgehammer is effectively bulletproof against the tested rounds.

This guide details a comprehensive ballistic gel test comparing Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP ammunition fired from a Ruger LC Carbine. It covers setup, velocity measurement, gel impact analysis, penetration depth, and recovered projectile examination, providing objective data for self-defense ammunition selection. The expert-level instruction highlights the performance of both rounds from a carbine platform.

This guide details the field strip and reassembly process for the Mossberg Maverick 88 shotgun, as demonstrated by the Tools&Targets host. It covers the removal and reinstallation of key internal components, emphasizing the platform's simplicity for maintenance. The host, possessing high authority and hands-on experience, provides practical insights into the shotgun's design and operation.

This video details a comprehensive terminal ballistics test of Federal Syntech Defense 9mm ammunition. The host, demonstrating high authority and expertise, uses professional equipment like LabRadar and standardized protocols to evaluate projectile performance in ballistic gel through a clothing barrier. The test compares results from a Canik Mete MC9 and a Glock 17 Gen 4, providing objective data on velocity, segmentation, and penetration depth.

This video provides an expert-level unboxing and range test of the Taurus Model 856 .38 Special revolver. The host, an experienced firearms enthusiast, conducts empirical trigger weight testing and side-by-side comparisons. He demonstrates proficiency in both single and double-action shooting, achieving tight groups at various distances and with different ammunition types. The review highlights the revolver's accuracy, reliability, and comfortable handling, recommending it as a solid choice for a .38 Special snub-nose.

This comprehensive review from Tools&Targets analyzes the performance of three top .380 ACP ammunition loads: Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep, Underwood Xtreme Penetrator, and Winchester 95-grain FMJ. Using a Ruger LCP Max and standardized ballistic gel testing through a heavy clothing barrier, the analysis provides objective data on velocity, penetration, and expansion. The expert assessment highlights the practical implications for concealed carry and self-defense scenarios.