Target Hollow Point AMMO For Self-Defense?

Published on May 19, 2023
Duration: 14:16

This video tests LAX Ammo's 230-grain plated hollow point .45 ACP ammunition, explicitly marketed as target rounds and not ideal for self-defense. The test involved chronographing velocities from 4.25-inch and 5-inch barrels and firing rounds into ballistic gel behind a heavy clothing barrier. Results showed minimal expansion and significant over-penetration, confirming the manufacturer's warnings.

Quick Summary

LAX Ammo's 230-grain plated hollow point .45 ACP ammunition is designed for target practice, not self-defense. Ballistic gel tests show no expansion and significant over-penetration, with rounds reaching over 28 inches. Velocities averaged 792 FPS from a 4.25-inch barrel and 829 FPS from a 5-inch barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Setup
  2. 00:51Ammunition Overview: LAX Ammo .45 ACP
  3. 03:06Firearm Setup: Barrel Lengths
  4. 03:37Chronograph Testing: Hollow Points (4.25" Barrel)
  5. 04:40Chronograph Testing: Hollow Points (5" Barrel)
  6. 05:51Chronograph Testing: FMJ Rounds (5" Barrel)
  7. 06:53Ballistic Gel Testing: Introduction
  8. 07:30Gel Test Results: 4.25" Barrel Shot
  9. 08:09Gel Test Results: 5" Barrel Shot
  10. 08:25Analyzing Gel Test Performance
  11. 10:17Closer Look at Gel Penetration Tracks
  12. 10:51Examining Recovered Projectiles
  13. 11:23Projectile Measurements
  14. 12:04Conclusion: LAX Ammo Plated Hollow Points
  15. 13:10Alternative Defensive Ammunition

Frequently Asked Questions

Are LAX Ammo plated hollow points suitable for self-defense?

No, LAX Ammo explicitly states on their website that their plated hollow point ammunition is target ammunition and not ideal for self-defense or duty use. Ballistic gel tests confirm minimal expansion and significant over-penetration, reinforcing this warning.

What were the velocities of the LAX Ammo .45 ACP hollow points?

When fired from a 4.25-inch barrel, the 230-grain plated hollow points averaged 792 feet per second. From a 5-inch barrel, the average velocity increased to 829 feet per second.

How did the LAX Ammo .45 ACP hollow points perform in ballistic gel?

In ballistic gel tests behind a heavy clothing barrier, the hollow points showed no expansion and penetrated deeply, reaching over 26 inches from a 5-inch barrel and over 28 inches from a 4.25-inch barrel, indicating significant over-penetration.

What is the difference between LAX Ammo's plated hollow points and their FMJ rounds?

The 230-grain FMJ rounds from LAX Ammo were found to be faster, averaging 861 FPS from a 5-inch barrel, compared to the 230-grain plated hollow points which averaged 829 FPS. However, neither hollow point demonstrated defensive expansion.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →