Underwood Extreme Defender 9mm 68gr +P & 90gr Standard Pressure Ballistic Gel Test

Published on January 14, 2023
Duration: 16:47

This video presents a ballistic gel test comparing Underwood's 9mm Extreme Defender 68gr +P and 90gr standard pressure ammunition. The instructor, demonstrating expertise in ballistics and ammunition performance, highlights the significant differences in velocity and wound cavity creation between the two loads when fired from a subcompact pistol. The test also includes a comparative shot of Federal Premium Gold Dot 124gr standard pressure for context, emphasizing the Extreme Defender's superior performance in terms of permanent wound cavity and barrier blind capabilities.

Quick Summary

Underwood's 9mm Extreme Defender 68gr +P and 90gr standard pressure loads offer distinct ballistic performance. The 68gr +P achieves higher velocities (approx. 1700 fps from a subcompact) and penetration, while the 90gr standard pressure creates a wider wound cavity. Both are barrier blind and offer manageable recoil, making them strong contenders for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Underwood Extreme Defender 9mm
  2. 00:37Bullet Design Comparison: 68gr vs 90gr
  3. 01:01Expected Performance Differences
  4. 01:30Test Platform: Taurus G2 Subcompact
  5. 01:50Ballistic Gelatin Setup and Calibration
  6. 02:37Advertised Velocities: 90gr vs 68gr
  7. 03:07Gel Block Preparation for 9mm Test
  8. 03:37Barrier Blind Ammunition and Denim Test
  9. 03:54Test 1: 90 Grain Standard Pressure
  10. 04:05Chrono Reading: 90gr Standard Pressure
  11. 04:1490gr Impact and Wound Cavity Analysis
  12. 04:35Second Shot: 90 Grain Standard Pressure
  13. 05:08Chrono Reading: Second 90gr Shot
  14. 05:13Second 90gr Impact and Wound Cavity
  15. 05:52Test 2: 68 Grain +P
  16. 06:07Chrono Reading: 68 Grain +P
  17. 06:1768gr +P Impact and Wound Cavity
  18. 06:36Bullet Recovery: 68gr +P
  19. 06:52Second Shot: 68 Grain +P
  20. 07:21Chrono Reading: Second 68gr +P Shot
  21. 07:33Second 68gr +P Impact and Penetration
  22. 08:24Initial Comparison: 90gr vs 68gr Performance
  23. 08:45Plan for Replication Shots
  24. 09:38Replication Shots: 90gr and 68gr
  25. 09:55Analysis of Replication Shots
  26. 10:05Overall Permanent Wound Cavity Assessment
  27. 10:11Advantages: Barrier Blind, Weight, Recoil
  28. 10:35Recoil Comparison: Lighter Bullets
  29. 11:12Third Take: Identifying and Placing Rounds
  30. 11:19Final Placement of 90gr and 68gr Bullets
  31. 11:45Measured Penetration Depths: 90gr vs 68gr
  32. 12:23Visual Comparison: Recovered 9mm Bullets
  33. 13:21Bonus Footage: Federal Gold Dot 124gr Comparison
  34. 13:46Chrono Reading: Gold Dot 124gr
  35. 13:50Gold Dot 124gr Impact and Expansion
  36. 14:12Gold Dot Expansion with Denim
  37. 14:41Permanent Cavity Comparison: Gold Dot vs Extreme Defender
  38. 15:10Conclusion: Extreme Defender as Carry Load
  39. 15:27Future Videos: Gold Dot Tests
  40. 15:40Bonus Footage: Gold Dot Retained Weight and Expansion
  41. 16:03Gold Dot Retained Weight Measurement
  42. 16:15Gold Dot Expansion Measurement
  43. 16:22Upcoming Gold Dot Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between Underwood's 9mm Extreme Defender 68gr +P and 90gr standard pressure loads?

The 68gr +P load achieves significantly higher velocities (around 1700 fps from a subcompact) and greater penetration, while the 90gr standard pressure load, though slower, creates a wider permanent wound cavity due to its weight and design. Both are barrier blind.

How does Underwood's Extreme Defender ammunition perform in terms of recoil compared to other 9mm loads?

The lighter 68gr Extreme Defender, even in +P, exhibited comparable or less felt recoil than the 90gr standard pressure load, and potentially less than a standard 124gr 9mm round. This makes it a manageable option for concealed carry.

What is the advantage of barrier blind ammunition like the Underwood Extreme Defender?

Barrier blind ammunition is designed to maintain its integrity and terminal performance when fired through common obstacles such as glass, car doors, or thin metal panels, unlike traditional hollow-point bullets that can clog and fail to expand.

How does the Underwood Extreme Defender 9mm compare to Federal Gold Dot 124gr in ballistic gel tests?

The Underwood Extreme Defender loads, particularly the 90gr, created larger permanent wound cavities than the Federal Gold Dot 124gr standard pressure when fired through denim. The Gold Dot required +P or no denim for optimal expansion.

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