What Were They Thinking?!...Hornady 9MM Subsonic Handgun Ammo!

Published on April 9, 2023
Duration: 10:54

This guide details a comprehensive test of Hornady 9mm Subsonic Handgun Ammunition, focusing on terminal ballistics. It outlines the setup for ballistic gel testing, including chronograph use and barrier simulation. The process involves testing velocity from different barrel lengths (3" and 4.5") and analyzing projectile performance in gel, including penetration and expansion, to evaluate manufacturer claims.

Quick Summary

Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP ammunition demonstrated poor terminal ballistics in tests. Fired from a 3" barrel at 932 fps, it penetrated 26.75" with no expansion. From a 4.5" barrel at 968 fps, it penetrated 24.5" with minimal expansion, failing to meet expectations for reliable expansion at subsonic velocities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:37Hornady Subsonic Ammo Details
  3. 01:40Handguns for Velocity Testing
  4. 02:08Canik MC9 Velocity Test
  5. 03:10P80 Velocity Test
  6. 04:12Ballistic Gel Test Rounds
  7. 05:26Gel Examination: Poor Performance
  8. 07:24Recovered Projectile Analysis
  9. 08:46Conclusion: Hornady XTPs Need Speed

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP perform in ballistic gel tests?

The Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP ammunition showed poor terminal performance. From a 3" barrel, it penetrated 26.75 inches with no expansion. From a 4.5" barrel, it penetrated 24.5 inches with only slight mushrooming, indicating a failure to expand reliably at subsonic velocities.

What were the tested velocities for Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP?

When fired from a Canik Mete MC9 with a 3-inch barrel, the average velocity was 932 fps. From a P80 with a 4.5-inch barrel, the average velocity was 968 fps. Both were below the advertised 975 fps.

Does Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP expand reliably?

Based on the tests conducted, the Hornady 9mm Subsonic 147gr XTP did not expand reliably at the tested subsonic velocities. The projectile from the shorter barrel showed no expansion, while the one from the longer barrel exhibited minimal mushrooming.

What handguns were used to test the Hornady 9mm Subsonic ammunition?

The test utilized a Canik Mete MC9 with a 3-inch barrel and a P80, which is a clone of the Glock 17, featuring a 4.5-inch barrel. Both firearms were used to measure velocity differences and projectile performance.

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