45acp Ballistics Gel Test: 1911 vs xds

Published on January 26, 2021
Duration: 11:36

This video conducts a 45 ACP ballistics gel test comparing three different bullet types (185gr Hornady FTX, 200gr Speer Gold Dot +P, 230gr Hornady XTP) fired from two different firearms: a Springfield 1911 with a 5-inch barrel and a Springfield XDS with a 3.3-inch barrel. The test measures velocity and penetration depth, noting how barrel length and bullet construction affect performance. The presenter concludes the XTP performed best due to superior penetration.

Quick Summary

This 45 ACP ballistics gel test compares the 1911 (5" barrel) and XDS (3.3" barrel) using Hornady FTX, Speer Gold Dot, and XTP bullets. Velocities ranged from 799-952 fps. The 230gr Hornady XTP was deemed the best performer due to superior penetration.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction: 45 ACP Gel Test
  2. 00:12Bullet Types Tested
  3. 00:19185gr Hornady Critical Defense FTX
  4. 00:31200gr Speer Gold Dot +P
  5. 00:38230gr Hornady XTP (Handload)
  6. 00:56Firearms Used: 1911 vs XDS
  7. 01:14Chronograph Setup
  8. 01:30Introducing Jailblock Jim
  9. 02:03Test 1: 185gr FTX - 5" Barrel vs 3.3" Barrel
  10. 02:50185gr FTX Results: Velocity & Penetration
  11. 03:39185gr FTX Bullet Expansion
  12. 03:52Test 2: 200gr Speer Gold Dot +P - 5" vs 3.3" Barrel
  13. 04:31200gr Gold Dot Results: Velocity & Penetration
  14. 05:11Test 3: 230gr XTP - 5" vs 3.3" Barrel
  15. 05:41230gr XTP Results: Velocity & Penetration
  16. 06:02Bullet Expansion Observations
  17. 06:23Digging Out Bullets
  18. 06:30Bullet Comparison: FTX, Gold Dot, XTP
  19. 07:04Overall Performance Analysis
  20. 07:09Concerns with 45 ACP Penetration
  21. 07:17Conclusion: XTP Wins This Test
  22. 07:27Outro & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What 45 ACP bullets were tested in the ballistics gel?

The video tested three 45 ACP bullet types: the 185 grain Hornady Critical Defense FTX, the 200 grain Speer Gold Dot +P, and a handloaded 230 grain Hornady XTP. The test aimed to compare their performance in ballistics gel.

How did barrel length affect 45 ACP bullet performance in the gel test?

The test compared a 5-inch barrel (1911) against a 3.3-inch barrel (XDS). Interestingly, in some tests, the shorter barrel resulted in deeper penetration, possibly due to less bullet expansion and drag, though velocities were lower.

Which 45 ACP bullet performed best in the ballistics gel test?

The presenter concluded that the 230 grain Hornady XTP performed best in this specific ballistics gel test, primarily due to its superior penetration depth compared to the other tested rounds.

What were the velocities recorded for the 45 ACP rounds tested?

Velocities varied by bullet and barrel length. For example, the 185gr FTX ranged from 853 fps (3.3" barrel) to 952 fps (5" barrel), and the 230gr XTP ranged from 799 fps (3.3" barrel) to 875 fps (5" barrel).

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