Check Your Handgun Ammo

[Fl0und3rz]

Spend some time with it, including high speed cam gel penetration tests.

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/

[JimmyHoffa]

I was kind of surprised by the results of some of the .40 S&W. 

[NW-GSP]

I would like them to test some 10mm anmo

[Firedogg]

I would like them to test some 10mm anmo

Add an average of 3.72" of penetration and expansion of another .099"... Same bullets as the .40 just moving a few feet faster. Will see better expansion performance in the heavier bullets though.

 Some of these test they ran look pretty good visually, actually seeing tbe twist of tbe bullets entering the gelatin is not something seen on a lot of other tests. The advances in video technology is amazing

[Band]

I am surprised this topic didn't generate more interest.  I have an assortment of target rounds for my pistol (S&W M&P 9 Shield) but I need to get some rounds suitable for carry and this testing website has some very good data I'll be using to help make my decision.

My limited knowledge suggests that penetration and expansion diameter are much more important that muzzle velocity.  Would you agree with that?

Based on the testing I have some contenders for the rounds I ought to buy, but honestly, I'm not sure all of the ones listed are suitable for my gun.  For instance, I believe I read that +P ammo is suitable for some guns and not for others.  How would I know whether I can use +P for my Shield?  Any other types of rounds on the list that I need to avoid?

[jasnt]

Tagging

[2labs]

That's a great comparison. I learned my highly touted and expensive "law enforcement only" defense load sucks!
Check out the 230 gr. hydro shocks in .45. What?

[h20hunter]

That guy and D-Rock could be twins....

[2labs]

D rock looks like a mischievous forest gnome! I do see a resemblance.
Anybody read the Hobbit?

[NorseNW]

I am surprised this topic didn't generate more interest.  I have an assortment of target rounds for my pistol (S&W M&P 9 Shield) but I need to get some rounds suitable for carry and this testing website has some very good data I'll be using to help make my decision.

My limited knowledge suggests that penetration and expansion diameter are much more important that muzzle velocity.  Would you agree with that?

Based on the testing I have some contenders for the rounds I ought to buy, but honestly, I'm not sure all of the ones listed are suitable for my gun.  For instance, I believe I read that +P ammo is suitable for some guns and not for others.  How would I know whether I can use +P for my Shield?  Any other types of rounds on the list that I need to avoid?

Band -
Any of the newly manufactured fires from big name guns will be good to go with +P ammo.  The +P stuff has been around for awhile and most the issues that came from it (crack frames / screwed up slides) came from older firearms or just plain junk manufacturers from what I recall seeing and reading about.

You are correct in that muzzle velocity doesn't have much to do with it.  Expansion of the bullet and penetration is what matters.  You are trying to create a wound channel (temporary and permanent).  What you need to keep in mind is your environment for a defense handgun when it comes to penetration.  This is not elk hunting.  Pass through shots are not really what you want.  Inside your house with others in adjacent rooms you want to that round to stop in the intended target or shortly there after.

On a side note - where was this guys website 6 years ago when I was buying a bunch of books on ballistics!  Thanks for sharing the site.

[Band]

Thanks, Norse.  After reading about damage to guns after using the +P ammo I was concerned about it.  Sounds like I don't need to be.

[ndcasla]

You know, I cast a Lee 228 gr RN  lead bullet in 45 ACP from Range lead that comes in about 14 on
the Brielle Scale.  Two or three of theses pills, well placed, I believe, will work well. If not, I have more.

[KFhunter]

https://www.underwoodammo.com/xtreme-defender/

I've been wanting to try these in 10mm, and in 9x25 Dillon