For those of us in cold winter climates [and in asinine defensive round limiting legal environments], the Underwood Extreme defender seems to be an excellent year round choice due to the need to penetrate clothing and still be able to create enough tissue disruption to produce an effective stop of an attack. I live in the Chicago area and this is my primary defensive bullet.
I live in Texas, and I carry this in my 9mm EDC and my .380 car gun. I was so impressed with it when I see videos on ballistic tests that I had to have it.
@Kevin Hart Ok I would generally agree. However to say you have to “hit a 6” disk” isn’t really accurate (depends on factors). The cavitation even at 800 fps is enough to cause remote wounding to nearby tissues. So really more like 8-10”. Also when charging the bear is essentially “inline with its spine. So while yeah you may not hit directly there’s plenty of bones shards and disruption that could devastate the nervous system. Then you seem to be accusing me of things I didn’t say. I never said anything suggesting a handgun is equal to long gun fir near defense. I also never said anything about dogs? I also never advocated .45 calibers to be significantly bigger than .35 with regard to terminal ballistics on large dangerous game. I never suggested anything I’d equal to a 20 gauge. I think you may have confused me with several other people or something? I’m confused? I only said that you can get .357 equivalent penetration out of 9x19 using 115 extreme penetrators. I stand beside that one front what I’ve seen in testing.
I usually carry a 1911. I stoke my carry guns and 45 PCC rifles with 450 SMC. I use Berry's 185 gr HP bullets, and handload them to about 1400 fps. Excellent performance from them.
That way there we can actually see the damage each one of your favorite rounds does. Maybe even put some clothing or other light obstacles you may encounter out there in the wild, in front of the ballistic gel. I always like to see for myself. I carry Underwood 90 grain +P+ in most of my carry guns. Sometimes I run the Hornaday critical defense or critical duty in +P also. I'd say those are my favorite rounds, and in that order. The tests I've seen with those rounds are impressive to say the least!!
I started all this over 10 years ago mixing simtest and ordinance gel because I'm a nerd and I wanted the data never Eben crossed my mind to video it because that wasn't what I was after and I had no desire to make a youtube. That said om working on getting a camera setup and stuff since the channel took off and will film them going forward. Not sure how I'm gonna film the rifle loads when I shoot gel at 2 to 600 yards but that's a bridge for another day
@@unclefreedom213 No worries brother, glad you plan on doing some future videos showing the results in ballistic gel. I bet your channel will really take off after you do a few videos like that. Maybe even title them like "My top ten favorite defense rounds, with the ballistic gel test results". Or something along that line. I just found your channel today, and these top ten best and worst defensive round videos is what drew me in. I'm always curious what other gun guys opinions are on defensive ammo. And it's especially interesting to me when I see the results. Glad your already considering making videos like that! I will definitely watch them when you do!!😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅👊👊
With all the testing he said he did I was a bit shocked to know that he doesn't have any. I was wanting to see the results as well so I mentioned it and the reply was something like your just going to see a bullet hit gel. He said he did metal, drywall, plywood, and car windshields with almost all of them. He also said we but was not specific. I think that much testing is very valuable and would put him on a whole other level. So I'm a bit disappointed but I told him to keep on trucking and hope to see it in the future.
The XTP bullet is an exceptional projectile!! I like it much more than HST. Thank you for your Military service and putting your life on the line every day as a Police officer. I assume that is what you ment when you mentioned duty.
I have harvested a big buck using a 45acp 230grain xtp (hot hand loads) at 40yards. Definitely does it job. I do not hesitate to use that load as a carry round.
I mainly carry Underwood XD line. In my cc gun, I run the plus p plus 68 gr and 90 gr in my duty size 9mm. And the 135 gr supers in my 45. Great stuff!
Personally I carry HST, but I don't actually use the 124+p, although I have some. I usually stick to 124gr standard pressure in the micro short barreled 9's (to me the extra recoil isnt worth the minuscule gain in velocity and it actually penetrates less). I also prefer the 147gr standard pressure in my 4 inch + barrels and full size bedside pistol (because 147gr is naturally subsonic). I do wish Federal STILL made the 147gr +P's AND I wish they still had the old design with a single cannelure instead of the newer double cannelured stuff.
Finally! Someone singing the praises of the round i carry in my EDC, the Underwood loaded LeHigh Xtreme Defender! I have loved everything about this round since i saw ballistic tests here on TH-cam. It's kind of expensive, but how much is my life worth?...
My 3 go-to hollow points are HST, Gold Dot, and Federal Punch. My fmj for practice are usually Blaser Brass because they are usually 14.95 for 50 at Academy.
That punch is super surprising for an inexpensive as they are they perform quite well and just missed making my top 10. I have had some issues with blazer brass itself not the round but reloading the brass has presented issues to me withnit being brittle.
@thelurker9472 do a Google search for able ammo Huntsville Tx. I'm about 40 minutes away from there, and they have a pretty good selection. Gold Dots are a little pricey, especially the 50 rnd box.
.451” Xtreme defender 190gr over 7.8gr ram shot true blue is my carry ammo. Zips good and does what it’s supposed to in gel tests. In northern states where carharts and other heavy warm clothing is normal, that’s why I I chose it as my carry bullet.
I picked up the free floated hand guard version earlier this year. Put a Geissele SDC trigger in it, and a Primary Arms SLX 1-6 gen 3 on top. Haven't gotten to any kind of distance, but at the indoor range, the whole magazine makes one ragged hole. Can't wait to get to an outdoor range. Stay safe out there! My uncle never thought anything bad could happen, until John Hinkley shot him in the neck. Love your content!
@unclefreedom213 especially for the money. All those features, plus glass that's hitting way above it's class, for under $300? And I like the chevron aim point. I only have around 600 rounds through it, but there hasn't been as much as a hiccup. Keep doing what you do, and again, be safe out there!
Nice. I carry 124gr +P HST or Gold Dot in all my defensive guns save one. I occasionally carry a Glock 42 .380 when I’m running. I’m that .380 I use Underwood loaded with those Lehigh Extreme Defender bullets. I’ve got a couple old boxes of the OG Black Talon in .45acp that my uncle gave me after he retired from duty that I just keep because it’s cool.
So??? In your no go 10 rounds vid you said critical defense was no go. Counterdicting yourself often here. Just like when you said one round penetrates to much and another doesn't.
@@unclefreedom213btw F extreme defender. It's a phillips screwdriver tip. I told them about it before it was made and to just give credit where its due but they didn't. So I'm sore about it. Lol sry.
I have some +P 50 grain hollow points from Liberty Ammunition box says 2040 FPS. I haven't gotten to shoot them yet, I lost my 9mm in a boating accident sadly and haven't been able to replace it yet, but I imagine they must scream being as fast as a subsonic rifle round. 2040 FPS, 462 FPE, 2" dispersion @ 25m, 12' penetration @ 10ft, reduced recoil, deep cavity projectile, starburst fragmentation is what the box states.
You gotta test some of the LEO G9 Defense E.H.P. monolithic copper rounds loaded by a state of the art facility in Idaho it's definitely the best I've seen
Great video about all the brands of barrier defeating, 9mm, defensive pistol ammo, Uncle Freedom! Very impressive knowledge U have acquired! Also it was good to hear that Paul Harrell was right on, with his long time use, of Remington Green an White box pistol ammo ! 😄😆
Ive been carrying the xtp for a couple years and Im satisfied with all the testing Ive seen. I like the +p variant specifically for short barrels to aid expansion. Out of my 5 inch pistol I like the punch which reaches 1250+ fps and really opens up.
All very good picks. HST is the bomb 💣 literally. But I must be honest I haven't tested a lot of auto glass or barriers . Great picks tho. All will do the job. For sure.
Very nice video, I like how indepth you went into testing the rounds and giving the feedback, I personally carry the winchester ranger 127gr+p+ in my glock19.
@unclefreedomvalleytacticsa7521 I'm from South Africa, so on this side we a bit limited to all the available option out there, I was running the winchester ranger 124gr+p but availability was a problem it wasn't being imported so I stocked up on those 127gr after doing the function test. HST is another favorite but haven't seen that for years on this side.
I run the same in my Gen 5 G19 Kameel. Assuming you're from Durban or Jhb? 147gr HST's in 9x19 are available in Jhb if you're interested? Dave Sheer has the 50 round boxes and Tactical HQ has the 20 round civilian boxes.
@thepatriotsrage661 hi brother thanks for the heads up, I'm from Durban our shops here are really limited. The 50 round boxes are a pretty good deal, just a pity I'm not in JHB. When I found the 127gr rangers in Durban I ended up stocking up on that 👍
Ones you didn't mention that I use SXT T-Series 115 +P+ SXT T-Series 127 +P+ SXT T-Series 147 Haven't run any through Minecraft characters or laminate glass, but they're stunning the sheetrock and laminate wood into gel. Always enjoy your presentations, and try to think critically when I may disagree. In a video I watched earlier that was posted August 2024, you mentioned a video of top 5 carry rounds for 9/40/45. I don't see that video. Is it not posted yet? Keep up the good work and stay safe out there
I adopted the Hornady Critical Defense in several calibers after watching Paul Harrell do an extensive series of tests with his meat target around 4-5 years ago. He tested several barrel lengths from 2 inches on out and calibers from .380 APC on up. The Hornady round was the only one in his tests that consistently opened up without over penetrating. I do have the Remington JHP in .357 magnum in my Ruger GP-100 with a 6 inch barrel. I got the 50 round box when Wal-Mart stopped carrying pistol ammo. It is a very accurate, hard hitting round in that revolver.
Great information! I have been hesitant to trust the Underwood Xtreme Defense rounds as my primary carry rounds, as they looked too much like "gimmick" rounds (cough - DRT / RIP - cough). I currently carry HSTs in 124-gr in my CZ P01 and in 147-gr in my Hellcat. Based partially on your review, and that of Tools and Targets, I've decided to switch to Blue Line ammo using the 90-gr Lehigh Xtreme Defender in 90-gr+P. I am also interested in the 68-gr Xtreme Defender, but will wait until I can test it using a ballistic pendulum before I go to that light a bullet. Thanks, and keep up the great work! 👍👍👍
Nice ! Gary Griffiths I wasn't familiar with Blue line ammo but I will be working up an order for them now. I see their using those newer Forged alum/stainless cases too! Those things are incredible for reloaders . I watched them reload the same 9mm +P and .223 rounds and shoot them like 50 times or so! It was incredible! Plus you can pick up your spent cases with a roller magnet! They use a slightly modified sizing die to push the case back off the die with a spring loaded plunger because the case is so much stronger than brass. Other than that its about the same as normal reloading. I was looking for some Xtreme Defenders for my newly acquired .380 Ruger Security pistol I just bought. I don't trust the expanding rounds to go deep enough in the weaker 380, even tho Federal passed the FBI test protocol with their .380ACP HST "Deep" ammo back in 2020. It was done with a load that is made just for LEO, and is loaded slightly hotter than their regular "deep" HST 380 (facepalm) It needs to be available to all of us!
@@PatriotPaulUSA FWIW, I tried some Underwood .380 xtreme defender ammo several years ago when I was primarily carrying a Ruger LCP. It was CONSIDERABLY hotter than anything else I used, including the Cor-Bon HPs that were my primary carry rounds.
@The Truth That's the new 9mm right 3 and half barrel is 8 round cap correct? if so I would ask ypuis barrier penetration important to you or are you looking at this like a never have to shoot through a barrier gun. If barrier penetration is important I would say the critical duty 124gr+p or honestly the 90gr extreme defender loading from underwood. The 90 grain functions flawlessly even in Plain gel, doesn't depend on expansion and will be milder in the recoil game. Perfect fir something in a lighter slimmer handgun. The 124+p critical duty load will be snappy out of the lighter gun but will achieve favorable results even through compound angle auto glass with solid penetration in the 12 to 16 inch range out of handguns I've fired with similar barrel length. If barriers are of no concern to you and your main value is it dumping energy and be more comfortable to accurately fire quick follow ups I would go to the Critical defense 115 gr from Hornady. It'll give you optimal penetration in the 9 to 12 inch range greatly reducing you over penetration risk all while driving deep enough to hit vitals out of the smaller gun. Critical defense will also lessen the flash seen from the shorter barrel and smaller gun due to the powder blend which can and will save you night vision in a defensive application. You lose barrier capability but if you don't need it you don't need it. If you can't find those and budget is of concern I've also had great success from shorter barrels firing the Federal 138gr Syntech Defense as well as the Federak Punch 124gr offering. The syntech isn't that snappy and has low flash when firing smaller guns. You won't risk over penetration with either of those but neither have solid barrier performance outside of the odd plywood or sheetrock and even then it can be marginal. Keeping in mind neither if them were purpose built for barriers they make a solid economic option that would allow you to get some training in on your carry load and throughly vet them in your firearm. Hope this helped and thanks for giving me a question that let's me nerd out a bit.
@@unclefreedom213 Well, YT took down my reply for whatever reason. 🙄 So I will make it brief. 1.) Your first question/answer was correct. 2.) Answer to your second question, Yes. 3.) Handbook advises against +p (wear issues) and +p+ (too much pressure), but I would think the 124 gr would be fine in a CC scenario. 3. Your nerdness has you listed in my My Channels.👍Thank you Sir, for your extensive reply. Appreciate that.
I've shot Remington/UMC 115 grain JHPs for decades and never has it failed me. Now a days considering the price of ammo you can never go wrong with this ammo.
Amen! Its been a great one and I've only used it a short time myself. Paul Harrell turned me onto it. I listen to smart guys like him and Uncle Freedom 😁😁😆
I can agree with 8 of the ten you mention, the ones which I would never use are both of the Hornady bullets. Both seems to penetrate to a good depth but don't expand very well, the Critical Duty expands slightly better than the Critical Defense but neither expands very well. The one I like the best is the HST.
I used to think the same thing. I questioned hornady about that very thing at their ballistics class. Once I understood the why behind it, it made sense. The design function is the higher antimony lead alloy. Controlled expansion while balancing the need for deeper penetration and barrier performance. That's why the defense expands more, softer lead alloy. The HST is a great bullet but will get beaten, though not by a ton by the critical duty in barrier performance. The hornady round is interlock bonded, preventing over expansion that will limit its penetration. Also, the Hornady round is designed to shed its petals through auto glass to ensure optimal penetration in ballistic media after glass penetration. They're both great rounds. I just figured I could shed light on the smaller expansion diameter.
@@unclefreedom213 and Denny Davis , I 100% agree . Hornady's dont get as large but its by design just as Uncle Freedom said. Its so it can get thru auto glass or 2 sheets of 18 gauge steel etc and THEN go thru denim layers and end up 12-16" in the 10% ballistic gel. Which is a special ballistic gel that is specked out by the FBI as well for their testing protocol. I will bet "Critical Duty" is probably a bit too hot for the average citizen to CCW as it would overpenetrate right thru just a average human. Hence the design of "Critical Defense"- Its not designed for barriers except denim layers and about 9"-10" of ballistic gel which it does perfectly!
Federal 9BPLE ! (+P+) Been around for nearly 50 years. Back during the early days of 9mm in LE, it became the king of the hill in the southern states; mainly due to its lighter weight re: poorer performance in heavy clothing penetration tests.
I carried fed hst and the win pdx defenders LEO brother the ranger T for years, still love them both. However I have become I guess you could say religious user of Hornady, its in all my guns, full size handgun critical duty, pocket pistols critical defense, buckshot and rifle rounds all Hornady
I was surprised to not see Corbon mentioned on this list, or your no-go list. Back in the day, it was the shit. I have tested it extensively in ballistic gel and dummies, clothed and bare, and it always performs excellent. I personally have over 1000 boxes of 115 gr +P and 125 gr +P 9mm Corbon. And at our bug out compound, we probably have over 10,000 boxes of them. What are your thoughts on Corbon?
Carry a 180 grain Gold Dot in 10mm. But, just finally, after shooting for almost 50 years, bought my first 9mm. Definately interested in good carry ammo.
If you mention velocity and energy, mention the barrel length. If you mention what you've loaded, again barrel length and powder. What made you choose the lyman? EDIT: What were the 5 test guns?
handgun rounds are almost exclusively 4 to 4.25 barrels unless specifically mentioned as shorter ie g26. As far as Lyman press? I have a redding T7 as well but really love how solid the lyman is when seating and honestly the Turret is smoother than the Redding
Have you noticed any new primer or powder issues with the new transfers of power with the ammo makers? We’ve had quite a few fail to detonate with Winchester recently that we have not had before these companies were sold out of country.
Awesome vid UF! It's so seldom I find someone I agree almost completely with and that's perhaps due to past experience and testing I've physically done myself. I can see you've tested extensively based on your stated opinions. Some thoughts/observations: I need to correct you on the WW Defender, it is NOT the same as the Ranger T series by WW. The Defender or PDX-1 is a bonded bullet resembling the T series bullet but it is actually a repackaged WW Ranger Bonded. So the Ranger Bonded by Winchester is the same as the PDX-1 or Defender. The WW Ranger T series is a NON-BONDED JHP, thus making it susceptible to core-jacket separation (I have seen this in my own testing, I have also seen a Speer Gold Dot lose its core but that's another conversation). WW Ranger Bonded has a suffix of 'B' at the end of the product code e.g. RA9B, whereas the WW Ranger T has a 'T' suffix at the end of it's product code e.g. RA9T. The Barnex XPB as I mentioned in my last post, works ok but it's underloaded in my opinion. Look at Cor-Bons DPX and how well it performs at 1250fps+ for the 115gr XPB. Barnes could up the loading by a good 130fps. Very interested to hear your thoughts on the Speer Gold Dot and why it failed in your testing. I have seen it fail, but not often; but then again it all depends on the testing protocol you use. i.e. IWBA standard is much harder to pass than the FBI standard. Glad you showed the WW Ranger T some love, it is a great bullet/load and deserves respect. In all of the local SD shootings here in Johannesburg, the Ranger T used in various flavours from 124gr +P, 127gr +P+, 147gr in 9x19, 165gr in .40 and 230gr +P in .45ACP have ALL resulted (due to excellent shot placement) in DRT's aka dead as they hit the ground. Overall, super interesting; thanks for sharing your thoughts :) Best wishes from South Africa.
Love the Ranger t it's a solid round. I didn't realized some of those differences on the defender rounds. So I thank you for teaching me something and I will dive further. I hate passing on bad info but love the opportunity to learn. Barnes does underwood some stuff they are will to hotrod thier Tac bullets and those are pretty solid. I have a new thing I'm gonna test one of my buddies just got a .400 cor-bon which is a .40 in necked down .45 acp. Protocol I will typically run is the FBI I know there are tough tests out there but its a solid standard for defensive handgun. There are a few other test I will do for rifles
As Macabre as it sounds hearing that real uses data resulting in DRT is awesome and I would love to know more for my data on the subject. As far as the Gold Dot most of the fails have come from 147gr and some of the 180 in .40 I have seen it in .45 as well though not a consistently. The heavier loadings in not +p velocities puts them very close to expansion threshold so the trend towards over penetration and more so when we hit a barrier. with a 165 in 40 or +p with 9mm the tend to function very well and consistently but have still over penetrate and the hollow point clogs on them more than some. Just what I've seen on my end. I had a guy get mad in here because I didn't film it all, I told him I never intended on making a youtube but the way I see it is other people Alcan use my knowledge and possibly save some money or heart ache
@@unclefreedom213 The Ranger T is an awesome round UF, I'm glad you see that. So many other folk bash them for their intermediate barrier performance, but as we both know; they work in real world scenarios. No worries man, the correction came from a place of care and wasn't to be mean. As for the .400 Corbon, that's magic!! It's a very obscure caliber but it works very well. Same as it's .357Sig cousin. Overall, awesome vid and great observations made.
Greetings, I discovered your channel a couple hours ago, I watched the 9mm No Go rounds, and agree with you on those, As an ex-LEO back in the early 80s, I carried the 357 Magnum with Remington 125gr SJHP at 1,450fps, 9mm rounds back them were lame, I carried a small centerfire semi-auto as back-up, bullet technology has advanced greatly in recent years, In 9mm compact, I use several different cartridges, such as, Federal 124gr+P HSTs and Underwood 90gr+P and +P+ Xtreme Defender, I also have a box of the Critical Defence that I bought in Dec. 2019 and the box claims 1,140 fps, I've seen them pass through a car door and penetrate halfway through a block of ballistic gel, I know, I found that hard to believe, but I saw it with my own eyes, I like the no bull stance you take. Subbed. 👍 🇺🇸
Thank you the advancements we've seen in bullet technology are close to the ones we've seen in flashlights. I remember being excited I was issues a light with the blinding 60 lumens of the surefire 6p now I have a 1000 lumens on my pistol. A little over 20 years it's crazy
@@unclefreedom213 Indeed, I have one that claims 10,000 lumens, which I think 6,000 is more like it, the same light now claims 20,000, It's very bright at whatever it really is. THX for the reply. 🇺🇸
Close for sure the subsonic rifle rounds were designed out yo expand down to almost high 800 fps the 300 blackout is nuts in the sub X. Hornady should have a gel shot on their website they gel test everything they develop and post results. If for some reason you can't find it reach out to me on IG @unclefreedom213 and I will contact the folks over there as they are local to me and get them to shoot me some data to pass on to you
I wish someone would deep test Federal's Guard Dog rounds. It's a sleeper that's gone unnoticed for years. In my own informal testing w/screw cap sealed gallon plastic water jugs, this polymer collapsing flatnose non-hp caused noticeably MORE & VIOLENT reaction/damage than ALL of the big name, high tech HPs I managed to get ahold of to test w/my various pistol types. One .40 Dog round blew the jug 2 feet in the air and the plastic cap over 40 feet away! I know it's not strictly scientific, but if sheer immediate damage & pain contribute to stopping effect, then I sure as hell wouldn't want to get hit by one! Nothing else in pistol caliber really came close. Another sleeper is Glaser Silver (or blue) safety slugs. I fired one older 9mm flatnose blue into a head sized "personal watermelon" @ 20 feet from a 5" Beretta 92 & it just DISINTEGRATED; I mean just juice & a couple of small pieces of rind were all I could find. Again, wouldn't want to get hit by one. FWIW, fluted-type hitech rounds, classic Golden Sabers, Hornady's polymer plug rounds, DRT'S frangibles, & Federal Classic 9BPLE type bullets were the least impressive, most disappointing tested w/minimal, FMJ-level lack of evidential damage/disruption. Speer GoldDot, Winchester PDX bonded, & Federal HydraShok/HST caused the next most damage after Guard Dog, but not nearly as visibly violently.
Underwood is my favorite because they cover damn near EVERY cartridge! I’ve got underwood ammo in 9mm, 10mm, 300 blk, 556, 308, and 50 Beowulf. All of them run beautifully! I’m also a huge fan of the Fort Scott Munitions! Love them! They definitely don’t get enough credit. I’ve got some of their ammo in 9mm, 556, and 308. Absolutely love it. Hoping the come out with a 50 Beowulf loading. My edc is a Glock 20 with underwood 115 gr extreme defender.
I get over 1100 fps with sig elite defense out of my p365. Consistently in the low 1100s. Expands every time. Can't go wrong. But there are several really good rounds out there.
Bought a box of Rem 115 UMC JHP. One of the primers blew back out of the case and fried the inside of my pistol for 3 seconds (hissing and smoking) until I had to drop it. I had a very hard time getting it apart but it is all metal and was not damaged, I went online to complain and they were out of business. Cannot use them again.
I used to only carry federal punch 124 or Winchester defender +p 124. I've also used Ford Scott for home defense in 45 acp. But now I carry a mixed mag. 9mm underwood 115 extreme penetrator last, then 147 +p xtp underwood, and first 90 +p extreme defenders. I switched over, as I did more research, but I would still use any one of my old choices without hesitation.
Interesting mix why do you run a mixed mag? Not bagging on you, genuinely curious. For me my in gun mag and spare are the same 135 duty +p in my, p07,p09,p01tac, g19, g45 etc 124duty +p in g26, 365 etc and ranger t in my sigs. all have a third mag that is in my pack loaded with 90gr defenders that I handload 1500 to 1545 fps.
I use Hornady Critical Duty 135 grain as my defensive ammo (Glock 17 and Glock 26). Works well, no issues. If it's good enough for the FBI, it's good enough for me.
love them the 135+p load is awesome in every handgun I've shot it in I run the 124gr+p duty in my g26 performs a little better through barriers but then again it was designed for the subcompact barrels
I love your videos and watch them as soon as they show up. Been here since the start and love to see you blowing up! Big question, any point in running 147gr 9mm for defensive loads or just stick with 115/124?
In some loadings the 147 does great mainly hotter loadings. The issue you hit is 147 is a slow mover and is right on the crest of expansion threshold at the muzzle so barriers or heavy clothing can mess things up. If you're running a good velocity 147 from the likes of gold dot, hst or ranger t shouldn't be an issue. That said I prefer a 124 or the 135 grain area
Hornady and Federal Premium have discontinued Nickel Plating on their premium ammo cases, "Temporarily," due to "Supply Chain Crisis" Most of these ammo companies send out their cases to get plated. Unfortunately the China slowdown of materials has caused the plating companies to be 2-4 weeks delay at minimum and the ammo companies cannot afford that kind of time delay. (they probably are used to 24-48 hr turnaround) So Hornady and Federal Premium have said that until they can get Nickel Plating done in a reasonable time frame, it will be excluded temporarily. (I would not expect any change on this until we get new leadership in DC) 😊 Too bad the price hasn't changed for us unfortunately.
I've been carrying federal syntech defense SJHP 138. 👌 round. Especially when your getting 4 separate wounds and bleeds from a bullet. 👌👍. Great job by federal.
@@unclefreedom213 Good morning, Uncle Freedom. Yea, it surprised me. When I decided to become a CCW carrier back in December. Good lord I watch and watch and watch videos of testing from everyone. I've been a federal ammo guy all the way back 2002 when I skeet shooting. When I got into pistol here recently, and came across federal syntech defense SJHP ammo, and already been using their target red tip syntech ammo. Choosing their defense SJHP was a no Brain ' er. I chose this defense ammo because it gives me what I NEED and ONLY need. To get the job done. I'm not all about BLASTING thru a wall, to hit an a person breaking into my home or whatever. Like you said, even tho some of us are with USCCA, God forbid you gotta use your firearm in self defense. Yes! State prosecutor going look at EVERYTHING. Including what ammo you used. This is way I called several of my local P.D and sheriff's departments on what they carrier. That's the smart thing to do if someone is a CCW carrier. And federal syntech defense SJHP 138 grain came in 🤏 just under what my local P.D uses. My Smith&Wesson M&P9 2.0 4.25 metal pistol loves that stuff.
Glad you gave some alternatives to Hornady. Used to be my go to ammunition. I want nothing to do with them after they threatened to fire any of their employees that didn't get the jab. And then had the nerve to deny it even though the public had already seen the company letter to their employees. Given you mentioned law enforcement and government agencies using their ammo, I guess its no surprise they were willing to throw their employees under the bus in exchange for money. I won't support a company that forces workers to inject untested chemicals into their body.
True which was weird because our entire state which Hornady is in is a non mandate state. Our Gov made sure of it pretty much no law enforcement got jabbed, because fuck that. Only ones I know that got it was their choice can't speak for hornady that was a poor move. Doesn't change my opinion on the ammo itself company politics excluded
What I have stocked in 9mm: * Hornady 124gr XTP +P * SinterFire Special Duty * Liberty Civil Defense * Norma MHP (for barter) * Sierra 115gr Sport (for barter)
Isn't that stuff thw ARX just rebranded I know it's using shell shock case so a higher pressure but the copper/poly matrix bullet just isn't as good as the solid copper options doing the same stuff. Shell shock cases are cool though, you just have to get their proprietary die to reload them
I couldn't get the 147grain defender to expand through cloth barrier idk about the 124+p. I carry either critical duty or defence every test ive done on them they've worked. Great list on best and worst.
kinda same premise but the syntech weighs over 130grs and the base that penetrated is still more weight than the RIP round whole. The biggest issue with the rip is super lightweight for caliber and really fast which combined create terrible penetration and not rhe greatest wounding characteristics. The syntech is heavy gor caliber moderate speed and focuses on good penetration
1. Hornady Critical Duty 1:19
2. Federal HST 3:11
3. Underwood extreme Def 4:06
4. Winchester Defender 6:12
5. Hornady Critical Def 7:32
6. Federal Syntech 8:33
7. Fort Scott TUI 10:17
8. Barnes TAC-XP 11:33
9. Speer Gold Dot 12:42
10.Remington UMC 13:46
Thats for the Hard Work Brother! Saved me alot of time.
Much appreciated
Thank you.
Thanks for breaking it down saved me so much time. I greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!!!! 🍻
For those of us in cold winter climates [and in asinine defensive round limiting legal environments], the Underwood Extreme defender seems to be an excellent year round choice due to the need to penetrate clothing and still be able to create enough tissue disruption to produce an effective stop of an attack. I live in the Chicago area and this is my primary defensive bullet.
💯 carhartt is a tough barrier
I live in Texas, and I carry this in my 9mm EDC and my .380 car gun. I was so impressed with it when I see videos on ballistic tests that I had to have it.
Would that be the 90 grain round, good sir? I too live in Chicago.
Just switch to the extreme penetrator for 4 legged threats!!! You can get .357 magnum penetration from a 9x19mm
@Kevin Hart Ok I would generally agree. However to say you have to “hit a 6” disk” isn’t really accurate (depends on factors). The cavitation even at 800 fps is enough to cause remote wounding to nearby tissues. So really more like 8-10”. Also when charging the bear is essentially “inline with its spine. So while yeah you may not hit directly there’s plenty of bones shards and disruption that could devastate the nervous system.
Then you seem to be accusing me of things I didn’t say. I never said anything suggesting a handgun is equal to long gun fir near defense. I also never said anything about dogs? I also never advocated .45 calibers to be significantly bigger than .35 with regard to terminal ballistics on large dangerous game. I never suggested anything I’d equal to a 20 gauge.
I think you may have confused me with several other people or something?
I’m confused?
I only said that you can get .357 equivalent penetration out of 9x19 using 115 extreme penetrators. I stand beside that one front what I’ve seen in testing.
Love the hst 147gr standard pressure. One of the best performing rounds I have ever seen.
right on, right on, RIGHT ON! Not unhappy with the 124gr as well.
124gr +P for me 🤷♂️ 147gr is decent tho 👌
Why did they discontinue the FEDERAL BONDED IN 135GR ??🤔
@@blackticalmayhem8461 I remember the 135..... maybe replaced with the 155gr? I do have some of those.
@@blackticalmayhem8461 I use the 147 in my short barrel. GOOD stuff.
I usually carry a 1911. I stoke my carry guns and 45 PCC rifles with 450 SMC. I use Berry's 185 gr HP bullets, and handload them to about 1400 fps. Excellent performance from them.
I would love to see you do a video where you actually show the results you get when shooting your favorite carry rounds through ballistic gel.
That way there we can actually see the damage each one of your favorite rounds does. Maybe even put some clothing or other light obstacles you may encounter out there in the wild, in front of the ballistic gel. I always like to see for myself. I carry Underwood 90 grain +P+ in most of my carry guns. Sometimes I run the Hornaday critical defense or critical duty in +P also. I'd say those are my favorite rounds, and in that order. The tests I've seen with those rounds are impressive to say the least!!
I started all this over 10 years ago mixing simtest and ordinance gel because I'm a nerd and I wanted the data never Eben crossed my mind to video it because that wasn't what I was after and I had no desire to make a youtube. That said om working on getting a camera setup and stuff since the channel took off and will film them going forward. Not sure how I'm gonna film the rifle loads when I shoot gel at 2 to 600 yards but that's a bridge for another day
@@unclefreedom213 No worries brother, glad you plan on doing some future videos showing the results in ballistic gel. I bet your channel will really take off after you do a few videos like that. Maybe even title them like "My top ten favorite defense rounds, with the ballistic gel test results". Or something along that line. I just found your channel today, and these top ten best and worst defensive round videos is what drew me in. I'm always curious what other gun guys opinions are on defensive ammo. And it's especially interesting to me when I see the results. Glad your already considering making videos like that! I will definitely watch them when you do!!😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅👊👊
With all the testing he said he did I was a bit shocked to know that he doesn't have any. I was wanting to see the results as well so I mentioned it and the reply was something like your just going to see a bullet hit gel. He said he did metal, drywall, plywood, and car windshields with almost all of them. He also said we but was not specific. I think that much testing is very valuable and would put him on a whole other level. So I'm a bit disappointed but I told him to keep on trucking and hope to see it in the future.
The XTP bullet is an exceptional projectile!! I like it much more than HST. Thank you for your Military service and putting your life on the line every day as a Police officer. I assume that is what you ment when you mentioned duty.
I agree it is just a proven bullet design. Also thank you your assumption would be correct.
I have harvested a big buck using a 45acp 230grain xtp (hot hand loads) at 40yards. Definitely does it job. I do not hesitate to use that load as a carry round.
Nice! You should check out the 460 Rowland 1911's You could go up a size in game ! 😆😊
I mainly carry Underwood XD line. In my cc gun, I run the plus p plus 68 gr and 90 gr in my duty size 9mm. And the 135 gr supers in my 45. Great stuff!
just a proven excellent round
You deserve a million followers my man! Incredible info. I’m going to replace my carry ammo now lol I had no idea of any of this
I would agree!
Personally I carry HST, but I don't actually use the 124+p, although I have some. I usually stick to 124gr standard pressure in the micro short barreled 9's (to me the extra recoil isnt worth the minuscule gain in velocity and it actually penetrates less). I also prefer the 147gr standard pressure in my 4 inch + barrels and full size bedside pistol (because 147gr is naturally subsonic). I do wish Federal STILL made the 147gr +P's AND I wish they still had the old design with a single cannelure instead of the newer double cannelured stuff.
I assume you also watched those videos where the guy concluded the hst 124 performed the best out of 3 inch barrels
Xtreme Defenders are my carry choice. I also like their 68 grain Xtreme Defenders in 9mm.
Love that round I approached it like it was a gimmick boy was I wrong it's a stellar bullt design
Great video. At work we carry the 147 grain 9mm Winchester.
Ranger T or Ranger Bonded Warren?
@@thepatriotsrage661 I believe it’s the Ranger T.
I carry 124+p critical duty I like the 135 too but when I tested the 124+p I got nice expansion and penetration. Great list.
Lots of love from the 2 A community.
Great review! I carry the 135 Critical Duty in my 9mm’s, and 230 Ranger T in my .45’s. Glad to know they work well!
Solid choices all around
RANGER T-SERIES is inconsistent tho 🤦♂️..in 9mm at least. In .45ACP it's great!!
I use 9mm 124gr +P HST often. Winchester Bonded PDX1 +P is good too. Ranger T T series isn't bad in 230gr +P .45acp.
@@DavidLLambertmobile those rangers have sharp talons I shot some into water it was impressive in 230gr
@@DavidLLambertmobile The PDX-1 BONDED in 147gr is my preference over the 124s ..in 9mm ..
In .40 S&W the 165gr are excellent accurate rounds👌
Finally! Someone singing the praises of the round i carry in my EDC, the Underwood loaded LeHigh Xtreme Defender! I have loved everything about this round since i saw ballistic tests here on TH-cam. It's kind of expensive, but how much is my life worth?...
Exactly 💯 right now it's one sake on Underwood ammo site just a heads up
@@unclefreedom213 I know, I just bought 200 rounds last week!
@ShiftyKen 08 I ordered more too!
My 3 go-to hollow points are HST, Gold Dot, and Federal Punch. My fmj for practice are usually Blaser Brass because they are usually 14.95 for 50 at Academy.
That punch is super surprising for an inexpensive as they are they perform quite well and just missed making my top 10. I have had some issues with blazer brass itself not the round but reloading the brass has presented issues to me withnit being brittle.
I can't find gold dot anywhere
@thelurker9472 do a Google search for able ammo Huntsville Tx. I'm about 40 minutes away from there, and they have a pretty good selection. Gold Dots are a little pricey, especially the 50 rnd box.
.451” Xtreme defender 190gr over 7.8gr ram shot true blue is my carry ammo. Zips good and does what it’s supposed to in gel tests. In northern states where carharts and other heavy warm clothing is normal, that’s why I I chose it as my carry bullet.
Same boat here with Carhartt
Hst or critical duty are top of the line
Underwood Extreme Defender is far and away the best pistol round. I carry it in 9mm, .45 ACP, and 10mm
I picked up the free floated hand guard version earlier this year. Put a Geissele SDC trigger in it, and a Primary Arms SLX 1-6 gen 3 on top. Haven't gotten to any kind of distance, but at the indoor range, the whole magazine makes one ragged hole. Can't wait to get to an outdoor range. Stay safe out there! My uncle never thought anything bad could happen, until John Hinkley shot him in the neck. Love your content!
Thanks it's hard to beat Primary arms 1-6 they are solid
@unclefreedom213 especially for the money. All those features, plus glass that's hitting way above it's class, for under $300? And I like the chevron aim point. I only have around 600 rounds through it, but there hasn't been as much as a hiccup. Keep doing what you do, and again, be safe out there!
💯 on the UMC. It tends to shoot very accurately too.
Whenever someone says something about people being thinner than the testing gel, remind them BBs that harmlessly bounce off your skin go in 3 inches.
ha! ha! Ok.... you answered my question! Thanks! liked and subscribed
Great information. Passing it on. Thank you, sir.
Thank you
Luckily for me I'm fun and already agree with quality 🤘🤠🤘
So glad I found your Channel. Really appreciate what you do, keep up the good work.
Middle 90s to early 00s, the XTP was loaded in ammo known as "TAP" "Tactical Application Police"
I carry these in Fiocchi "Extrema" 9mm.
Another awesome video. And thanks for the advice on the defensive rifle rounds.
Thanks for watching
Nice. I carry 124gr +P HST or Gold Dot in all my defensive guns save one. I occasionally carry a Glock 42 .380 when I’m running. I’m that .380 I use Underwood loaded with those Lehigh Extreme Defender bullets.
I’ve got a couple old boxes of the OG Black Talon in .45acp that my uncle gave me after he retired from duty that I just keep because it’s cool.
First time seeing your channel, and I was impressed with your knowledge and presentation skills. New subscriber!
Thank you
I carry the flying screwdriver in whatever I carry, from my J frame, to my PX4, to my Glock 21.
The defender is such a good round. Seeing what it does makes me excited for what the next development in small arms projectiles will be.
So??? In your no go 10 rounds vid you said critical defense was no go. Counterdicting yourself often here. Just like when you said one round penetrates to much and another doesn't.
@@unclefreedom213btw F extreme defender. It's a phillips screwdriver tip. I told them about it before it was made and to just give credit where its due but they didn't. So I'm sore about it. Lol sry.
I have some +P 50 grain hollow points from Liberty Ammunition box says 2040 FPS. I haven't gotten to shoot them yet, I lost my 9mm in a boating accident sadly and haven't been able to replace it yet, but I imagine they must scream being as fast as a subsonic rifle round. 2040 FPS, 462 FPE, 2" dispersion @ 25m, 12' penetration @ 10ft, reduced recoil, deep cavity projectile, starburst fragmentation is what the box states.
I actually do cover these on my other list.
May you recover from your boating trip, sometimes the seas are nasty
You gotta test some of the LEO G9 Defense E.H.P. monolithic copper rounds loaded by a state of the art facility in Idaho it's definitely the best I've seen
Great video about all the brands of barrier defeating, 9mm, defensive pistol ammo, Uncle Freedom! Very impressive knowledge U have acquired! Also it was good to hear that Paul Harrell was right on, with his long time use, of Remington Green an White box pistol ammo ! 😄😆
Thank you!
I've been carrying Hornady Critical duty in my G23 for over 10 years now, my son carry's the same. The wife carries Critical Defense in her SR40c.
Underwood Extreme Defender. Incredible wound cavity.
agreed
So helpful. Thanks for posting!
Glad it helped
I love the old Federal Hydra-Shok
Its on his no go list.
Ive been carrying the xtp for a couple years and Im satisfied with all the testing Ive seen. I like the +p variant specifically for short barrels to aid expansion. Out of my 5 inch pistol I like the punch which reaches 1250+ fps and really opens up.
The punch round is surprising
@@unclefreedom213 the punch is a really really good round. I wish they'd give us a real +p version.
All very good picks. HST is the bomb 💣 literally. But I must be honest I haven't tested a lot of auto glass or barriers . Great picks tho. All will do the job. For sure.
Thank you
have seen the videos on auto glass with HSTs.... you'll not be disappointed!!
Very nice video, I like how indepth you went into testing the rounds and giving the feedback, I personally carry the winchester ranger 127gr+p+ in my glock19.
That is a nasty round it can lack in penetration due to its speed but just a nasty round the T series bullet is just no joke
@unclefreedomvalleytacticsa7521 I'm from South Africa, so on this side we a bit limited to all the available option out there, I was running the winchester ranger 124gr+p but availability was a problem it wasn't being imported so I stocked up on those 127gr after doing the function test. HST is another favorite but haven't seen that for years on this side.
@@kameelramdhingrindrod9431 Cheers from across the world excellent ammo choices all around
I run the same in my Gen 5 G19 Kameel. Assuming you're from Durban or Jhb? 147gr HST's in 9x19 are available in Jhb if you're interested? Dave Sheer has the 50 round boxes and Tactical HQ has the 20 round civilian boxes.
@thepatriotsrage661 hi brother thanks for the heads up, I'm from Durban our shops here are really limited. The 50 round boxes are a pretty good deal, just a pity I'm not in JHB. When I found the 127gr rangers in Durban I ended up stocking up on that 👍
Ones you didn't mention that I use
SXT T-Series 115 +P+
SXT T-Series 127 +P+
SXT T-Series 147
Haven't run any through Minecraft characters or laminate glass, but they're stunning the sheetrock and laminate wood into gel.
Always enjoy your presentations, and try to think critically when I may disagree.
In a video I watched earlier that was posted August 2024, you mentioned a video of top 5 carry rounds for 9/40/45. I don't see that video. Is it not posted yet?
Keep up the good work and stay safe out there
I adopted the Hornady Critical Defense in several calibers after watching Paul Harrell do an extensive series of tests with his meat target around 4-5 years ago. He tested several barrel lengths from 2 inches on out and calibers from .380 APC on up.
The Hornady round was the only one in his tests that consistently opened up without over penetrating.
I do have the Remington JHP in .357 magnum in my Ruger GP-100 with a 6 inch barrel. I got the 50 round box when Wal-Mart stopped carrying pistol ammo. It is a very accurate, hard hitting round in that revolver.
I have some of the remington in .357 and .38+p no issues with either. I love Paul's videos he is probably one of the best out there
Great information! I have been hesitant to trust the Underwood Xtreme Defense rounds as my primary carry rounds, as they looked too much like "gimmick" rounds (cough - DRT / RIP - cough). I currently carry HSTs in 124-gr in my CZ P01 and in 147-gr in my Hellcat. Based partially on your review, and that of Tools and Targets, I've decided to switch to Blue Line ammo using the 90-gr Lehigh Xtreme Defender in 90-gr+P. I am also interested in the 68-gr Xtreme Defender, but will wait until I can test it using a ballistic pendulum before I go to that light a bullet. Thanks, and keep up the great work! 👍👍👍
Awesome I enjoy a Tools video as well that man cracks me up. I'm from Bama so I don't need a translator
@@unclefreedom213 🤣
Nice ! Gary Griffiths I wasn't familiar with Blue line ammo but I will be working up an order for them now. I see their using those newer Forged alum/stainless cases too! Those things are incredible for reloaders . I watched them reload the same 9mm +P and .223 rounds and shoot them like 50 times or so! It was incredible! Plus you can pick up your spent cases with a roller magnet! They use a slightly modified sizing die to push the case back off the die with a spring loaded plunger because the case is so much stronger than brass. Other than that its about the same as normal reloading. I was looking for some Xtreme Defenders for my newly acquired .380 Ruger Security pistol I just bought. I don't trust the expanding rounds to go deep enough in the weaker 380, even tho Federal passed the FBI test protocol with their .380ACP HST "Deep" ammo back in 2020. It was done with a load that is made just for LEO, and is loaded slightly hotter than their regular "deep" HST 380 (facepalm) It needs to be available to all of us!
@@PatriotPaulUSA FWIW, I tried some Underwood .380 xtreme defender ammo several years ago when I was primarily carrying a Ruger LCP. It was CONSIDERABLY hotter than anything else I used, including the Cor-Bon HPs that were my primary carry rounds.
I just carry 124 and 115 full metal jacket rounds, in my Glock 17 gen 5 .
I know and understand what the round does and does not do.
Found it. Thank you, Sir. Appreciate the list.
Glad you found it. I gotta remember to link these things together.
@@unclefreedom213 Was wondering on the best round for the new Walther CCP M2. I will read up on your list.
@The Truth That's the new 9mm right 3 and half barrel is 8 round cap correct? if so I would ask ypuis barrier penetration important to you or are you looking at this like a never have to shoot through a barrier gun.
If barrier penetration is important I would say the critical duty 124gr+p or honestly the 90gr extreme defender loading from underwood. The 90 grain functions flawlessly even in Plain gel, doesn't depend on expansion and will be milder in the recoil game. Perfect fir something in a lighter slimmer handgun. The 124+p critical duty load will be snappy out of the lighter gun but will achieve favorable results even through compound angle auto glass with solid penetration in the 12 to 16 inch range out of handguns I've fired with similar barrel length.
If barriers are of no concern to you and your main value is it dumping energy and be more comfortable to accurately fire quick follow ups I would go to the Critical defense 115 gr from Hornady. It'll give you optimal penetration in the 9 to 12 inch range greatly reducing you over penetration risk all while driving deep enough to hit vitals out of the smaller gun. Critical defense will also lessen the flash seen from the shorter barrel and smaller gun due to the powder blend which can and will save you night vision in a defensive application. You lose barrier capability but if you don't need it you don't need it.
If you can't find those and budget is of concern I've also had great success from shorter barrels firing the Federal 138gr Syntech Defense as well as the Federak Punch 124gr offering. The syntech isn't that snappy and has low flash when firing smaller guns. You won't risk over penetration with either of those but neither have solid barrier performance outside of the odd plywood or sheetrock and even then it can be marginal. Keeping in mind neither if them were purpose built for barriers they make a solid economic option that would allow you to get some training in on your carry load and throughly vet them in your firearm.
Hope this helped and thanks for giving me a question that let's me nerd out a bit.
@@unclefreedom213 Well, YT took down my reply for whatever reason. 🙄 So I will make it brief.
1.) Your first question/answer was correct. 2.) Answer to your second question, Yes. 3.) Handbook advises against +p (wear issues) and +p+ (too much pressure), but I would think the 124 gr would be fine in a CC scenario. 3. Your nerdness has you listed in my My Channels.👍Thank you Sir, for your extensive reply. Appreciate that.
I've shot Remington/UMC 115 grain JHPs for decades and never has it failed me. Now a days considering the price of ammo you can never go wrong with this ammo.
Agreed it surprised the hell out of me but what it does it does well
Amen! Its been a great one and I've only used it a short time myself. Paul Harrell turned me onto it. I listen to smart guys like him and Uncle Freedom 😁😁😆
Phoenix Rising 9mm Incendiary :>
I can agree with 8 of the ten you mention, the ones which I would never use are both of the Hornady bullets. Both seems to penetrate to a good depth but don't expand very well, the Critical Duty expands slightly better than the Critical Defense but neither expands very well.
The one I like the best is the HST.
I used to think the same thing. I questioned hornady about that very thing at their ballistics class. Once I understood the why behind it, it made sense. The design function is the higher antimony lead alloy. Controlled expansion while balancing the need for deeper penetration and barrier performance. That's why the defense expands more, softer lead alloy. The HST is a great bullet but will get beaten, though not by a ton by the critical duty in barrier performance. The hornady round is interlock bonded, preventing over expansion that will limit its penetration. Also, the Hornady round is designed to shed its petals through auto glass to ensure optimal penetration in ballistic media after glass penetration. They're both great rounds. I just figured I could shed light on the smaller expansion diameter.
@@unclefreedom213 and Denny Davis , I 100% agree . Hornady's dont get as large but its by design just as Uncle Freedom said. Its so it can get thru auto glass or 2 sheets of 18 gauge steel etc and THEN go thru denim layers and end up 12-16" in the 10% ballistic gel. Which is a special ballistic gel that is specked out by the FBI as well for their testing protocol. I will bet "Critical Duty" is probably a bit too hot for the average citizen to CCW as it would overpenetrate right thru just a average human. Hence the design of "Critical Defense"- Its not designed for barriers except denim layers and about 9"-10" of ballistic gel which it does perfectly!
Used strictly for self-defense the HST kicks the Hornady loads ass pretty badl
y@@unclefreedom213
Federal 9BPLE ! (+P+)
Been around for nearly 50 years. Back during the early days of 9mm in LE, it became the king of the hill in the southern states; mainly due to its lighter weight re: poorer performance in heavy clothing penetration tests.
Federal syntech is priced pretty well for what it does making training with it way cheaper and shoots super clean!
I really dig that round
I carried fed hst and the win pdx defenders LEO brother the ranger T for years, still love them both. However I have become I guess you could say religious user of Hornady, its in all my guns, full size handgun critical duty, pocket pistols critical defense, buckshot and rifle rounds all Hornady
Next I wanna try the Ranger T
Pretty solid rounds not as consistent as some but a top performer none the less
Well Guess Im The Bad or Weird Dude but!!Gold Dot 147 grain hollow points or Fiocchi never failed me
You should do a 10 mm test and rating
I was surprised to not see Corbon mentioned on this list, or your no-go list. Back in the day, it was the shit. I have tested it extensively in ballistic gel and dummies, clothed and bare, and it always performs excellent. I personally have over 1000 boxes of 115 gr +P and 125 gr +P 9mm Corbon. And at our bug out compound, we probably have over 10,000 boxes of them.
What are your thoughts on Corbon?
I haven't done a ton or corbon offerings but I will be doing some in the near future
I'm glad you said that I've had good performance from the 115+P (1350fps) out of a 4" barrel is excellent 👌
I agree it's a really good round . I heard it has a reputation for fragmentation like a rifle round but whatever it's probably devastating on tissue
Carry a 180 grain Gold Dot in 10mm. But, just finally, after shooting for almost 50 years, bought my first 9mm. Definately interested in good carry ammo.
The technology is so good now it's hard not to like a 9mm 20 years ago I would not have said that
Ha! Old Remington white box made the list. Killed critters with it but obviously not anyone. Good stuff.
Best cheap option out there
If you mention velocity and energy, mention the barrel length. If you mention what you've loaded, again barrel length and powder.
What made you choose the lyman?
EDIT: What were the 5 test guns?
handgun rounds are almost exclusively 4 to 4.25 barrels unless specifically mentioned as shorter ie g26.
As far as Lyman press? I have a redding T7 as well but really love how solid the lyman is when seating and honestly the Turret is smoother than the Redding
I'm a big Fort Scott Munitions guy myself.
Awesome video. I carry the 90 grain Underwood in my Staccato P. 135 grain in my Nighthawk Custom 1911 45acp
glad you enjoyed the content the Underwood loadings are down right scary good
Have you noticed any new primer or powder issues with the new transfers of power with the ammo makers? We’ve had quite a few fail to detonate with Winchester recently that we have not had before these companies were sold out of country.
Awesome vid UF! It's so seldom I find someone I agree almost completely with and that's perhaps due to past experience and testing I've physically done myself. I can see you've tested extensively based on your stated opinions.
Some thoughts/observations:
I need to correct you on the WW Defender, it is NOT the same as the Ranger T series by WW. The Defender or PDX-1 is a bonded bullet resembling the T series bullet but it is actually a repackaged WW Ranger Bonded. So the Ranger Bonded by Winchester is the same as the PDX-1 or Defender. The WW Ranger T series is a NON-BONDED JHP, thus making it susceptible to core-jacket separation (I have seen this in my own testing, I have also seen a Speer Gold Dot lose its core but that's another conversation).
WW Ranger Bonded has a suffix of 'B' at the end of the product code e.g. RA9B, whereas the WW Ranger T has a 'T' suffix at the end of it's product code e.g. RA9T.
The Barnex XPB as I mentioned in my last post, works ok but it's underloaded in my opinion. Look at Cor-Bons DPX and how well it performs at 1250fps+ for the 115gr XPB. Barnes could up the loading by a good 130fps.
Very interested to hear your thoughts on the Speer Gold Dot and why it failed in your testing. I have seen it fail, but not often; but then again it all depends on the testing protocol you use. i.e. IWBA standard is much harder to pass than the FBI standard.
Glad you showed the WW Ranger T some love, it is a great bullet/load and deserves respect. In all of the local SD shootings here in Johannesburg, the Ranger T used in various flavours from 124gr +P, 127gr +P+, 147gr in 9x19, 165gr in .40 and 230gr +P in .45ACP have ALL resulted (due to excellent shot placement) in DRT's aka dead as they hit the ground.
Overall, super interesting; thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
Best wishes from South Africa.
Love the Ranger t it's a solid round. I didn't realized some of those differences on the defender rounds. So I thank you for teaching me something and I will dive further. I hate passing on bad info but love the opportunity to learn. Barnes does underwood some stuff they are will to hotrod thier Tac bullets and those are pretty solid. I have a new thing I'm gonna test one of my buddies just got a .400 cor-bon which is a .40 in necked down .45 acp.
Protocol I will typically run is the FBI I know there are tough tests out there but its a solid standard for defensive handgun. There are a few other test I will do for rifles
As Macabre as it sounds hearing that real uses data resulting in DRT is awesome and I would love to know more for my data on the subject.
As far as the Gold Dot most of the fails have come from 147gr and some of the 180 in .40 I have seen it in .45 as well though not a consistently. The heavier loadings in not +p velocities puts them very close to expansion threshold so the trend towards over penetration and more so when we hit a barrier. with a 165 in 40 or +p with 9mm the tend to function very well and consistently but have still over penetrate and the hollow point clogs on them more than some. Just what I've seen on my end. I had a guy get mad in here because I didn't film it all, I told him I never intended on making a youtube but the way I see it is other people Alcan use my knowledge and possibly save some money or heart ache
@@unclefreedom213 The Ranger T is an awesome round UF, I'm glad you see that. So many other folk bash them for their intermediate barrier performance, but as we both know; they work in real world scenarios. No worries man, the correction came from a place of care and wasn't to be mean.
As for the .400 Corbon, that's magic!! It's a very obscure caliber but it works very well. Same as it's .357Sig cousin.
Overall, awesome vid and great observations made.
Greetings, I discovered your channel a couple hours ago, I watched the 9mm No Go rounds, and agree with you on those, As an ex-LEO back in the early 80s, I carried the 357 Magnum with Remington 125gr SJHP at 1,450fps, 9mm rounds back them were lame, I carried a small centerfire semi-auto as back-up, bullet technology has advanced greatly in recent years, In 9mm compact, I use several different cartridges, such as, Federal 124gr+P HSTs and Underwood 90gr+P and +P+ Xtreme Defender, I also have a box of the Critical Defence that I bought in Dec. 2019 and the box claims 1,140 fps, I've seen them pass through a car door and penetrate halfway through a block of ballistic gel, I know, I found that hard to believe, but I saw it with my own eyes, I like the no bull stance you take. Subbed. 👍 🇺🇸
Thank you the advancements we've seen in bullet technology are close to the ones we've seen in flashlights. I remember being excited I was issues a light with the blinding 60 lumens of the surefire 6p now I have a 1000 lumens on my pistol. A little over 20 years it's crazy
@@unclefreedom213 Indeed, I have one that claims 10,000 lumens, which I think 6,000 is more like it, the same light now claims 20,000, It's very bright at whatever it really is. THX for the reply. 🇺🇸
I’m glad you liked the Lehigh extreme defenders most people I see trust them but I see a few guys calling them a gimmick
They are stellar and they just plain work
Lehigh makes a 68gr 9mm thats is super fast. Underwood pushes it over 2000fps
I got a box of them in and 100 projectiles gonna run em here soon
That Hornady CD bullet looks a lot like the 255gr pill that they put in their subsonic 7.62x39. Wish someone would test it in gel.
Close for sure the subsonic rifle rounds were designed out yo expand down to almost high 800 fps the 300 blackout is nuts in the sub X. Hornady should have a gel shot on their website they gel test everything they develop and post results. If for some reason you can't find it reach out to me on IG @unclefreedom213 and I will contact the folks over there as they are local to me and get them to shoot me some data to pass on to you
My Carry .40 Glock is loaded with Critical Duty as are all of my spare mags.
hell yes good stuff.
👍👍
I carry Glock30 e with critical defence and Speer Goldot
I wish someone would deep test Federal's Guard Dog rounds. It's a sleeper that's gone unnoticed for years. In my own informal testing w/screw cap sealed gallon plastic water jugs, this polymer collapsing flatnose non-hp caused noticeably MORE & VIOLENT reaction/damage than ALL of the big name, high tech HPs I managed to get ahold of to test w/my various pistol types. One .40 Dog round blew the jug 2 feet in the air and the plastic cap over 40 feet away! I know it's not strictly scientific, but if sheer immediate damage & pain contribute to stopping effect, then I sure as hell wouldn't want to get hit by one! Nothing else in pistol caliber really came close. Another sleeper is Glaser Silver (or blue) safety slugs. I fired one older 9mm flatnose blue into a head sized "personal watermelon" @ 20 feet from a 5" Beretta 92 & it just DISINTEGRATED; I mean just juice & a couple of small pieces of rind were all I could find. Again, wouldn't want to get hit by one. FWIW, fluted-type hitech rounds, classic Golden Sabers, Hornady's polymer plug rounds, DRT'S frangibles, & Federal Classic 9BPLE type bullets were the least impressive, most disappointing tested w/minimal, FMJ-level lack of evidential damage/disruption. Speer GoldDot, Winchester PDX bonded, & Federal HydraShok/HST caused the next most damage after Guard Dog, but not nearly as visibly violently.
I have fired the guard dogs I have 1000 of the projectiles
Great video!
Thank you
Underwood is my favorite because they cover damn near EVERY cartridge! I’ve got underwood ammo in 9mm, 10mm, 300 blk, 556, 308, and 50 Beowulf. All of them run beautifully! I’m also a huge fan of the Fort Scott Munitions! Love them! They definitely don’t get enough credit. I’ve got some of their ammo in 9mm, 556, and 308. Absolutely love it. Hoping the come out with a 50 Beowulf loading.
My edc is a Glock 20 with underwood 115 gr extreme defender.
Oh shit a 50 beowolf would be freaking nasty.
I get over 1100 fps with sig elite defense out of my p365. Consistently in the low 1100s. Expands every time. Can't go wrong. But there are several really good rounds out there.
Bought a box of Rem 115 UMC JHP. One of the primers blew back out of the case and fried the inside of my pistol for 3 seconds (hissing and smoking) until I had to drop it. I had a very hard time getting it apart but it is all metal and was not damaged, I went online to complain and they were out of business. Cannot use them again.
Oh man that sucks to hear glad you gun is okay though
I used to only carry federal punch 124 or Winchester defender +p 124. I've also used Ford Scott for home defense in 45 acp. But now I carry a mixed mag. 9mm underwood 115 extreme penetrator last, then 147 +p xtp underwood, and first 90 +p extreme defenders. I switched over, as I did more research, but I would still use any one of my old choices without hesitation.
Interesting mix why do you run a mixed mag? Not bagging on you, genuinely curious. For me my in gun mag and spare are the same 135 duty +p in my, p07,p09,p01tac, g19, g45 etc 124duty +p in g26, 365 etc and ranger t in my sigs. all have a third mag that is in my pack loaded with 90gr defenders that I handload 1500 to 1545 fps.
I use Hornady Critical Duty 135 grain as my defensive ammo (Glock 17 and Glock 26). Works well, no issues. If it's good enough for the FBI, it's good enough for me.
love them the 135+p load is awesome in every handgun I've shot it in I run the 124gr+p duty in my g26 performs a little better through barriers but then again it was designed for the subcompact barrels
What size barrel were you using for the federal Syntech? My carry pistol is a Sig P365 with around a 3 inch barrel. Thanks!
I love your videos and watch them as soon as they show up. Been here since the start and love to see you blowing up! Big question, any point in running 147gr 9mm for defensive loads or just stick with 115/124?
In some loadings the 147 does great mainly hotter loadings. The issue you hit is 147 is a slow mover and is right on the crest of expansion threshold at the muzzle so barriers or heavy clothing can mess things up. If you're running a good velocity 147 from the likes of gold dot, hst or ranger t shouldn't be an issue. That said I prefer a 124 or the 135 grain area
Thank you for the kind words I was shocked when things started taking off.
Critical Duty & PDX1 for my 40s&w 🙌🏾😎💯.
I use the pdx1 and ranger t ammo when i can get them. Most consistent rounds i have used.
Solid rounds for sure
Have you texted fiocchi defense dynamics 124 grain yet?
Hornady and Federal Premium have discontinued Nickel Plating on their premium ammo cases, "Temporarily," due to "Supply Chain Crisis" Most of these ammo companies send out their cases to get plated. Unfortunately the China slowdown of materials has caused the plating companies to be 2-4 weeks delay at minimum and the ammo companies cannot afford that kind of time delay. (they probably are used to 24-48 hr turnaround) So Hornady and Federal Premium have said that until they can get Nickel Plating done in a reasonable time frame, it will be excluded temporarily. (I would not expect any change on this until we get new leadership in DC) 😊 Too bad the price hasn't changed for us unfortunately.
Hornady and Federal still nickle their premium rounds. They both stopped nickle on the self defense loads Punch and critical defense
I've been carrying federal syntech defense SJHP 138. 👌 round. Especially when your getting 4 separate wounds and bleeds from a bullet. 👌👍. Great job by federal.
Agree it was surprisingly good I wasn't expecting much. Really like the round and it's inexpensive
@@unclefreedom213 Good morning, Uncle Freedom. Yea, it surprised me. When I decided to become a CCW carrier back in December. Good lord I watch and watch and watch videos of testing from everyone. I've been a federal ammo guy all the way back 2002 when I skeet shooting. When I got into pistol here recently, and came across federal syntech defense SJHP ammo, and already been using their target red tip syntech ammo. Choosing their defense SJHP was a no Brain ' er. I chose this defense ammo because it gives me what I NEED and ONLY need. To get the job done. I'm not all about BLASTING thru a wall, to hit an a person breaking into my home or whatever. Like you said, even tho some of us are with USCCA, God forbid you gotta use your firearm in self defense. Yes! State prosecutor going look at EVERYTHING. Including what ammo you used. This is way I called several of my local P.D and sheriff's departments on what they carrier. That's the smart thing to do if someone is a CCW carrier. And federal syntech defense SJHP 138 grain came in 🤏 just under what my local P.D uses. My Smith&Wesson M&P9 2.0 4.25 metal pistol loves that stuff.
Glad you gave some alternatives to Hornady. Used to be my go to ammunition. I want nothing to do with them after they threatened to fire any of their employees that didn't get the jab. And then had the nerve to deny it even though the public had already seen the company letter to their employees. Given you mentioned law enforcement and government agencies using their ammo, I guess its no surprise they were willing to throw their employees under the bus in exchange for money. I won't support a company that forces workers to inject untested chemicals into their body.
True which was weird because our entire state which Hornady is in is a non mandate state. Our Gov made sure of it pretty much no law enforcement got jabbed, because fuck that. Only ones I know that got it was their choice can't speak for hornady that was a poor move. Doesn't change my opinion on the ammo itself company politics excluded
Just watched your other video top 10 no no defense ammunition you just got a fellow hello from the same state
Hi to you as well. which region are you
@@unclefreedom213 omaha area
Have family there Millard Papillion area
Have u tested the 115 grain pmc bronze 9mm jhp
Need to check out the G9 ammo. That seems top notch.
What I have stocked in 9mm:
* Hornady 124gr XTP +P
* SinterFire Special Duty
* Liberty Civil Defense
* Norma MHP (for barter)
* Sierra 115gr Sport (for barter)
Tricked me. Saw the norma mhp box got confused cus only heard bad but never reard its head.
I use the Fort Scott Tui 115 gr 9mm. They shoot smooth and are very accurate.
Excellent rounds
NovX Extream
1700 feet per second
65 Grain
S/S casing
Polymetric Head
Shot watermellon
Went in like a Grape came out like softball😮
Isn't that stuff thw ARX just rebranded I know it's using shell shock case so a higher pressure but the copper/poly matrix bullet just isn't as good as the solid copper options doing the same stuff. Shell shock cases are cool though, you just have to get their proprietary die to reload them
9 by 25 would be a nice test
I would love to shoot some 9x25 and really handload for it. Might need to see if some of my contacts around me have one I can use.
AH yes Critical Defense, that is what my wife uses in her edc. Good for what it is intended for.
Absolutely In its lane it's awesome
I couldn't get the 147grain defender to expand through cloth barrier idk about the 124+p. I carry either critical duty or defence every test ive done on them they've worked. Great list on best and worst.
putting TUI and syntec defense on here but putting v crowns on the worst list is batshit insane
I still like the NovX ENGAGEMENT EXTREME
65 GR 1,730 FPS for carrying
I am torn on the Novx rounds some have done great some really bad. My light for caliber non expanding choice is the xtreme defender from lehigh
So, it seems like that Federal Syntech load is designed to work very similar to the G2 RIP.
kinda same premise but the syntech weighs over 130grs and the base that penetrated is still more weight than the RIP round whole. The biggest issue with the rip is super lightweight for caliber and really fast which combined create terrible penetration and not rhe greatest wounding characteristics. The syntech is heavy gor caliber moderate speed and focuses on good penetration
Nice video I didn’t pay attention to what ammo I carried before but, the info you give makes me think more about what I should carry.
That's is honestly the goal. Thank you