LuckyGunner.com just tested a ton of defensive pistol loads

R

rugerdude

New member
Here's a link to the page with their results and testing criteria: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/


They tested 117 different types of defensive ammunition between 4 calibers, .380ACP, 9mm, .40S&W, and .45ACP. The table near the bottom of the page graphs penetration depths, average expansion, velocity, and provides high-speed video of each load as well as final pictures of the gel-blocks used and the bullets themselves after being fired. This is a great resource for anyone looking to do some research into ammo for their carry weapon or HD firearm. You can even sort by penetration depth, or max expanded diameter depending on what you value.
 
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Very, very cool data point.

I'm really shocked by how some of these performed. I wouldn't have imagined that the 165-grain and 180-grain Gold Dot would perform so differently.

This does verify my load selections as generally good ones, which makes me happy.
 
Thanks. The difference is, as others said, surprising.

I also couldn't get the original link to to work but was able to use the Limnophile provided.

Thanks again for the catch.
 
Nice info thanks. And thanks to Limnophile for the link.

Just bought a bunch of Ultimate Defense 9mm. Doesn't look good. On the other hand, my Hornady loads look fine.
 
WOW! Good testing and great presentation of basic data...wish we had more gelatin covers like angled 1mm steel and or auto glass and or leather jacket and or denim....
 
This really has me rethinking my 9mm carry load. While my current choice, Winchester Defend 147gr, gets good results, it's tough to beat the Speer 115gr load which is almost half the cost if you can find the 50 round boxes. Hmmm.
 
The Speer had some good loads as did the HST, if we can find those. I was surprised that overall heavier wasn't better like it generally shows in 40 and 45. 9mm, just had some good and some not so good!
 
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