Concealed Carry: Ammo Selection
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Paul discusses which ammo he uses in his concealed carry handguns.
Shirts and patches from Tristar Trading Co:
Other platforms:
Rumble: rumble.com/c/P...
Odysee: odysee.com/@pa...
Paul's Patreon: www.patreon.co...
This video was edited and uploaded by:
Brad Nelson - minutemantheory.com
My only complaint is that Paul often says he could talk for an hour about a subject but never does.
Oh but he does, and he does it better than most 👍👍
Watch his rebuttal video. That was an hour and a bit long, and was the best dressing-down I have ever seen. Though I did want to run for cover at the last couple minutes, he was *pissed off in the worst way*
Scott Kenny 38 Thanksgiving Special
Threatening us with a good time
JB That little tease lol.
When Paul says "... I'm not making recommendations; this is only what I use."
I start taking notes on what he uses.
When I feel stressed out.... A little Paul Harrell is like a nice soothing massage!
Paul Harrell - My favorite place to learn on RUclips
Tony: and the slightly tasteless bowties :-D
Something's wrong here, Paul.
The sun is out and there's no rain.
PinkOld, and he isn't in bed either! LOL! Loved that video!
PinkOld but he's still wearing the same jacket!
Are we sure this isn't a replicant Paul Herrell? I thought his skin had to stay wet so he wouldn't suffocate.
He films in the rain so nobody is at the range when he's trying to film lol
John Doe: I guess he would wear the same jacket in a blizzard with sub-zero temperatures as well as in a scorching drought with 90 degrees under the siccamore tree (did I spell that right? Sorry if I didn't)
Don't stop making videos man do not stop
😢
Yeah that comment hit hard.
O7
Most underrated gun Channel on yt
I'm not adverse to a 1 hr vid from you paul. I'm sure we'd get alot of thoughtful insight into the subject at hand. You're what they call a professional.
"A lot" is two words... I just had to do it
"Can 3/4 of an inch really make that much difference?"
I just turned to my girlfriend and said "you be the judge."
Maximus Joseppi what did she say
You guys are too funny!
Put her knees to her ears, that will give you that extra 3/4 of an inch lol
Tommy TwoGun putting your SO in an awkward position extends the barrel? Good to know... I guess
girlfriend, or waifu pillow?
I love it when someone uses facts, logic and experimentation to arrive at a conclusion. It is so refreshing in these emotional times. Thanks Mr. Harrell.
"I'm what you call a professional"
Love your channel Paul.
He's a professional beige jacket with dark buttons wearer :-D
Having a very closely similar background to Paul, I use it Speer gold dots in all of my EDC... From exotics to common rounds, a lot of tests with their loads and I am convinced... plus the fact that almost every single department uses Speer CCI for their loads, if you do happen to get into a self defense situation, I will attes from prior trials, your bullets will come into question, so if you use those deadly black talon ultra RIP death Ray bullets, be prepared to explain yourself, but if you carry what's good for the goose is good for the gander it makes it that much easier... Plus the other ways of using defensive ammo tomato tomatoe to each their own...
3/4" definitely matters when measuring.
BigK depends on what you're measuring...lol
Or where you're measuring from. I go back of the balls.
Measure twice, cut once ;)
3/4” is 2 inches to some people.
cainrok: and 2½" is well over a foot to others . . .
"Well depending on what your measuring, three quarters of an inch can make a Lot of difference!" - (Paul Harrell 2018)
That's going on the Paul Harrell One-Liners list...
I need it on a T-shirt
MM53: Would make a great bumber sticker, too :-D
White Space Marines and he says it without the slightest grin. Can't wait for Johnny "180 second ideas" to get a hold of that quote
10:20 I was mind blown when you revealed it was the same ammo in different length barrels. That is some really solid info. As always thanks for your time Paul
Paul, you and your meat target make my days less depressive. Thank you, from the depths of my heart.
The gloom and dread that is monday mornings withers into oblivian when watching Paul . . .
It’s always a great day when Paul Harrell post a video. Very informative and detailed. Thanks for all of the info!
CA resident here. All kinds of "friends". Even *some* of my non-firearm associates enjoy watching these. Good job.
Yay! More PH balance in my life!
PH balance. Genius. Sheer genius!
PH Balance! Love it!
Genius
Improper PH balance can really wreck a lot of things in your life - your skin, your hair, your teeth, your breath...all will suffer if the PH is off.
This video, and videos like it, are periodically essential to maintaining a state of all-around wellness.
tackytrooper tell me about it! Nasty case of urthritis due to the woman's PH being a little off! Had me peeing and singing the high notes like Vince Neil.
Hahaha it's a SUPER coincidence that you posted this video !! Just yesterday I was looking for new "cheaper" carry ammo for my 9mm Glocks ( 17 and 26 both Gen 5's ) and I noticed that the Remington green + white box JHP 115 Gr was like $32 for a 100 pack at Walmart. I picked it up instantly and became my everyday and duty ammo. For the price, you can't beat it !
Can't wait to get home to tell my wife that three and a half inches are perfectly sufficient.
swampk9 I think she already believes that if she's your wife...oh right it's a joke and I'm an autist.
And it doesn't matter if it's visa or MasterCard
It's not the size, but how you use it! (said the guy with the smallest weiner)
salthack Holy shit 😂
@@caradocapcunobelin2875 oh damn. savage
I have yet to find a bad video from this source. Well thought out, well presented, informative, erudite, and concise with focus. I always learn something. I look forward to the new videos coming out each time.
Thank you Paul Harrell. I wasn't sure if 115 grain 9mm hollow points were good enough for self-defense, but after watching this video I am convinced 115 grain JHP's are just fine. I used to carry heavier grain 9mm JHP's, but I now carry Hornady Critical Defense standard pressure 115 grain XTP hollow points. Btw, I love all your videos! They are the most informative and entertaining gun videos on RUclips!
I've been 124gr HST for a while.
ShootingTheBull410 impressed me.
It would be cool if Paul and him did a collaborative video. I ended up with the 147 because it was on sale and the 124 was out of stock. The bull gave high marks to both.
Joe Morrell I use 147 grn HST and 150 grn HST myself. Love the ammo!
Shooting the bull convinced me too. The 124gr HST is what I choose for my smaller sized barrel Glock 43. The 147gr feel a bit too snappy coming out of the 3" barrel I think.
HST 124 for me too in all barrel lengths
For my Shield I also went with what ShootingTheBull410 came up with,but 147gr standard pressure HST in my case.It's a little snappy but less so than 124+p gold dots.At $19.95 per 50 rd box @sgammo.com it's also rather affordable.
Just give me the green and white box. I'll figure out which gun to put it in later
>Wasted a deer with a .25acp
The absolute madman
Also: "Depending on what you're measuring, 3/4" can be a lot"
LMAO
Emmanuel: only assholes shoots at a deer and doesn't kill it with the first shot. Doesn't matter if you use a BB gun or an 88 millimeter FLAK cannon. If you can take the deer out in the first shot 11 out of 10 times or better with a .25 ACP, then you go do that. If you can't even take out the deer with the first shot with a fucking anti aircraft cannon, stay home, or at least learn how to shoot before you hunt anything but flies with a fly swatter.
I've hunted 4 deer all with my 7mm-08 am almost 50 and haven't hunted in almost 20 yrs, Paul is shot more deer(in different circumstances, closer and private lands, farms) with pistols than I and twelve other guys in here combined will ever kill.
I get the feeling that he wasn't using that as his primary weapon. For some unknown reason, the first shot (may not have been his, maybe it was his son's first time deer hunting) failed to kill the deer, and he used the sidearm to kill the deer both humanely, and without losing any extra meat. Given the distance he said the shot was from within 10 yards, I doubt the deer was standing.
Emmanuel Goldstein When did he say anything about hunting?
Definite highlights of the video
Great review. Looking forward the the .380 ammo review.
I'd rather. 308
I love that every video is “out on the range today” - not a table or bench top review!! In the field at the range experience.
Another great video Paul. I always seem to learn something new when I watch your informative videos. Thank you as always.
Retired Marine here who's pretty picky about the gun channels that I subscribe to. This channel was a no brainer. No BS, just really good info presented in a well thought out manner. Thanks for putting in the range time to give us these great videos. Keep up the good work and, as always, Semper Fi.
Thank you for your service time. We Danes owe our indepence to the US, and to the best of my knowledge, you Marines are just about the damn best fighting force in the world.
Haven't watched yet, guessing green and white box...
Steve C, you got it!
Yeppers
#LOL
I cant believe it took me this long to find this channel.... the old guy from Tennessee is good but paul is so much better!!! Cant wait for the .380 vid
The 90 gr XTP in 380 works well in all barrel lengths including 2.75 inch if you get a good loading, some are hotter than others. The precision one load in Shootingthebull410 ammo quest did very well and passed the IWBA denim ordinance gel test
Yep,XTPs in a small .380 work very well.
Shootingthebull410 is one of the greatest ballistic testing RUclipsrs, wish he woulda kept up with testing. You’re right, his findings on the 2.75” .380 showed pretty much any ammo loaded w/ XTP bullets is the way to go. Way better than FMJ.
Your humor is so subtle.
Silvertips are what I use in my LCP .380. It was the best overall cartridge I ever tested in that particular gun, feeds the most reliably, has good expansion too. The only drawback is that the penetration isn't that great. I get a mean muzzle velocity of 926 FPS with that ammo for 162 FPE. Accuracy is good too, I find that in the LCP, cartridges that come in around 160 FPE seem to be the most accurate, but hyper-velocity ammo looks like buckshot all over the target.
The Silvertips are old school but they certainly do the job
From what I read, Silvertips for handgun calibers came out in 1979! I believe that in general, Silvertips came out in general for rifles in 1939.
If you want penetration make sure it's full metal jacket, if you want expansion make sure it's hallow points. I think it's a trade off 1 or the other but not both for lower powered ammo. That's my understanding, perhaps I'm missing a more nuanced view?
That's the exact truth. In Cartridges like .380 ACP or standard pressure .38 special, you often get okay penetration with not good expansion, or good expansion with poor penetration. That's just the cruel truth with cartridges that come in under 200 ft lbs of energy. One good middle of the road performer I tested was the Winchester White Box/ or Super X in .38 special and .380 ACP. The lead alloy was just hard enough to get good penetration, but just soft enough to get a little expansion, just enough to slow them down in fluid barriers.
Underwood Xtreme Defender in 380 is, like all the Xtreme Defender rounds, blowing away the competition.
I carry it in all my pistols (9, 38, and 380)
What do you recommend I carry?
Well these are the questions you need to ask yourself, and the experiments you need to do.
Well played sir, well played.
Probably the best answer I'll ever see on RUclips.
My wifes new nickname is now "meat target". It is not helpful at all.
Bahahahaha!
Do your rounds expand inside?
pork chop pectorals
How's your penetration?
Please don't say with Pig Ears !
I don’t remember if I have ever commented on this video or not before? Up until January 2020 I always bought, trained with and carried Speer Gold Dot ammo and Federal Premium HST ammo and for a short while I also bought and trained with Hornady Critical Duty ammo for scenarios where barrier penetration was at a higher probability. Generally speaking, anytime I was leaving the small, rural and minimal criminal activity town to go to the larger cities a few hours away, where crime is much higher. However, this past January I switched over to Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo in the heaviest grain weight for each and every handgun caliber available that I own. And in +P pressures, if available, in every handgun caliber that I own.
Tim from The Military Arms Channel did a fantastic job of testing that ammo against ironically, the same exact 3 ammo’s that I used to carry before. The Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo out performed every single one of those 3 brands of ammo.
I also discovered the 2016/2017 Joint Agency Ballistics Test For Handgun Self Defense Ammo. The report is a very detailed 52 page summary documenting the various calibers, barrel lengths, testing methods and results of every type of ammo and caliber that was tested.
The information summarizing the results and findings of the data discovered, from the Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo can be found on pages 31 to 33. However, the 52 page report contains a whole wealth of information relating to every type of test performed. In my opinion, the entire 52 pages report is one of the best resources available to study for anyone wanting to try and find the perfect type of gun, caliber and type of ammunition to carry that would specifically work for them and their individual needs.
I then began buying, training and using this ammunition as well. And just like the found results in the report that was summarized in it, as well as the results observed in the MAC, I too found that the Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo out performed every single other type of ammo and brand of bullet in every caliber that had the Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo tested in it.
pistol-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=31110&d=1538934056
Paul you are the best. That being said, I would like to make a request. Would you please do a presentation on one handed shooting. Dominant hand, non dominant hand, stance etc. I have to amit that this is something I do not practice enough. And it is a skill that I believe could be very useful in a self defence situation. Thanks for your consideration. And I can never thank you enough for your service to our great nation. You are a testament to our great PNW!
I'd like to see that also. Something about how to shoot, not what to shoot.
Actually I'd rather see one on dominant eye vrs. non dominant eye. I'm right handed with dominant left eye.
My grandfather used to say "If you can't shoot one-handed, you can't shoot"
I too like the green and white box Remington. I now exclusively buy it for 38 specials and usually just shoot it in my 357s as well. Where I live it is literally cheaper to buy 100 rounds of 125gr+p hollow points than it is to buy 100 rounds of 130gr FMJ standard pressure. The guns I use are rated for +p and while I’ve never shot a live target with them, shooting paper they hold better groups for me or as good as groups as anything I’ve shot in my guns.
Thanks for the video Paul.
Great video as usual. I look forward to the .380 video. I used to be a .380 hater until I actually shot some things with it.
Mike Smith How am I an idiot? What's wrong with shooting a piece of countertop and some scrap wood?
Mike Smith: So, every time someone evolves and widens his horizon (even when it means that he has to admit, that he's been wrong) he's an idiot? Good luck teaching anybody anything . . .
Thomas Raahauge Exactly why I'm puzzled by that statement. I mean, I have relatives who voted for Hillary Clinton so I'm not even the biggest idiot in my family.
I had tested, and was using, Rem G&W box ammo for years before I saw the great Paul Harrell give it a thumbs up. My doubts were minimal before... But, now!!!!! Absolutely ZERO doubts about it. It really is amazing what 3/4" of extra bbl length can do. It made the .380 go from a marginal defense caliber, to a very sufficient defense caliber(in that particular ammo). I always test ammo, before I depend on it for carry. This is a great example of why you should, too. You have to know that it's reliable, accurate, and effective. The flashy name on the box can sometimes be deceiving... Just sayin........
Paul's wife: "Have you seen the glass top patio table. I just saw it yesterday"'
Paul: " Yea, I'm using it to hold my targets".
Stoney silence.
Paul I love you man . You are very great with your words. But also you are very knowledgeable and I thank you for passing it along!!
Great video. I too use Remington 125 grain +p 125 sjhp in my .38 specials.
Best recommendation on ammunition selection out there. I highly recommend this!
Thanks for the video! I use blah blah blah ammo for my CCW and it works great in my equipment of choice....(which does fit my hand the best, LOL)... Mostly what I learn from your videos is thought process, and examples of what I should be thinking about when assessing the right solutions for my questions.....always a pleasure
Always great to watch! Wish there was a .45 acp in there but I guess you'd choose Remington green and white box
We could all use an extra 3/4"...
zunedog31 Story of my life
I'd take it
Some times, a little is enough.
I dunno, an extra 3/4" girth is getting to be a bit absurd...
Just want to tell you THANKS!!!! for sharing your knowledge and skills. You are very much appreciated! Thanks for your military service and sacrifice!
My day is complete
124 and 147 grain HST are both great. Speer Gold Dot 124 +p has a good street reputation also.
Hornady has been super accurate in every gun and caliber that I have tried
I wont say my carry and range ammo are the same, but thanks to Paul, I typically use JHP from reputable companies and I'll get whatever I can find the best deal on. Right now it's Fiocchi 115 grain and they cycle through all of my pistols and I haven't noticed any (non shooter related) issues. Winchester White Box seems to be another good go to. With my revolvers I have Remington Green and Yellow Box HTP in both 38+p and .357 and while they aren't cheap, you can find both for under $1/round.......and from all the videos I've seen and experienced at the range they both have performed w/o any issues.
I use whatever ammunition I see on Paul Harrel's channel that destroys the meat target appropriately. Seriously, though, I use Federal HST 124 gr JHP 9x19 regularly, but last time my store didn't have it. Thanks to one of your previous presentations, I felt comfortable substituting Sig Elite Performance.
I just recently have found and been watching your videos. I find your program the most informative of all of them. You present the answers to my questions so completely that I come away with a much better understanding of what it was I pondering over. Thank you very much and you can count on my support.
paul is what id consider a big brain centrist when it comes to firearms.
The Virgin Mall Ninja/Fudd vs The Chad Paul Harrell
Like the new intro. Once, at the suggestion of someone behind the counter at my local firing range, I bought some "defensive" Starfire +p 45 acp for my Colt 1991. It was pricey, so I figured I'd save it for its intended purpose, and shoot ball at the range. Few years later, I decided I should just shoot it for rotation purposes (refresh my stock). It caused an obnoxious slamming of my slide when I fired it, and my accuracy was for crap. Lesson learned.
"Shooting the bull" has done a nice "Ammo Quest" for .380 ACP
BillHimmel nice is an understatement . Top notch , unparalleled , near perfect . That's how I describe it
Yes. Unparalleled! Much better than what the "classic" gun channels offer! But he didn´t even get 50000 subscribers! Shame on the gun geeks for not appreciating his good work!
Military Arms Channel and IraqVet8888 convinced me to try Lehigh Xtreme Defender in my Kimber. Some say it's just a gimmick, but my wife, who works in the surgical unit of a Trauma 1 hospital, has told me that some law enforcement personnel carry this ammo as well. She has turned over the extracted bullets from police shootings as evidence and recognizes them as the same that we carry in 380 and 45acp. Not that it proves anything, but the reviews I've seen are impressive. Great video as always. Paul has the best gun videos. I always learn something from him.
Nicely done! Thank You Sir. :)
I am very glad you did the 380 comparison. Far too often people get fixated on caliber, grain, etc. and ignore that barrel length can make a huge difference in performance, not just accuracy. And that is amplified at the shorter lengths we see used for CC or simply EDC. What a person thinks is happening, and what IS, can be drastically different. And while this is not so critical with longer barrels, it becomes IMO very critical for short barrel pistols. Simply seeing a hole in paper does not tell the truth far too often. And yes, that applies to all calibers.
So I forget. Did Paul have five caveats or only two? Well in all the enjoyment of the video I forgot. I would also like to note that the person firing on the next lane over at the range should really stop firing when Paul speaks, they may learn something worthwhile, or just simple respect for the great Paul Harrell *(THIS IS A JOKE FOR A LAME HA HA I know he warns about the live fire.)*
Love the videos Mr. Harrell. Thanks for making them for us to watch. :)
Paul Harrell videos should be broadcast as a national emergency alert on all TV and radio stations.
Dsdcain - everything I do is for the "lame haha"
If I were shooting in the lane next to Paul, I wouldn't shoot while he's talking for fear of getting bitch slapped...
There should be an 11th commandment. "When Paul speaks, All should listen."
If I were shooting in the lane next to Paul, I wouldn't shoot while he's talking because I'd be in a state of awe, listening to every word... ;)
So after watching all Paul's videos whenever I explain something I now use "caveats". Thank you Paul Harrell!
I love the sound of guns firing, but they piss me off when they interrupt a Paul Harrell speech! They should call a cease fire when Paul makes his vids.
I think the somewhat unpredictable gun fire works wonderful as background music. Besides: it's a gun range, so people come there to shoot.
It doesn't seem to matter when he's sitting at a picnic table, BUT YOU PUT HIM IN BED ON THE RANGE. Son this place gets silent. Only one interuption and apparently the guy looked over to see who was there and BAM... no more noise except the pitter patter of a light drizzle.
Thomas Raahauge it doesn't generally bother me, but that one part of the video 3:25 where you couldn't here what Paul was saying...but Yeah, I get it. It's a range.
Josh: Perhaps we need to learn to lip read?
He was probably saying, "Remington Green and White box Jacketed Hollow Point..."
Paul,
We are all glad you are getting more subs - I have been since 30k or so.
Keep em' coming
It would be interesting to see the chronograph differences between those two 380 pistols with that ammo.
We'll put that to the test when we do a video specifically on .380 ammo.
Your message is loud & clear Paul.
When it comes to personal protection. Keep it simple.
had to like this after five caveats...
You're pretty slick. I love your videos and your sense of humor. Keep them coming brother.
Great video as always!
Thanks Paul, for this video. I am one of your viewers who asked about this topic. You confirmed that its best to practice with the ammo that you carry, and with fixed sights to find the ammo that gives you the desired impact point and group. Regards - Terry
First like. See Paul’s video- instant like.
I love this guy. His presentation and articulation...liking it.
Thanks Paul, Make It A Great Day! I guess I'll keep my false sense of protection with my little, overpriced boxes of ammo
"Depending on what you're measuring, three-quarters of an inch might be a lot of difference" Haha! Truer words have never been spoken. Once again, great video.
.38 Special = Underwood topped with 125 grain Speer Gold Dot
10mm = Underwood topped with the 155 grain Speer Gold Dot
Serious business calls for serious ammo.
I like their version of the F.B.I. load. (158gr +P SWCHP)
I want to see a meat test of the 38 Spl +P 158 gr. SWCHP.
PinkOld. My .45 acp Handloads with 185gr. XTPs out performed 10mm Underwood with 180gr. gold dot.
I've tested the Gold Dot and [as a rule] really like them. Unfortunately, at 10mm velocities, they tend to collapse on themselves and end up over penetrating the target mediums I've used. Don't get me wrong, I really like the Underwood stuff. I just wish they would switch the 10mm stuff to the original Hornady XTP bullet. It is much tougher. It's held together nicely up to 1400fps [180gr].
FWIW, Underwood definitely still has several loads topped with the Hornady XTP bullet, including 155 grain, 180 grain, and 200 grain loadings.
They're all in stock, and their prices are not at all unreasonable!
www.underwoodammo.com
Yes!! The best intro in the history of intros... loved the video Paul... keep up the good work!!
Deer 1: Let’s go graze over there near the guy without a rifle.
Deer 2: No way man. That’s Paul and he’s a professional.
Deer 1: I ain’t afraid of him. All he’s got is a mouse gun... **walks over to Paul**
Paul: **Aims pistol**
Deer 1: Hey guys look at this... He thinks he’s gonna take me out with a puny little pis...*drops dead*
Paul: ... So, was that a puny little pistol? You be the judge... As always don’t try this at home; I’m what you call a professional and thank you for watching the ‘How to hunt big game with a mouse gun video’!
Me: I love Thursdays 😁
Oh deer . . . :-D
LOL
LOL. Thanks for the writing. It was well worth the read and laugh.
Roy: You are welcome :)
After hearing the caveats my thought was Remington Green and White box most of the time. Lol
Another great video Paul. Thank you for taking time to make them.
Would be interested in the .380 video you mentioned!
I really see the bennifits of having your carry ammo and your range ammo the same. Before I watched your videos I used the super ammo and bought three packs of it. Shot 40 rounds to make sure it fed in my gun and the last was loaded in my two mags. Have not shot them sense. It's just too pricey at over $1 a round to shoot your "carry" ammo. Now I use green and white box for both range and self defense. Thanks Paul for opening my eyes.
Great video!
I just wanted to thank you for all your excellent presentations. I look forward to each one, even when not on topics particularly relevant to my shooting. I eagerly await the .380 topics!
One suggestion--there is a dearth of good firearms content focused on smaller women. My wife is 5' and
*YOU BE THE JUDGE*
Bush Did 411 a retro looking Paul Harrell t-shirt with that slogan would be awesome. Kind of retro 80's style like the intro/outro to his videos.
The green and white ammo is also what we mostly use for carry ammo as well. Great stuff and always shoots great!
Hey Paul I'm in oregon too, love this state, politics notwithstanding. Do you offer any public shooting courses in oregon?
better bring plenty of Shasta soda
You are one of my favorite RUclipsrs to watch. Subscribed!
380 AMMO VIDS 👍👍👍👍👍
So glad I found this channel. Wonder how long it’ll take me to watch every video.
Holy carp! I saw an ad. Is Paul monetized!?
Perhaps youtube finally figured out, that Paul is a well balanced and highly competent provider of insight and enlightment?
Im glad you were able to recommend some quality choices.
Wow Paul your camera work and audio are great! Makes the videos very pleseant to watch.
Is there any way you could do a video on 9x18 for EDC or defensive purposes Paul? I own a Makarov and I'm interested in knowing. Thanks
Might be outdated but Tim at MAC proved what a truly fine firearm that is. I'd like to see such a presentation from Paul.
The short answer is you're gonna want the Hornady ammo. In theory 9 x 18 should match the performance of 380 , but in available loadings it just doesn't . I might be out of date, but last I checkedHornady was the only available9 mm Makarovammothat offered adequate penetrationand some expansion.
I think the Makarov is not fully appreciated. The Russians have made a few note worth weapons. They have also had some success in ammo innovation. The 3 Makarovs I've been able to shoot were very accurate and reliable, Shame it's kind of an old ball caliber to find,
Odd ball, damit
I’ve used a lot of critical defense in the past and had good luck with cycling and recoil management. Accuracy has also been acceptable. Used in various calibers 380, 38 and 9mm are a few. Always appreciate Paul’s take. He is like a professor of guns and we are his students.
That's all well and good, but what do you recommend?
Billy Bob: This was _so_ much not about recommendation . . .
woosh
Another entertaining and well-informed video. Even though I'm in the middle of my work day as soon as I saw a new video listed I immediately stopped what I was doing to check it out.
I actually watched the entire LONG Purple Matress Commercial to support Paul's channel. Why make such a long commercial on utube and then give u the ability to skip it. Makes no sense.
John D yeah but the Purple Mattress commercials are actually funny. And Goldilocks is CUTE!
Those Purple Mattress Com's are the BEST! I watch them all the way thru, actually went tho their site once just to watch the vid's. Good Stuff :)
Love that James Bond shooting stance in your opening.
It seems like buying different brands of defensive ammunition like buying different octane levels of gasoline. Unless you need something specific to your unique needs (i.e. racing), the only effective difference is the price.
+Kevin I wouldnt say that's true at all... Plenty of brands of ammo I wouldnt consider "hyper" ammunition as Paul would that easily outperform the more common Winchester, Remington, and etc. Hornady is one of those brands... I dont consider them to be "hyper" ammo as they are pretty much a staple name in the ammunition industry. I find them at every sporting good store, every hunting store, every gun shop, and etc. And their prices arent super crazy unless it's a discontinued type of ammo or one of their odd calibers they manufactured.
My point with that is if you look at tests that follow IWBA protocol and are going for the FBI minimum levels of penetration, not many .380's actually make it there. Hornady XTP's are one of the few exceptions that get both expansion reliably and consistently along with consistent penetration. Where MANY of the other "Hyper" brands and even then "Hyper" name brand stuff like Winchester PDX-1 and such, DONT get consistent results or they under perform horribly compared to the XTP and dont really perform better than their standard counterparts.
Granted there re some super specialty rounds out there that I would say IF you feel you need something that unique because of how you carry or where you carry, or just because you believe certain stuff then that's one thing. But not all name brands are created equal. Many times in Paul's own tests of things it's been shown plain old Remington Green and Yellow box stuff is about the same as their Golden Saber line, but cheaper. But again, stuff like XTP's across the board in most every caliber perform well as the XTP is just a good bullet design and if loaded properly it shows.
So I think it's a bit untrue when you look at it all things considering. I've seen plenty of rounds marketed as self defense rounds that cost nearly $2 a bullet for a box of 20, but they do nothing that a box of HST's, Gold Dots, XTP's, or Ranger T's wont do for much less. And even in the "unique" department some of them still dont offer anything over a traditional JHP. Where as something like the Lehigh Xtreme Defender's in small calibers like the .380 ACP seem to make the world of difference compared to the more traditional offerings.
Yeah, I guess it isn't a perfect similie.
+Kevin Perhaps not. And while I feel the point you're making is clear it's kind of like what Paul said about the Silver Tip stuff on the question of is it hyper ammunition or not. And while he didnt expand on it I think he doesnt feel like it is. And neither would I for that matter. However I do believe he consider's the XTP to be one and I just dont see it personally nor do I think many others do. I guess that was the ultimate point I wanted to drive home.
When Paul did a video on 380 ammo earlier, Hornady XTP was indeed the only one that expanded reliably. If I remember correctly, Paul's only criticism was that he felt it didn't reliably penetrate: Not all projectiles made it to the t-shirt at the back of the meat target.
From what I've seen, if you are looking for a reliable expanding projectile in standard 38spl and/or 380, the ballistic tipped are the best option.
+Dave Holden I've found the "Critical Defense" projectiles under penetrate consistently.Critical Duty stuff is a bit different as it's intended for use in full size guns and thus you see that extra bit of performance. But having tested some of the XTP vs FTX in the Critical Defense with both .380, 9x18 Makarov, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum I have to say that the Critical Defense stuff gets great expansion and often when testing with 4 layers of denim to simulate that "worst case" scenario of heavy clothing, even though it's not likely you'll encounter that anymore it's still a good standard.
However, despite getting good expansion in said mediums, it often fails to penetrate adequately where the XTP seems to have no trouble with that and often performs well in the heavy clothing tests as well. I have seen more XTP's fail the heavy clothing than the FTX but that's just by design, however when you start talking about fairly low velocity projectiles the FTX much like their V-Max line it gets rapid expansion early but doesnt go deep.
But, if you've tested it yourself or are just confident in other's testing of it and believe it to be adequate then more power to you. I cant say that's "Wrong" as I have some controversial opinions about what's adequate for self defense or whats viable in the first place.