Norma Non-eXpanding Defense (NXD) .380 ACP & 9mm Ballistic Test
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- The 9mm is a 65 gr polymer copper matrix bullet rated at 1,730 FPS and the .380 ACP is a 56 gr polymer copper matrix bullet rated at 1,283 FPS. I do a 10% Clear Ballistics test. Thank you to my Patreon supporter Edward B for supplying this ammunition for testing. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.co...
I did manually stretch my magazine spring out today while filming something different, and it did seem to cure that last round malfunction. The only downside is NOW it's "EZ" load function is more like a typical 9mm spring pressure.
Good info. Thanks for sharing.
★ Thought about that. Good!
And, thanks.
I haven't shot the EZ but read on the S&W forum of many last round stoppages. One cure I remember was roughing up (sanding) the texture of the follower to prevent the round from sliding forward prematurely
The S&W EZ 380 is notorious for last round stove-piping because the magazine spring is weak. Wolff springs is offering +10% magazine springs to fix this problem while S&W has no fix at all! Stretching the magazine spring will eventually cause failure of the magazine.
Magazine springs are much cheaper than a new magazine. Just get a new spring.
You are correct about “instability” over distance with the 380. That 56 grain bullet is leaving the barrel at 1300 fps, but does not have enough mass to maintain supersonic velocity beyond 50 yards. Velocity drops into the Transonic range and it becomes unstable. That’s why it is no longer accurate at 75 yards. Maybe these gimmick fluted solid copper or copper composite bullets have a use in places where hollow-points or lead core ammunition is banned. However, as you note, for the rest of us, a lead core expanding hollow point is still the best option. The US Army’s new (newish, 2021) 9mm M1153 is a 147 gr. Ranger-T clone that is sub-sonic at the muzzle. They have a LOT more money to do testing than I do…
Those are the most beautiful ballistic jells I've ever seen on RUclips! No yellowing, no old Tracks or scuffs... Was not ready for that
Wow, Another one to add to the Le High Defense, and ARX type designs. The ARX is also a copper polymer matrix, and its Injection molded! Not cast, or stamped, or extruded, like most others. Good on Norma for jumping into the future with the new fluid dynamic style rounds of expansion vs the old hollowpoint designs.
You'd be surprise what fluid dynamics & hydrolic displacement can do to a body! Its very lethal!
This is in my nightstand gun which also happens to be a security 9. I've definitely been waiting for a video review of these bullets so thank you very much for all your awesome content!
These seem veey similar to the ARX and NOVX offerings. I can see carrying them in a backup mag to avoid having the weight of lead JHPs take my pants down, especially in 9mm.
As always, thanks for the great video and thoughtful commentary.
Ah, the fascinating world of ballistic science! I must say, the Norma NXD ammunition is a fascinating specimen, a veritable Frankenstein's monster of polymer and copper. It's like a bullet attending a masquerade ball, dressed as a concrete block.
However, I must point out an interesting anomaly. The 9mm bullet, despite its leftward drift at 5 yards, managed to maintain its trajectory at longer distances. This is a testament to the bullet's resilience, much like a drunken physicist who, despite veering off course, manages to deliver a coherent lecture on quantum mechanics.
On the other hand, the 380 ACP seems to have a mid-life crisis at 75 yards, veering off unpredictably. It's like Schrödinger's cat decided to take a detour to Narnia.
As for the fragmentation upon hitting the MDF, it's like the bullet decided to clone itself mid-flight, but the cloning machine was made by Acme.
In conclusion, I propose a toast to the 9mm for its steadfastness, and a moment of silence for the 380 ACP, which seems to have been on a diet of helium.
P.S. The smell of the ammo reminds me of childhood firecrackers, a nostalgic touch to the grim business of ballistics. It's like a funeral director who moonlights as a clown.
P.P.S. The stovepipe malfunction on the last round is like a grand finale that forgot its lines. Perhaps the pistol needs a pep talk or a shot of espresso.
Keep up the good work, and remember, in the world of ballistics, it's always a party, and every bullet is a surprise guest. Cheers!
Holy sheit writing books on YT comments I envy the time you have on your hands my friend.
Ops normal. Great video. 380 no joke and just great visible information. Appreciate all you do.
Good review a tip point both thumbs pointing at the target should help keep all rounds center no drift try it for whats its worth focusing on front sight.☕
Spin drift, like a frisbee near the end of its flight. Normally you dont see this effect with pistol bullets, because normally people simple dont shoot that far. When they do they're typically using a heavier bullet which maintains its energy better downrange. I think you might be the exception 😉
I'd love to see these in a PCC/Subgun length barrel.
Interesting ammo. Impressive velocity. Not too sure about construction and potential performance in a body. Not terrible. But not confident I would chose them over conventional bullets. Thank you.
The extreme defender rounds seem like a better option to me.
Filmed 6-12-2023
Another great video. Thanks for doing all this.
Thanks. My Hellcat is loaded with NXD. Significant reduction in recoil and carry weight. Hellcat is 22 oz with12 rounds. Wondering what they would do in a PCC. These would be a game changer in Joisey.
I feel quite confident with my .380 during the warm summer months with FMJ. Beats the 45 ACP on the night stand...
Thank you for the demonstrations.
Thanks for watching!
You’re my favorite Gun RUclipsr, could you please make a video on some of what you believe are the best standard pressure 38 special defensive rounds, maybe with 2” or 3” barrel. The low budget community would like to know.
I know this is probably asking to much, but could you possibly run the test through a low budget revolver like a Rock Island M206?
@@fairnheight3673 my 2" and 3" revolvers are Taurus.
@@GunSam both of which are being considered because their fair price, but how much of a difference will the extra inch make?
@@GunSam also I noted that with 22 magnum you got higher velocity from a more expensive 3” revolver than you did from a 4.75” heritage, do you recon this could be a factor with 38 special?
@@fairnheight3673 With .38 Special, a 3" gives nearly the same velocity as a 4" revolver (which 4" is near maximum velocity you will get out of .38 in a handgun) as where 2" is slower. Like .38+P 125 gr is usually 900 FPS in a 2", 1,000 FPS in a 3" and 1,050 FPS in a 4". Now with ammo like .357 Mag, the differences are generally more even like 1,250 FPS/1,350/1,450.
Very interesting tests. Rather shallow and inconsistent penetration by the Norma ammo (no telling what it would do it if hit a bone) so I will be sticking with the Hornady Critical Defense 380. Worst case scenario, I'd prefer regular FMJ 380 over the Norma ammo. My guess is that Norma's super light bullets reduce the penetration. Thanks for another great video.
Critical Defense out of a 380 will not expand, save your money and just run ball ammo.
I have done some tests and CD will expand from my LCP. But FMJ will work too so I am not opposed to it.
@@mook528 Lucky Gunner and many other videos show that .380 ACP Critical Defense does expand reliably.
Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Bolt over base misfeed on the 380. Reduced spring tension on the last round and high(er) slide velocity probable from high velocity round means the cartridge pickup rail hits the only partially in position round in the wrong place and you get what is shown.
Stretched springs will reset to weak. Replace or see if Wolff offers an extra power magazine spring for this model. And if life depends on it use standard power ammo as well
61,900+++ Subs Cool ! Good Job !
Thanks. It's one of those things, where it seems good but at the same time I see guys start channels, copy what the OG's have been doing forever and jump to 60,000 in 12 months by using what works and not using what doesn't work. Overall though I am happy to at least be where I am because no matter the number I am going to keep doing this as long as I can because I love doing it.
Great video and great shooting!
GS. Always a good video. Interesting ammo. Thanks for sharing and take care.
Thank you, take care as well.
Passing through the transonic barrier will cause an accuracy issue. Your first .380 at 75 yds was dead center, then... Picking a .380 round has been a challenge and I want both penetrating and shock with emphasize on penetration. So ended up mixing the mag with HP's and trying to pick a logical order with the NXD replacing a FMJ round in the batting order, usually the last three... The real Home defense, is .45 and Hydro Shock or Gold Dot as carried both in the working days. However, there is a mag of MHPs in the Mag line-up.
Thx. for the info 👎🎯
Since MP5 class guns are chambered for NATO/FMJ rather than JHP ammo, looks like this Norma NXD 65gr SD ammo has found a new home.
Wonder what velocities and energy figures you get from that barrel length, must be awesome.
Sam, how do you think these compare to the Extreme Defenders? I've had people request that I test these and the other Extreme Defender copycats, but I tell them the original Extreme Defenders are most likely better- the flutes are larger and wider which should produce more damage in my mind. Obviously they are more barrier blind too because they don't break up like those when striking barriers...
Xtreme Defenders are better. Actually, the G9 ammo is even better but only in 9mm. The G9 9mm had double the damage of Xtreme Defender 9mm. In .380 ACP the Xtreme Defender seem about the best for fluted bullets.
Appreciate it. Was curious about this type of ammo for .380, because of talk about how .380 doesn't have the energy to expand reliably. But how to prove if this type of bullet actually does cause more damage (and prevents over-penetration)? And they're very expensive rounds too. Another possible option I see is the semi-wadcutter, that supposedly has the benefits of a wadcutter and a hollow point.
Or just use FMJ and save a bunch of money on ammo :)
380 with UNDERWOOD LOADED XTREME DEFENDER AMMO...
is about the best thing out there for consistent quality function and that bullet design in a plus p out of an 80X is as beast as 380 gets.... that round will do better than anything else in any other gun..... IMMHO
Is this Norma’s follow up to the MHP?
I have no idea
Hahahahaha! The fire cracker smell!🤣
Sam, you are really an incredible shooter! I see you are using a Ruger Security 9, which is great and I will get one. I cannot see what brand the 380 is. Would you kindly tell me? Your videos are the best and now I will buy some Norma ammo. Thanks, friend!
Thanks. The .380 is the S&W M&P Shield EZ. The Security 9 is a pretty good pistol, better ergonomics than most, but if I had to change anything about if I was a gun company, i'd make the safety work better. It's great in the fact that it is small and don't get knocked on accidentally, but you cannot use it if the gun is not 'cocked' and you also cannot open the chamber to take out a loaded round until you turn the safety off....the very thing you want on when you are grabbing all over the gun trying to open it up.
1:45 S&W Shield 380 EZ
yep
When you carry the 380 EZ what load do you have in it?
Thanks, always look forward to your videos.
Followed that link on previous video to you playing guitar. Your strat appears to be just like mine except for body color. Mine is daphne blue. Man your playing is really nice; and did I understand that is with no practice in a long time? You know what Chet said about when he didn’t practice.
I have a couple strats, my current one is a 2006 American that is some special anniversary edition and it was my late uncle's. Plays real nice. My other one is a 2000 American that I wore out over the course of 3 years and replaced the neck with a graphite one, used to run 13 gauge to 60 playing like SRV lol
@@GunSamwow! A guitist too?? That's awesome! If that 2006 MIA strat plays like my 2005 it is the best. Rounded fret board feels broken in right from the start. I'm loving your channel more each time. I might wind up with a wheel gun if I keep hanging around here. 🤣🤣🎸🎸🔫🔫
Gun Sam. I'm aware that the 380ez has a grip safety. Does your grip need to be perfect every time? I saw another of your video's on the LCP .380 where you said you did not have a good grip during the draw which caused a malfunction. Just wondering if you have encountered something similar with the 380ez. I don't remember which video though. Thanks.
The only malfunctions in the EZ were magazine spring related with +P ammo. It runs most ammo fine no matter the grip. The grip safety goes in with even the lightest grip press.
Hmm.. ain copper matrix bullets what they use in frangible ammo? Good info here, another PSA vid about ammo to avoid at all costs. .380 ammo selection is a bit problematic, it's the only caliber where I entertain the idea of trick ammo, but I'd rather just go FMJ than use these. Thanks for the heads up!
What happens to these polymer bullets when they hit a hard substance between you and the target, something like a car window, or a piece of ply wood? Will it be blind to the obstruction or will it shatter?
I wonder if you could make hits with an LCP Max at 75 yards!
If it would be legal at 7yds, why would it not be at 75yds? It looked like they were tumbling in the target and and range.
They don’t appear to do as well as Underwood Xtreme Defense.
@Papodeatirador olha a Norma em 380 acp !!!! Testa pra nós, por favor 😝😂!!!!!!
👍😊
After all this time, I still don't know which is better for equal energy; fast and light or slow and heavy. Fast and light will give up energy faster. How much that matters is simply a mystery to me.
In all the evidence I've seen and read about self defense, it seems fast and light stops threats better. I had the same experience hunting whitetail also, two seasons same size deer roughly with the .270 taking a slightly heavier deer, both 40 yard shots. The .270 weatherby mag vs .444 Marlin, both around 3,000 ft lbs, .270 was instant smack down, .444 took longer. Same in police footage and stories, .357 mag/sig 125 gr instant drops. Other calibers not so much, even.45 auto not working so great.
@@GunSam So for a 2" barrel load, it sounds like 125gr is as heavy as you should go because it is easier to get light bullets moving faster sooner. At the same time, you don't want them over expanding which brings them to a rapid stop too soon. And to cut down on nasty blast and recoil, you want a fast burning powder that has been as fully consumed as possible when the bullet exits the muzzle.
Have you found an "ultimate" 38/357 load for a 2" snub with manageable recoil? I know you've found some reasonable ones given that a 2" snub is going to rob you of power over a 3" or 4".
What I have found, is that 125 gr in a .38 Special+P is the sweet spot for performance, specifically the Speer Gold Dot 125+P. I am going for a well rounded experience and this round has it all. Cases eject well, loads well from a speed loader, always penetrates enough and almost always expands to .50". In fact, I filmed a video a week ago trying to stand by my recommendation over the years that the Critical Defense 110+P was the best load and compared it to the 125+P Gold Dot, and found that in reality, the Gold Dot was better. I never see expansion with 135 gr through all my test protocols and with 110 gr if I get expansion I don't get penetration. I will say 125+P Gold Dot is where it's at. If I wanted more power than .38+P I would avoid .357 Mag and go with Buffalo Bore 125+P XTP, or if it's available the Underwood 125+P with the Gold Dot bullet. Here's the test where I ultimately was proven wrong about the Critical Defense and showed how well that Gold Dot is. ruclips.net/video/o-QlbcG12TE/видео.html
@@GunSam Great video. What's got me asking this question is Mr GunsNGear posted a disturbing video on twitter. The very large man assaulted a much smaller person. He had the guy against a car with the door open, effectively pinning him. So he slammed the little guy who then went to draw from an appendix style holster. The big guy tried to crush the little guy with the door, but the little guy managed to get shots off and break contact. Depending on camera angle, he either fired five or seven rounds. I don't know what he had. But he prevailed. As you can imagine, when you have only five, you want them to work. I think some of the shots were superfluous, but that's a tough call.
My take away from that particular incident was that you need each round to be doing real damage to force a break in contact. The big guy was more than large enough to kill the little guy bare handed.
I'm no street fighter. If I can't avoid the situation, I really need the "get off me" power. And I want it to work sooner rather than later.
How do i get in touch with you id like to send you a link
Be good on auto glass
Good to stop them maybe
Could you get a Glock 17 or 19 to do your balletic tests at some point please ⁉️
Ya I'm sure he'll do that just for you... 🤦♂️
the penetration is a bit underwhelming
Is the decreased recoil really noticeable?
Yes and no. There's usually two types of recoil with firearms, that from the ignition and that from bullet weight pushing back against the gun. Like 9mm VS .45 ACP, the actual poundage of recoil isn't really much different, but a .45 will jolt the muzzle up more. This was sort of like that, not much muzzle jump so easier to control even though the 'recoil' wasn't that much lower.
PizzA
Hi my friend💕💕💕💕💕💕🚙🚙
I think heavy bullets get more penetration!
So if someone is shooting at you because they are not a law abiding citizen, you shouldn’t have the ability and knowledge to be capable of shooting back at longer distance. Or maybe the people saying you “can’t ever have reason” to shoot at that distance didn’t think about mentally deranged people that break laws and randomly shoot at everyone regardless of distance.
Not realy impressed by this stuff 😅
The reason you got so much damage to the 9mm round is because you collided with another bullet inside of the jail didn't you see that
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