.380 auto (Speer Gold Dot VS Federal HST *micro* VS Underwood Xtreme Defender) Ballistics Gel Test

[@andygluehere8266]

It's amazing how the gold dots and HST can expand at those low velocities.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Seriously, was pretty impressive for sure. I appreciate u checkin it out!! Plenty comin😁.

[@wilycoyote9091]

Interesting that when Federal came out with the 30SC they took their flagship 380 ACP 99gr HST round and lowered the velocity down from 1030 fps and 233 ft lbs to its now pedestrian 935 fps and 192 ft lbs through a 3.75" barrel so as to better position their new 30SC round in between the 380 and 9mm. I still have some of the original HST rounds and even without a chronograph you can feel the difference. I won't buy the new HST rounds anymore and will go with the Underwood Extreme Defender round that provides better penetration, is more barrier blind, and delivers an impressive wound cavity.

[@TheRobman139]

@@wilycoyote9091Actually, I recently discovered that this isn’t exactly what happened. Federal started producing a lower power version of the 99 grain .380 HST, but they still kept making the hotter “original recipe” .380 HST. What they did with the latter was re-brand it as “Tactical” and further label it as “Law Enforcement”. It is sold in 50-round boxes and while you probably won’t find it on the shelf of your LGS, you can order it online. I did this past week, no kidding.

[@wilycoyote9091]

@@TheRobman139 I've been on the Federal web site and cannot find any Tactical or Law Enforcement ammo in 380. Could you please post a link of where you found it?

[@danielbargas3377]

Finally a ammo comparison with the best .380 ammo and not crap vs crap

[@boostimalaka1]

The 90 grain Hornady XTP will actually penetrate to the FBI minimum of 12 inches of penetration. The problem with most .380 micro pistols is that the hollow point bullets won’t expand. Shooting the Bull did a very thorough test and found Precision One worked the best of the XTP bullets shot from a Micro pistol.

[@elsullo2]

Yes, his epic long tests of ammo were landmarks of good technique and usefulness. For those who missed them you really should search for them here on the Tube---they are only a few years old..............elsullo

[@MeMadeIt]

In a subsequent test, ShootingTheBull found that the Underwood/Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator outperformed the Precision One XTP, earning his "best for 380" rating. 👍

[@DanTheWolfman]

Clear Ballistics and Organic Gel are totally different don't think results in completely different medium have anything to do with each other

[@zipper396]

tools and targets did a test on the precision one through the LCPmax and it did not perform out of that short barrel.

[@JAFO.]

Clear ballistic gel 👎

[@rogerwood5228]

I carry the 68gr XD in a backup gun. I'm less concerned with expansion and more with penetration depth when it comes to 380. I think it's the perfect match for short barrel guns.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Absolutely. Great choice. Definitely a nasty round. Thanks for checkin it out!!

[@jpoeng]

💯

[@haydenjones8577]

Honestly if you are carrying a backup gun I’d say you have more to worry about than the penetration of a 380. In all honesty if it hits the heart, lungs, or brain the fight isn’t going to last very long. Shot placement over everything else.

[@ahope4u2]

I agree, I carry a full mag of these in colder times for max penetration through winter clothing.

[@user-zv2eu1vj4l]

I chose the Buffalo Bore 100-grain hardcast at 1150 fps from a 3.75-inch barrel.

[@picwik281]

Nicely done and good presentation. I do believe the 68gn XD would have out penetrated the other projectiles if had stayed in the block. I would have liked to see that one redone. Thank you for your work. I enjoy ammo tests, Especially 380.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thank you very much I appreciate that!! I'm glad u enjoyed it!! I will definitely do a retest soon so we can see if we get similar results. Thanks again I appreciate u checkin it out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@angrysheepdog9744]

Nice test I'm surprised the JHP's expanded at these low velocities. Personally, when it comes to 2-3/4" micros... I believe UW 90gr +P Xtreme Penetrators strike the best balance between tissue disruption and reliable penetration.

[@ChadNelson-v7v]

I know from personal experience when I was attacked by four men in a parking lot, the first one in to punch me was pulling back to punch me again and being in complete shock and disbelief that was this actually happening, I reached for the same Ruger here and a center mass shot at point blank range the bullet entered his chest in between two ribs, got to his heart where from going in to exiting left the bigger hole exiting the heart and did not have enough engergy to exit the body when it smacked up against a rear/back rib. The second shot went through the top of his punching hand as he was punching me again and exited out the palm and made contact with his chest and did a little burn out but did not enter his chest cavity. Even with a hole straight through his heart he was able to walk a few steps and then collapsed and proceeded to bleed out right in front of his three accomplices. He would have died right there in the parking lot except for the first officer arriving so fast before the guy completely lost consciousness. He was able to get an aed on the would be robber and when the ambulance got there his heart was kind of doing the crappy flop enough for them to scoop up the pos and get him to the hospital where they worked on him for 40 or so minutes probably only prepping him for being an organ donor. Unfortunately his genes were already procreated with two kids or else the Darwin Award might be awarded here. I have always said, “Never rob a complete stranger. You should get to know them first and then decide whether or not you want to rob them. You might learn that they were competitive shooters while in the military and since leaving the military was in competitive shooting sports. If you still thought it was worth the rick, you could then rob them and take your chances.” OR just don’t do it in the first place and live to be a dad to your two kids. Just saying.

[@costaplenty7482]

Glad you are alive!!!! What bullet and weight was it??

[@Rob-xj3xh]

Don't know you but, glad you came out of it in one piece. Here in the midwest I've had a gun pulled on me two different times. Used my mouth and brain to make it out of the deal.

[@frankbrowning328]

The damage caused by all 3 bullets is pretty good. When it's compared to mid level performance 9mm is not too far behind. 9mm still penetrates better and can expand far better but the 380 loads in this test IMO would all do the job.

[@PRINCE_175]

The XD is the clear winner,I carry them winter & summer….And the +p is a BEAST 👍🏾

[@1958PonyBoy]

I've got some of those Underwood rounds in +P. I'm becoming a big fan of them. They have great performance in gel and they penetrate much deeper than non-solid bullets, which is the shortcoming of the .380 cartridge.

[@PassivePortfolios]

380 defensive ammo has come a long way. Another good round is Critical Defense. Expands reliably and penetrates well.

[@AzAirgunner.]

I will definitely have a test up soon for ya with it. Should be a fun one. I appreciate u checkin this one out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@banjohappy]

I have critical defense for my wife's G42 and wonder if I should switch to Xtreme penetrator +P. I like the velocity and am surprised at the energy (foot poounds) being greater than the heavier bulllets. I would have thought slower and heavier would carry more energy for penetration, but the expansion factor may cause more tissue damage at reduced penetration? Seems the lighter bullet would lose energy faster, but maybe bullet design and lack of expansion can cause as much tissue damage and penetration?

[@brianfolding40]

I carry a Ruger LCP MAX in a Vedder pocket locker, loaded with Hornady critical defense XTP. Of all the testing I've seen, this round seems to consistently penetrate 12-13 inches and expand in gel with a clothing barrier. This is my choice but as with any caliber, shot placement is paramount and, follow up shots. As a (retired) LEO, we were trained to fire 2 rounds and while keeping the target covered, assess the results before reholstering. The point is, no matter what ammo/weapon you choose to carry, if faced with a defensive/deadly force encounter, fire at least 2 rounds. I'm quite certain that your attacker won't stop and ask... "was that an HST, XD, XTP, GD you just shot me with?" No, they'll just want you to stop.

[@painmt651]

You mean FTX?

[@Shot_Gunner]

Excellent tests! I just purchased the Underwood Black Cherry cast lead for my .380, we will see how it performs.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thank you very much I appreciate that!! Very cool, keep me posted on how u end up liking em. I might have to grab some for a test. Thanks again, I appreciate u checkin it out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

Did you ever get some of those black cherry underwood 100 grain hardcast??​@@AzAirgunner.

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

Good tests, i run the underwood 68gr in my bodyguard.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thank you very much!! Great choice, can't go wrong with those. I appreciate u checkin this one out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@nikos6220]

The HST design is really dialed in by now - impressive how low they can go in speed and still have it expand. Still if I was forced to carry a .380 I‘d go with the Underwood

[@jpoeng]

Yeah I switched from the XTP to the underwood Lehigh defense

[@MeMadeIt]

Underwood's Xtreme Defender and Xtreme Penetrator and Defiant Munitions' TCX are the only 380's that consistently penetrate beyond 12" while doing hollow-point like damage.

[@mikebott6940]

Your remark about using/having to use FMJ in a .380 makes wonder if you'd consider testing either of Buffalo Bore's hardcast loads. They're shockingly hot for small bullets.

[@roderickburke700]

I think 380 Federal HydraShok Deep 99 gr is the best all around 380 self defense ammo as it penetrates deeply and expands.

[@johns9888]

It would be great to see them rested with the layers of clothing up front. I don't shoot naked targets😮

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Good demo for sure. I am not a 380 guy but some are. And it is very helpful for those who are to observe the various offerings performance. Not too bad for what they are. All 3 would surely make an attacker reconsider his life decisions if he/she took 1 or 2 of these where they need to go. I am not overly confident the hollow points would consistently penetrate deep enough to incapacitate a determined attacker. The extreme defender looks more promising to penetrate deeper and it appears to produce a decent wound channel most of that distance. Interesting option. Thank you for a good test and results. Stay safe out there.

[@wastool]

I like Hydra-Shok Deep

[@AzAirgunner.]

If I come across some I will absolutely grab em for a test. I appreciate u checkin this one out!!

[@jpoeng]

@@AzAirgunner.That would be cool, I used to carry the XTP’s before I switched to the XD’s, haven’t seen the HSDeep

[@MeMadeIt]

Unfortunately, in every test I've seen, the Hydra-Shok Deeps fail thru fabric. They usually clog with fabric, fail to expand, and don't perform any better than an FMJ.

[@wastool]

@@jpoeng Here's a test with the HS Deep kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiVmHxqZZVqnZIsi=NnUwPcQuW2BdADQ9

[@randyhymas9013]

I carry the LCP max with the Underwood 68 gr. Xtreme Defender. Barrier blind, and does not need to expand.

[@mtower235]

I went with that underwood load and haven’t looked back in the 380.

[@AzAirgunner.]

💪💯 Great choice!!

[@nl9002]

Is it reliable?

[@mtower235]

⁠@@nl9002​​⁠I’ve had no issues. Its wound track is decent and penetration is good. Like any other ammo don’t just trust it without testing

[@almach5]

​@@nl9002Totally reliable in a SIG P365-380.

[@SigmaSheepdog]

Great test! I have been experimenting with a newly aquired Glock G42 and I purchased some Underwood 90gr XTP +P to use if I ever carry it for defense. The gun functions 100% with this ammo. I haven't chronographed the round as of yet, and it will be interesting to see if it gets to the advertised 1200fps.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I would be satisfied with any of them. However, none are available locally.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thank you, I appreciate u checkin it out!! I hear ya, some of em are very hard to get a hold of and find. Thanks again, plenty comin😁.

[@jpoeng]

Nice! It’s crazy how since Covid, working from home, often wearing sweats, my LCP Max has become my “primary carry” by far in terms of hours on me. 😆🤷‍♂️ It’s just so damn convenient, with “adequate” performance. If you want a JHP that meets the FBI penetration depth you need a load running the Hornady XTP bullet.

[@rsbreeze]

Gokd Dot qnd Underwood ED or EH are my favorite carry and hunting rounds. I've got ovet 1200 fps on that Underwood ED with a Sig P238. I pocket carry that gun in summer when wearing shorts.

[@CleberMachado-lb7ds]

If you can, do it with the Hydra Shok Deep in 380, this caliber is very popular here in Brazil (our communist government prohibits larger calibers for the population 😒). Thank you from Brazil.

[@allenbolen9705]

The XD is definitely the only one of these that get the 12 inch minimum penetration. I’ve watched several test that managed to keep them in the block! You couldn’t tell how much better they are in this test!

[@fanman8102]

Excellent! I carry an LCP under certain circumstances using Critical Defense. Normally produces the best ratio of expansion to penetration. I realize many do not like the 380 but the Mossad used 32ACP to good effect for years. You need to understand the capabilities of the caliber you’re carrying.

[@furion..]

Good Christian sabbath morning, 😏 Nice job as always, I appreciate your consistency of testing. 👊🤓 I'd like to see this revisited using the 3 closer weight Underwood 90 grain +P cartridges: JHP XTP XP and maybe include the Speer GD for a baseline..? Thank you for your "Harrellesc style" and for using the good gel! It's getting so I don't even want to watch any of the other Clear Gel videos due to so many HPs simply not opening in the clear gel, and even when they do the permanent wound channel is tiny and hard to compare to the other tiny wound channels. 😒 You're rapidly becoming one of my preferred channels. 👍

[@thystaff742]

Sunday is the first day of the week.

[@furion..]

@@thystaff742 Yep - "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them..." Acts 20:7

[@tahertz8544]

Hydroshoks Deep are great in every caliber, if you get a chance. Critical Defense does ok( soft lead) in LCP. SIDE NOTE - That M Carbo spring kit plus SS Guide rod are still pumping correctly. Great video.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thank you sir I appreciate that!! If I come across the hydra shok deep I will definitely grab em for a test, also the CD, that one is a lil easier to get a hold of in my area. I'm gonna have to check out that spring and rod set too. Thanks again I appreciate u checkin it out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@sean0181]

I have 2 boxes of the hst 1 personal defense 1 hst tactical i read they are both the same but the box of tactical hst 380 i have is brutal out of my lcp way hotter than the personal defense ,reminds me of shooting 357 out of my 360j smith ,i just keep the gold dots in lcp for when i do carry it .

[@grampaeasy3106]

Awesome! Gold dot for the win, .380 for the loss! Jk I’m very impressed as well with the damage for the caliber. And especially with the HST peel back at that low velocity?!

[@AzAirgunner.]

😄fr though. Was pretty surprised on how well they all did even with those slower velocities. Was definitely a fun and interesting test. Thanks as always bro, I appreciate u checkin these out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@erichanson7293]

.380 loads worth carrying: any of the Underwood, especially +p, federal Hydrashok low recoil and punch, Defiant Munitions 80 gr copper hollow points, and G9 EHP. I also like the Novx 56 gr load. I hope you get a chance to test some of them in the organic gel. They do well in clear ballistis gel.

[@robertmakowski7808]

Have a Kahr P380...it is loaded with the Underwood Xtreme Defender...

[@thystaff742]

I definitely would use the XD bullets since they're barrier blind. Especially during winter.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Nice, great choice!!

[@thystaff742]

Bullet design has greatly improved in the last 5 years. I remember when it was a joke to get HP 380 rounds due to lack of expansion.

[@AzAirgunner.]

💪💯 I was surprised on how well they all did, definitely didn't expect it, specially out of such a short barrel. Thank you for checkin it out I appreciate ya!! Plenty comin😁.

[@timtorkelson7201]

HST guy here!

[@spokanesurvivaltrainingand5797]

I think G9 EHP is the best projectile/cartridge on the market for handguns

[@AzAirgunner.]

If I come across some I will definitely grab em for a test. Thanks for checkin this one out I appreciate ya!! Plenty comin😁.

[@rickclark4714]

Sun was at a great angle. Good testing.

[@peterkukay]

Excellent, excellent video ! This is the most complete video w/ gel blocks I've seen. love how you cut the wound channel open at the end along w/ action recap of gel block from side for all rounds. Thanks for doing the .380 from short barrel LCP2, GREAT JOB!

[@HAMILTONPROVIDEO]

Does 68 grain mean less recoil or kick back?

[@TheRobman139]

I think you got a bad lot of HST. In most other tests - out of a micro barrel like yours - they are in the neighborhood of 950+ fps with around 200 fpe. UPDATE Never mind. It has come to my attention that the current “Micro” flavor of the Federal HST 99 grain round really is this anemic. They used to load it hotter, as I described above. They still make the hotter version, but now it is branded “Tactical/Law Enforcement”. You probably won’t find it on your LGS shelf but it can be ordered online. I just did this past week from “Outdoor Limited”. It’s sold in 50-round boxes.

[@JAFO.]

Just a little disappointed with this video, not that I don't appreciate both the time and the effort but the main reason I watched was for the max depth of the Underwood and you didn't fire a 2nd round to get a complete measurement 😭 lol

[@alexsherel3344]

So over 10” and ALSO through a table? That’s not a good enough result considering not too many people use a wood table as a tshirt/coat?

[@kennethferguson4283]

As I have often said, with the .380 at is 90% shot placement and 10 % ammo.

[@sirdanoman]

I wouldn't carry anything but Underwood 100gr HC in .380. HP rounds in this caliber either: 1) fail to expand and act like FMJs or 2) expand but fail to penetrate adequately. In summary, go for reliable penetration in this or similar calibers. This over-penetration concern is borderline ridiculous.

[@vlogfriendsutopia]

There's a handful of rounds that meet penetration requirements while still expanding reliably. XTPs, Hydra Shok Deeps.

[@jpoeng]

Hornady figured it out with their 90 gr. XTP bullet a while back.

[@curly__3]

Excellent tests and data! Thanks.

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thanks buddy!! Glad u enjoyed it!! I appreciate u checkin it out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@Mississippi72]

I'll still use fmj

[@googoo-gjoob]

i _only_ carry the XD. great wc & at 68gr a 16 round mag weighs almost 2oz less.

[@talthan]

Federal Hydra-Shok Deep?

[@EducatedBlackMan]

I am surprised at the results. Usually, you need at least 1000 fps to get expansion in a 380. While I own all three ammos I usually only carry Defiant Munitions and Underwood Xtreme Defenders in my Ruger Max.

[@Maximum1A]

I have been a royal Critical Defense guy but after seeing test after test of the Hornaday round not expanding I said, I got to get a better performing 380 defensive round. In over a dozen ballistic test videos the Underwood 380 ACP 68gr. Xtreme Defender Solid Monolithic Self Defense Ammo performed time after time creating large wound cavities and visibilities 1160+ most round exceeded 1240fps! That’s down right impressive. Nevertheless to say, I switched to Underwood!

[@MPjustaman]

Did you ever think that these videos might be used by prosecutors to support charges in a self defense shooting? You never know especially is CA.

[@terryfowler6090]

FBI has different requirements from personal defense. 10 inches is excellent.

[@jmichaelcarbonniere9549]

Good test, AZ! I personally have a problem with .380... the only one i have is an AMT Backup which has a very short barrel. I have been unable to get *any* bullet to open reliably with this pistol! Ok, it's a dinky little pistol that's really easy to conceal but I've never trusted it as a self defense pistol. The fact that it only holds 5 rounds doesn't help at all. When I carried it, which was a very rare occurrence, I usually had Gold Dots or hot-rodded HydraShoks (pulled the bullets and reloaded with a different powder charge!). Thing is, these +P+ hand loads tend to beat the snot out of this little pistol. Then I discovered the Lehigh Xtreme Defender ammo (Underwood). With a muzzle velocity of 1200 fps I feel the ammo makes this little pistol into a viable self defense pistol! No matter what, it's still a belly gun but I'm confident it will do what it's supposed to. No 40 yard shots with this pistol but up close and personal I have confidence it will save my butt if needed! I've yet to see any HST's for sale when I had the money, so I haven't tested them. Since I found the Lehigh bullets I don't really feel the need to either as I don't see myself ever changing ammo, especially with the little .380. My usual EDC is a Glock 29 10mm so the .380 is only carried in extreme situations! Oh, and just so you know, those Lehigh bullets can be reloaded! I had one 90 gr 9mm that I shot 6 times before I lost it out the top of my test rig! I do love my Lehigh bullets... now if I could just load them up as hot as Underwood and Lehigh do, I'd be a happy camper! Since I can't - my best loads are usually a couple hundred feet short of their velocities - I carry the factory ammo. Dang! Cheers, jc

[@jaredw289]

Fiocchi defense dynamics jhp and hornady critical defense is my go to in 380. Reaches depth needed and expands reliably.🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JimD410]

Cool test. A lot of us have to carry mouse guns at work. I usually just carry flat nose fmj when I carry my LCP I got some underwood cherry bombs and if I carry my LCP 22 I use Fed punch.I more worried about penetration with the small calibers but I might try that gold dot out or that defender they looked like they worked pretty good.

[@richki.24]

Nice test ...

[@AzAirgunner.]

Thanks buddy!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@stephenrobbins6353]

Expansion and penetration are what's important, not velocity or energy, if it has enough to expand and penatrate

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

Don’t forget XD is barrier blind, in case u have to shoot through glass…….

[@rangetime6779]

Gold Dot wins the day! HST was just too slow, Underwood must have tumbled so it didn't drive straight forward which is too erratic for consistent results. Maybe Gold Dot vs Hornady Critical Defense test. Thanks

[@AzAirgunner.]

Yessir, I can definitely make that happen. Thanks for checkin this one out!! I'll have that test up soon for ya!!

[@xray5043]

Seeing the Underwood wasn't the point seeing its depth was. Would have been nice to see its depth

[@troy3456789]

@00:37 that one does not have nickel plated brass. It is solid copper.

[@armadon161]

Awesome test, personally looking at either hydrashock deep or the newer box golden sabers.

[@terryfowler6090]

Carry gold dots in my ppks. Not at all worried.😊

[@charlesjames5477]

i use the xtreme defender +p 380 they are a great round

[@1776REIGNS]

Nice job, very informative.

[@jasonashley4579]

I keep the 99 grain hst in my cheetah 84.

[@Hunter-vl6ft]

Great! Keep them coming.

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Underwood +P teflon???

[@Bens359pete]

Federal HST all the way for me

[@charlesphillips5906]

Hornady Critical Defense next?

[@AzAirgunner.]

Yessir, I will definitely get that going. Should be a fun one. Maybe I can put it up against the .38special version🤔. I appreciate u checkin this one out!! Plenty on the way😁👍.

[@LRO1986]

Woa, a functioning lcp. That’s a rare bird.

[@AzAirgunner.]

😄💪💯. Been a 💯 so far, well see though. I'll keep ya updated.

[@fanman8102]

“A functioning LCP” Interesting. I’ve never had a problem with mine.

[@zipper396]

mines got 600+ through it with zero malfunctions .But it did have Mcarbo parts and polished feed ramp from day 1.

[@larrybrock6811]

Over 300 rounds through mine not a single hiccup I know its not that many rounds but I believe it qualifies as "functioning."

[@bobjones-bt9bh]

no real difference in any bullet once you're down at these low energies. below like 450, pretty much all the same, maybe .45 at 400fpe has some potential just due to size, otherwise, they're all the same, they just poke holes