9mm AMMO REVIEW: Federal PUNCH 124 gr JHP in Calibrated Gel (2021)

Comprehensive review of 9mm 124 grain Federal PUNCH JHP defensive ammo. Includes day/night shots, overview, chronograph velocities, 10% calibrated gel test with IWBA 4 layers denim, and summary.
Making the gel: Using Knox powder, mixed 18 oz per gallon of distilled water; total of 4 gallons for this size block. Low boil at 130 to 140 degrees F for about an hour and constantly mixing at low speed with a drill using painter's paddle bit. Pour into 18 x 8 x 8 stainless steel mold. Cool outdoors an hour or so to burn off steam. Store in refrigerator at 34 degrees F for 72 to 96 hours. When calibrating, steel BB at approx. 600 FPS at 10 feet. Acceptable range at block temp of 39 degrees is 3.25 to 3.75". Otherwise, the block is out of calibration.
rumble.com/use...

[@grigorirasputin5020]

Tnoutdoors9, you mention the watering down of 9mm. Are you referring to back in the early 70's when SAAMI watered down pretty much everything, or something more recent? I have recently heard talk that sometime in the last year or few, Federal has watered down the HST round. Have you any info on that? I know they watered down the 9BPLE load sometime between 2007 and now but do not know how bad and when. I wish someone could provide us with more info on the 9BPLE travesty.

[@tnoutdoors9]

Yes, SAAMI neutered 9mm in the 70's but more recently everything new is pushing lower velocities and momentum and supposedly making up for it with bullet tech. It seems that companies are catering to people adverse to recoil. I also feel that the proliferation of smaller carry guns has an effect as well. As for the 147 HST, they are still advertising 1000 fps. 10 years ago I would get 1010-1015 from a 4" barrel. I ran the chronograph on some just yesterday and the Glock 19 averaged 995. G17 was 1007. The Shield Plus was 925 and bottomed out at 911....that is just abysmal. I stocked up on 9BPLE couple of years ago when it was $10 for 50 rds, and that stuff clocks right at 1300 fps.

[@madjinxify]

@@tnoutdoors9 and this is why I stocked up on the now discontinued 147 HST +p.

[@c.r.chandler5905]

@@tnoutdoors9 isn't positive expansion with the 9mm dependant on velocity? I understand what you are saying about people being adverse to recoil but if I also understand what you're saying, the manufacturers are designing projectiles that expand at lower velocities?? I always thought that 9mm was one of those rounds that truly needed good velocity to expand.

[@grigorirasputin5020]

@@tnoutdoors9 Thank You for the reply and input, Sir! I know that I bought some 9BPLE in 07 and 08. Stuff had quite a blast and slammed targets of opportunity such as pieces of wood, canned goods, etc, pretty hard. About 3-4 years ago, I was reading that it had been watered down. I bought a few boxes and questioned if it was even +P anymore or not. Blast and impact on targets was noticeably weaker. I hate seeing cartridges weakened in this way. If the ammo companies want to cater to the recoil sensitive, I wish they would make new loads and label them, as with the "Low Recoil" or "Tactical" 12 ga buck and slugs, or the old Remington "Medium Loading" in 44 Magnum from the early 80's.

[@fanman8102]

Wow, this conversation is a little disheartening. I thought the whole idea was that 9mm was better because of new bullet technology however I’m somewhat concerned that new bullet technology can overcome the result of less muzzle velocity, ie less muzzle velocity = less penetration. That was the whole point of the FBI switching from 40SW wasn’t it?

[@Ech0Sierra]

The mood, the atmosphere, everything's perfect!

[@packinaglock]

Ambience 😉

[@RicArmstrong]

I'm very greatful you're including the 3.1" barrel in your tests. 👍

[@828enigma6]

Indeed. Most of the time in light jacket or short sleeve weather, my EDC is a 9mmwith a 3.1 +/- barrel. And I'm not recoil sensitive to any serious degree. I've a Kahr PM40 that I shoot well with about anything except Buffalo Bore or similar hotrod ammo. And I do pretty well with it.

[@workingguy6666]

Agree. Really, unless a KZbin channel or ammo testing person is testing for the police, too many of we civilians carry shorter 9mm's these days.

[@jtm3906]

Same. Carrying the Kahr PM9 here

[@josephpacchetti5997]

The only problem with this is he does not use the 3.1" barrel in this test.

[@Gooftroop45]

Thanks for reviving the channel. So much good info and great videos over the years. I carry 147g 9mm partially due to this channel.

[@NCshooter1213]

Best ammo review and tests on youtube by far. Your catalog of tests should be kept for history books. So happy to be back watching you again.

[@Goldenwithaleash]

Still my favorite ammo reviews.

[@lancecockerell4345]

Outstanding video as always. I actually bought a bunch of this a while back because it was priced cheep but have never loaded any of it in my carry gun, because I still had quite a bit of HST and didn't know a hole lot about the Punch line. I would not be afraid to carry this in my glock 19 from what I've seen from your testing. I'm extremely glad your making videos again. You are the go to guy for ammo test as far as I'm concerned!

[@DanUtley]

I carry a G19 specifically for the barrel length because I want some friggin velocity, dammit!

[@IdahoSnek]

Damn we need this guy putting out the best ballistic tests. 👊💯🇺🇸❤️

[@robertharing7031]

Straight talk and to the point!!! The king of reviews

[@TheZerplex]

Backlighting on the block best yet. Excellent work. Your selling yourself way short saying your not a scientist. Glad your back. Keep up the excellent work.

[@jackbauer9077]

Thank you! You have been my guide to hollow points since the wet pack days.

[@armedpreacher]

Thank you for all your hard work, effort, and concise info! Been watching you for over a decade now.

[@mattconklin4026]

Nice I'm going on 5 years now, he's my go to guy for truthful, trustworthy ammo reviews

[@Funting3417]

I'm glad you're posting again I love your videos

[@EastCoastMan603]

I love you Mr Outdoors. We all do. We all appreciate you. God bless you and yours. 🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@MrDoss89]

Simple, fair, and unbiased testing. 👍

[@Dsdcain]

Very well done. Thank you posting new content. Much appreciated.

[@_DST0NE_]

I clicked as fast as I saw the notification!!! Always appreciate the quality and thoroughness of your work.

[@kirkmooneyham]

That ammo seems to perform quite well. The only downside seems to be it not being available in boxes of 50, only boxes of 20. Great video, as always, so thank you for putting in the time and effort.

[@Yamom395]

Box of 50 runs me about $80 in California.

[@fuddrucker74]

@@Yamom395 that's horrible

[@grigorirasputin5020]

20 (and 25) round boxes of handgun ammo are one of the biggest travesties ever foisted off on the shooting community by the ammo manufacturers. You pay what GovCo pays or more for a box with 60% fewer cartridges in them. I am retired LE and even when active duty, groaned at the disparity in GovCo vs citizen customers by the big ammo makers. As I always said, a citizen's butt is just as precious to him or her as my own is to me.

[@johncarp1185]

I am quite surprised at over all performance! I am happy to see that velocity is on par with that, that is advertised. For a non Law Enforcement specific product ( not constructed for a specific barrier penetration protocol ) the penetration is deep. Simulant disruption is similar to same weight/velocity premium 9mm JHP ammunition and the projectiles appear to have held together. Thank you again, for another scientific test, of ammunition that is out there on the market.

[@vexbomer]

Thanks for cranking out videos definitely missed your channel!

[@texasbeast239]

It's kinda funny that Federal markets an ammo named "Punch" to the customers who need LESS barrier penetration or punch out of their ammo. Thanks, as always.

[@GrOuNdZeRo7777]

A punch is a blunt impact opposed to a knife I suppose.

[@Anonymous_________]

All major organs are less then 3 inches in. So it's fine with me.

[@rileyneufeld7001]

@@Anonymous_________ 3 inches in gel not the same as 3 inches of chest cavity. You have skin (which is super elastic and tough and is equated to roughly 3" of gel alone) bone (which can prevent expansion and cause a bullet to zip through with minimal damage or deflect away from vitals) and then muscle/fat/organs.

[@cheetonation]

​@@rileyneufeld7001​ "super tough and elastic skin" won't be saving you from a jhp to the chest. We aren't made of kevlar

[@rileyneufeld7001]

@@cheetonation We aren't but you can shove your finger through a gel ballistics gel block with minimal effort. Last I checked we can't just walk up to someone and shove a finger into their chest cavity. You may be really strong though idk. I'm comparing us to a block of gelatin. Not body armor.

[@dmitrykarkov4747]

This is my favorite gel type. It really does a good job of visualizing the damage a bullet does in real time, as you watch the rounds going in.

[@reallyaintbuynit2018]

As soon as I saw this ammo advertised I bought 200rds on line from somewhere. Thanks for the review!

[@texasbradley]

Good to see you back making videos, I get so much from them.

[@smithnwesson990]

Seriously never gets old. Awesome video. Would love to see some 5.56 ammo tests

[@anthonyz.4560]

5.56 tests would be awesome

[@ricky55626]

He has done many 5.56 videos. Look them up.

[@northernninety7]

I currently carry this round. It seems to have pretty good performance, similar to the HST.

[@EchoSigma6]

Very impressive results, this is going to be my value home defense round.

[@Tex_I_Can]

Great information, as always! I don't feel like ammo has been tested until I've seen you test it. The standard by which all others are measured.

[@timrobinson6573]

Paul Harrel is the standard for ammo tests. He tests velocity from different barrel lengths, uses different guns to show Point of Aim/ Point of Impacts shifts on targets, he shoots at different distances to show bullet drop, he shoots bottles of soda to show pure energy transfer. Shoots cinder blocks to show barrier penetration, he shoots a meat target to illustrate HP expansion, penetration and ability to perform after hitting bone. He also tests common ammos alongside the Test ammo so the viewer has a point of reference. The only thing Paul Harrel doesn't do is a gel test because there's a thousand channels who do that so that data is already available.

[@scottiebunch]

Interesting I've seen these and never thought about them. This could be a back up to my gold dot EDC ammo. Thanks for sharing.

[@ShaminMike]

Oh man am I happy you’re making videos again. Loving it brother thank you!

[@momoney1640]

Thanks TN! We really missed you all those years you were on a break. I do remember that politicians had something to do with it.

[@wxman66]

Love these reviews. Please consider testing from sub 3.5 inch for the modern micro 9s currently so popular. Would also love to se sub 3 inch barrel 380 results

[@tnoutdoors9]

There were a couple of guys who tested exclusively out of short barrels, did a great job.....and both are no longer active because the community didn't support them as much as they could have. I know that the sub-compacts are popular but that concept is another notch at neutering a caliber that is being downsized in power by the manufacturers. Power factor is being comprised in the name of convenience.

[@margarethouse404]

​@@tnoutdoors9 For Devil's Advocate : Don't think of those 3 inch- ish Sub Compacts as being diminished 9mm's . Think of them as being way way better than the .380's of the same size that used to fill that market niche .

[@frankhinkle5772]

Thanks for that posting and glad to have you back, you are a valuable recourse. You did a far better job of explaining what the Punch was in comparison to HST then anyone else I've watched.

[@williamwilliams7706]

There are only a few testing channels that are worth watching and yours is my go to. Thanks.

[@sammasters8118]

awesome video!!👍🏻 Glad you are back at it

[@tnoutdoors9]

First.

[@bryanfntini8934]

Damn

[@GunSam]

ah second

[@135791113ful]

dang

[@COIcultist]

Cheat! Always nice to see you back.

[@Sidekick_Snowman]

Is the worst?

[@northidahoguy5549]

I really appreciate the second test with the gel. There’s some good data here. Punch has been available in my area more so then other products. Thanks!

[@TPM517]

These really are the best reviews out there. Just bought two boxes of this ammo for my new sig p365 x macro. And knew right where to look for a professional review. Good work as always.

[@kellytapley5687]

Thank you for the follow up video as requested by myself and others, excellent as always. It does appear that it has a softer core in expansion than the HST. The HST design maybe for benefits of "drilling" with sharper edges of harder lead while spinning...just a thought. It does look like a very good bullet and even though it is not labeled/marked as premium/law enforcement it has all the science and testing that proceeds this bullet. 147gr +p in this bullet would make, as a guess an impressive carry load. Keep up the good work!

[@kimmoj2570]

"The Man" is (occasionally) back!! Life has its needs, we much appreciate what is possible. Thank you.

[@CeltKnight]

Excellent work, sir, and very much appreciated! Always good to be shown a good performing but less expensive round. And I agree with Federal, most people don't NEED barrier blind ammo for self-defense.

[@enbo98]

Furthers my confidence that I'm running an excellent round. Thank you for revisiting this round with the gel.

[@tobywonkinoby8916]

I still can’t get over the fact that you’re back. So glad to see your videos in my feed again. Hope all is going well.

[@EtherFox]

Surprised to see a new cartridge that drops so much from moving from 4 to 3 inch barrels... definitely targeting the recoil adverse crowd, since micro 9's have never been more popular. I'd actually love to see what it chronos at through a 8 to 16 in barrel, for the carbine crowd.

[@GunFunZS]

The fast powders which do best in short barrels give less extra in a carbine. That might be a feature rather than a bug. If the bullets don't over expand then you will get good penetration. For what it's worth, if I were trying to pick an HD bullet that's good in both super short and 16", federal hst 147 standard pressure does well in both. On the other hand, a fast, light bullet is generally much better outa a carbine. At 100 yds, my 128 gr mild +p handload drops 18" more than blaser brass 115 gr out of a carbine.

[@rileyneufeld7001]

@@GunFunZS The gold dot is much more suited for carbine/pistol ammo IMO. Their bonded process just keeps the projectile together better. The HST seems to overexpand in longer barrels. This newer style 147 looks to be better however since it doesn't seem to have the same expansion capabilities as the gen1 HST's have. Makes me wonder if they changed their 124 grain HST bullet design as well.

[@rDigital2A]

Great data. Great channel. Thanks for coming back : )

[@joesragman8717]

Have come to appreciate your informative, and detailed reviews. Thanks for posting and keeping us informed.

[@jpdesimone]

Fantastic video. So glad you're back making quality content like this for us. All the best.

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

Awesome as always 👍 Thanks for the great review!!!

[@Evergreen1400]

You did a really good job with the gel and lighting in this video 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Skidz1818]

So glad you're back! Great review and ammo. However my life is worth the extra cash for the HST.

[@johnmikel5934]

Super review, always food for thought. Empirical data you produce is quite satisfactory for true percieved needs as you say. Thx for the great review.

[@justinratliff4562]

Your excellent marksmanship isn’t talked about enough. Thank you for your videos.

[@kingduckford]

Good to see you still making these videos, old man. Keep up the good work.

[@tldnr]

The effort put into these videos is impressive. Thank you.

[@matthewhartup941]

Glad you did a test on these, bought some in the spring and carrying them in my G19. 1164 fps is fairly warm for 124 grain. I mostly practice with 124, so I prefer to carry 124 jhp.

[@KD-lb9bg]

Good stuff, I wouldn’t hesitate to run this ammunition. Thanks for another great straight to the point video.

[@stimproid]

I think the best "real world" clothing layer should be 1 layer of t-shirt and 1 layer of hoodie. Appreciate everything you do 👍

[@brianshuler6951]

To repeat what i've already said, I am very glad to see you posting more comrent. Thank

[@cdt996]

Glad to see you back!!!

[@308scoutrfl]

Glad to see you back

[@chadtowler8199]

Thank you for the effort and content in your videos! It’s definitely enjoyed! Sierra 9mm 115gr JHP seems to be the most plentiful JHP at Academy here in North Georgia. Would love to see a video on it and Federal Solid core 147 + P (labeled with dangerous game).

[@dryflyelk]

TN, can i tell you how happy i am to see you putting out new content? Thank you, sir. You are one of the best. Cheers from Utah.

[@frankbutta9344]

Thanks for the data! Looks like a good round. 👍👍👍👍

[@journeyquest1]

I like your ammo tests better than the others. "How many paper plates?" LOL

[@roykiefer7713]

An especially thorough and valuable video; thank you TN. The Punch option certainly appears to be a more affordable - yet defensively viable - alternative.

[@mikehunt4947]

Just want to simply say: "THANKS" 👍🇺🇸 Keep doing what you're doing, you make a difference. You, Brobee, Hickock45, Taofledermaus, ....all make for an enjoyable and informative KZbin viewing 👍🤗

[@forsleezy]

Im so glad this guy is back doing these tests.

[@gwidwock]

II never cared for +p ammo since I feel it rough on the gun. I have a supply of 9mm 124gr HST. Great video. Thank you!

[@margarethouse404]

Yes , no , maybe , sometimes , sort of , and it depends . Sometimes +P ( or +P+ ) is game changer ..Think classic 9BPLE or the even faster 115 +P CorBon . Sometimes within a certain product line , the std pressure vs + P has only nominal velocity difference , that makes negligible difference in terminal performance . Looking at you HST 147 and 124 Gold Dot .

[@lengmoua6073]

Great and informative video. No questions after watched. Well done

[@alanmellon8957]

Is this like a video every 2 weeks??!! This is amazing

[@94Whiskey]

A very objective & comprehensive video!

[@aaronjohnston]

Great vid. Love your stuff! As a subscriber from wayyyyy back in the day it is good to see you back and producing content. Keep it up if you can, we appreciate your work!

[@barney214]

I appreciate the time and effort you put into your ammo tests.

[@danielrodriguez5463]

Great review These rounds are readily available here in central Florida. I always think HP are overpriced even though I carry HSTs Good to know these will perform good enough for warm weather and most defensive situations Thanks

[@markpelenytschka8374]

You have the best comprehensive ammo reviews

[@randywillis979]

Tnoutdoors9.. so glad you're back out there posting more reviews to our gun community. Thanks to you in the early days around 2005 along with Hickok45 I've got quite the collection of Glocks and many other assortments. Everyone keep standing up against tyranny.. 2024 is a coming!

[@GUNTOTER1]

Thanks for sharing this info, have always appreciated your reviews.

[@badbilly60]

just picked up a taurus g3 .i like your video and ordered online 5 boxes of the 124 gr punch and it came out to just under $20 a box so im happy about not breaking the bank.thanks

[@chuckhaggard1584]

Very nicely done. I've been curious to see more testing on this load.

[@Nfoust]

Feels so good with you being back.

[@tobylopez445]

you may not be a scientist, but you put out some awesome videos. I really have always enjoyed your reviews. thank you so much!

[@alj.granda8252]

Thanks for the review. I have not seen HST at 2x the price of Punch. It has usually been about 30% more. I still prefer Gold Dot 124gr +P of Corbon 125 gr +P though.

[@eatingelizabethsfrizbee]

So glad to see you back.

[@johnouellet4099]

Glad this channel is back, I love it

[@6605eric]

Great Video. Thank you for the effort and information. Keep the great work.

[@JaguarDieCast]

Excellent video. Thank you for the great review. I will be seeking these out.

[@LifeisGood762]

Absolutely stellar review as always. This looks excellent but I'm holding out on a 147 grain and 147 grain +P Punch. Until then the 147 grain HST remains my carry ammo.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

As expected great job. Certainly not disappointed. Thank you.

[@misterfister7262]

Thank you so much for making videos again.

[@orangevol54]

It is so good to see your video's again...keep them coming.

[@Pipesandstooges]

Just wanted to say thank you for the great videos....I really appreciate them 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 take care out there 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@xen9254]

The GOAT is back with another review.

[@zx6rdr]

Your tests are simply the best.

[@jimsiress9687]

Very nice 👍 Thanks for the great vlog !

[@SEAKPhotog]

Nice to have you posting! Thanks for the review.

[@sheldoniusRex]

Excellent review. I'll be looking in to this.

[@christopherpeterraby]

been buying some of these, 10 dollars less a box for very similar performance from an HST. the only difference is the 124grain punch I just bought is in regular brass case not nickle plated

[@jeddi20]

I loved the perceived need at the end. Very good legal speak

[@deplorableredneck4.02]

You always do a great job..thanks

[@shawnpappy1538]

I love your videos. Great information.