AAC, Why You Do This To .40?....AAC .40 S&W Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

[@Hellodoggo845]

Only channel that reliably tests ammo! I always look up your videos before buying any new ammo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊

[@30rdmaga]

Same here, he's the defensive projectile jelly test encyclopedia 😂

[@gripaimsqueeze]

Faaaacts! The consistency is unmatched

[@Dave-ck8cf]

@@ToolsandTargets I think your Chanel is getting hacked. You can see my comments but I know the one replying me is not you

[@GAFisherman]

Always check out your videos as they come out but especially when researching a particular caliber.

[@Bob-lq9ys]

With the prices they charge for defense ammo, there is no damn reason they aren't performing the way the should. Keep the great videos coming

[@andyd2960]

This goes to show the relationship with bullet design, velocity and the materials used to construct it. Im not sure why manufacturers put a 10mm bullet in a cartridge that can't achieve the velocities required to perform but apparently people are looking for it. This is why channels like this are so important to people that rely on this information with their lives.

[@hakimcameldriver]

The 40 s&w was made for pussues & women who could not take the recoil if the 10mm. I run 165 in my 40s&w

[@connerm4850]

Best ammo tester on KZbin

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@357mag84]

I carry .40 most of the time. I like Underwood 180 gr JHP (rated at 1100 fps) for my G22, G23 or G27. I tried the 135 gr JHP (rated at 1400 fps) and they were showing signs of over pressure, so I stick to their 180 gr.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@derekyates43]

​@@ToolsandTargetshey brother I upgraded to garmin chrono. Just letting you know there legit

[@locomike102]

@@derekyates43 I got Garmin a month ago and it is an absolute game-changer. It's so freaking easy to use it makes me feel lazy.

[@kennethferguson4283]

The 357 Sig 147gr round has the same sectional density as the 180gr .40 and 230gr .45. No need to fret over slow 180gr .40 performance when a heavy 147gr 357 Sig has velocities between 1250 and 1300 fps. With this velocity there is never the question of will the heavy 357 Sig round perform properly, it performs very well and very reliably.

[@357mag84]

@@SuperD00D Primers bulging. All my .40 Glocks are gen 4.

[@Dennisthemenace40]

The 180 grain XTP is suboptimal in the 40. The XTP’s really thrive on speed. The 155 option at 1200 is a much better choice. Reliable expansion and 15”-17” of penetration. For a conventionally designed bullet, it doesn’t get much better.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

That's as close as you can get to THE expansion threshold! Just goes to show that short barrels really do need light-for-caliber bullet weight to get expansion. Without this good testing, you just don't know. You are doin' the Lord's work, Tools! Saving us all some money on ammo, for sure!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊

[@brucecook502]

Tests like these always make me feel really good about the federal HST that I chose.

[@Samyouell11510]

Yeah I usually buy HSTs and if they aren’t in stock then I’ll get federal punch.

[@brucecook502]

@@Samyouell11510 same. I bought a brand new 45 Shield not too long ago but because the local shop I got it from didn't carry hst, I went with the punch instead of all the other higher-end defensive ammo they had. Just seems like punch has an easier time performing out of short-barreled handguns at lower velocities then the other higher-end ammunitions.

[@TNT-gun-reviews]

Look at you with clean gel! Thanks for the work you do.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@angrysheepdog9744]

180gr is a carryover from 10mm. 135-165gr is the sweet spot for .40cal.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@russellweber3466]

The 180 grain will work if you hit the target enough times.

[@joejohnson4183]

The 180 is perfect for suppressed because it is subsonic but for defense the 165 is great .

[@chrisferguson1911]

Glad someone beat me to it. +1🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

[@CrashRacknShoot]

​@russellweber3466 or if ya just get ya some HSTs. Theyll open up if ya throw them at someone lol.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Again reinforcing my choice of the Fed HST 180 for my G22.

[@MontanaWelldigger]

Another quality test from the toolman!! Thanks!! I'm a .40 guy and usually carry FMJ for the big 4 legged grizzled things that are running all over Montana these days.

[@hartsickdisciple]

You should probably get some hard case or solid copper bullets for those things.

[@MontanaWelldigger]

@hartsickdisciple I've got hard cast, FMJ and Lehigh penetrators, also in 357.

[@Kaelland]

By the numbers, this stuff performed pretty well. Out of the G22, it averaged 941 feet per second, producing 353 energy foot pounds at 50 yards. Out of the G27, it averaged 910 feet per second, producing 330 energy foot pounds at 50 yards. Decent numbers. Unfortunately, they're not decent enough numbers. The Hornady XTP absolutely needs high velocity to work well. Push them good and hard and they expand fantastically and do nasty damage. Don't push them hard enough, and you might as well be slinging FMJs.

[@briceweed5325]

Love your channel! The way you talk reminds me of a drill sergeant I had once 😂 Don’t worry he was a good guy…keep up the great work sir!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@gsw313]

I appreciate your testing. I have never been impressed with anything hornady produces . But with that said i do have good luck with xtp's as long as it is loaded by someone else.

[@LifeSpringFarmsllc]

Another Great Job,, I am looking at AAC for my hollow points for my G-23, and G-19,, your videos did a great job answering my questions.... Thanks,,,,

[@CookieMonster_1969]

I am inclined to agree with you, not ideal for a 40 S&W, thanks for the testing as always.👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate you, brother!😎👊

[@JamesGroves-vr2xw]

You are my source for ballistic data. Great channel! Thank you 🙏🏿🇺🇸

[@chrissidwell9455]

I really think the best bullet weights for the 40 S&W are 150 to 165gr. 180gr just doesn't get going fastest enough. 180gr is best loaded in the 10mm.

[@leahbennett4979]

. 40 was designed for 180

[@kennethferguson4283]

The heavy for caliber 147gr 357 Sig with a velocity of 1250+ fps performs reliability and with the power to get good penetration.

[@jackbaird5235]

Great testing as always tools! We really appreciate all of your hard work and time you put in the testing. For the 40 my go to is the 165 gr ranger t that stuff is nasty!!!!!

[@kens17761]

Best ammo tester around!! Thanks Toolman!!!

[@garygates5679]

GREAT VIDEO TOOL ... !!!!!! I HAVE 3 10MM'S ... !!!!! I TOLD MY WIFE IT'S YOUR FAULT ... !!!!!!! I WAS A 40 NUT TILL I GOT MT 10'S .... !!!!!!! KINDA LIKE GOING FROM 22LR TO 22 MAG .... !!!!!!! THANK YOU ... !!!!!! LIKE ALWAYS ... SAVING ME MONEY ON WHAT NOT TO BUY ...!!!!!! DOUBLE G.

[@alessandropereirapassos6220]

This ammo to work well need to be used in a carbine. The long barrel will give the velocity the ammo needs.

[@miker9043]

Another good one Tools ! No one can argue the results you get , you put ammo through the best real world tests . before I buy a diff caliber tool I always check out your channel to see what ammo performs best !

[@bjburton5931]

In my opinion, AAC is one of my go to range ammo's, but I will stick to HST,s in my handguns and I like the AMMO INC 64gr .223 bonded soft points In my 11.5" and federal fusion 150gr 300aac in my 7.5" for defense ammo.

[@caleb6988]

Well I have some of these and after seeing how they perform, think I will use them as range ammo. Great test brother tools.

[@DinoNucci]

40 is the correct answer vs human sized questions.

[@michaeldonivan4955]

Great test as usual. To echo some of the others, your tests are the BEST on the tube. You have, in my opinion, completely narrowed down the expansion threshold of xtp bullets, and that is mighty appreciated. AAC 10mm, yup, .40....nope. I am not sure if you have tested, i gotta go back and look, the Hornady 124 gr 9mm +p loaded with the xtp. I am curious as to how that expands. I would be really interested in seeing that particular ammo in a car ine test. My shop has that on sale all the time dirt cheap and I am not sure if it is because it is junk or just reasonable for them to get. Thanks, Brian! Appreciate you!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@danpatton3891]

I believe the 40 S&W needs at least 1150 fps for a JHP to begin to perform properly. That's why I moved down to the 155 gr XTP. The Underwood 155gr is rated at 1300 fps. More than enough to expand properly. In my opinion, even the Underwood 180 gr out at 1100 fps is a little too slow. But that's just my opinion.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. They gotta be movin if they're loaded with 180's.

[@Texas2Step79]

I dunno man the 180 HST seems to perform in short barrels very well in my opinion..

[@NEFARIOUS_B.I.G.]

150-165gr is the best load!

[@charliecochran3035]

​@@Texas2Step79 yeah there are plenty of sub 1000fps 40 loads that work fine. You can't expect to take a projectile designed for 10mm, slow it way down, and expect good performance. That's just stealing on the part of the manufacturer if you ask me.

[@leroycaudill96]

Love your videos Tools always a honest review.

[@stevenkennedy4130]

I'm just glad AAC came on-line. Can always use another American Amunition Company, IMO. Their FMJ is great range ammo. I like the fact that they only serve the civilian market. (No police or military contracts here.) But it does appear they need to sharpin' their pencils when it come to HP tech...and as always, thanks for the share!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@spwiggins]

I only carry Federal HST.

[@CA2ATrucker]

Wow, what a shame! I'll stick with the Winchester Ranger LE for my carry. Good stuff as always Tools, stay safe God Bless ✌️🇺🇲

[@tuts40]

The .40 has a better than great threat stoppage history. …but you do have great videos.

[@adamannala5498]

Couple more grains of powder don’t cost that much cmon aac.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@johnspink6557]

Thank you Mr. T, your tests are the ones I really rely on. I carry the G3 G22.

[@timparkhurst8661]

I just went and watched a factory tour video quick. They are aimed at "civilian" segment. They make primers in-house (lack data and development), but need to source contract projectiles for a variety. You can assume bulk industry powders at that point. At the scale it is being made, it will be conservative, mid-tier, and never throttled up to keep their insurance and lawyers happy while being mass production. They let us know that with the plain jane packaging from the beginning. Just my .02¢ and nice test Tools,&! P.S. watch out, there's scammers in your comments and YT doesn't listen to reporting.

[@thanehanson6746]

Thanks for all the numbers.

[@sokyoutdoors588]

Biggest problem is that Hornady XTP 180 grainers are for a 10mm. Says it on the box from the Hornady factory.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@luketilley9137]

Thanks for another great video, brother. You are my go-to if I want to see ammo test 😎👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!

[@Gojukid]

I have undeewood 155 xtp that i have for the glock 23 and they perform great

[@MrBuckeye63]

Would be a great choice for a PCC

[@hoffpbass]

The uneven expansion causes the tumbling. But how coincidental, I was just looking at these on PSA and saw XTP and 1000 ft/sec and opted to pass. Those Hornady Critical Defense 165gn seem to be one of the best .40 tests I've seen recently, though. So, those and HST's are my benchmark. Perhaps of this AAC were more a standard JHP like Winchester Whitebox it would be a perfect budget option.

[@trentvlak]

1000 fps for 180gr out of a 40 is normal.

[@hoffpbass]

@@trentvlak yes, I agree. But not for XTP rounds, based on all the tests I've seen. They really like 1100+.

[@trentvlak]

@@hoffpbass they're hunting rounds, not designed to go through clothing and then expand. I would buy this for target ammo as well.

[@hoffpbass]

@@trentvlak I can see that. Take the same projectiles and put in 10mm cartridges and it will work as intended. But for self defense, I've got 180 grain HSTs I'm .40SW. I'm far more likely to get expansion in a critical situation.

[@q1fiend623]

There are days I wonder if they load hollow points because the manufacturer got a good deal on the bullets and never tested them for anything but safe pressure. I'll give it to AAC for coming very close to the box velocity though.

[@artwebb6939]

I always preferred about 155 grain in 40 And I tend to shy away from most things loaded with xtps Might be a good load for a PCC

[@trustnot9]

Thanks for a great test, good job as always.

[@cousinvinnie2180]

Thanks for another real world demonstration!

[@scarifrougeone7225]

Another good test there Tools. Good job. Really like the AAC ammo testing to see what calibers is really good and those that’s not so good. Price point is generally pretty good with AAC especially on the daily deals ammo page. Keep up the good work thanks for sharing be safe. Haven’t try’d AAC ammo yet but going to snag some in the daily deals page. 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸⭐️

[@grahamohea2424]

3:35 "Glock's got so many different doggone numbers, I can't even keep up with it...." This is a feature, not a bug. It makes it really difficult for one's significant other to keep track of what you've got, making it easy to pick up another one, being perfectly honest with what you've got, without them catching on. The fact that they all look the same as well is simply the pièce de résistance

[@user-gl1vd9ys5l]

😂

[@yomomma107]

I hear you man my old lady thinks I have two but I actually have six....will make it much simpler if we ever divorce

[@ToolsandTargets]

😂

[@ABSilverback]

I just recently discovered your channel and subscribed, its good to see honest and interesting reviews.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that!😎👊

[@rmax2]

Since I've been coming here you've saved me a good deal of money ! 👍

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

I carry 9mms with Seismic 185gr and buffalo bore 147gr +P hardcast Rounds 12 and 15 round magazines

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍thanks Tools, another well done test.

[@Dwayne7834]

Good test. Makes you wonder how the manufacturers test some of their products. Thanks for the video 👍🇺🇸

[@147CombatMedic]

Ammo companies know exactly what's needed to make XTPs work. There's no excuse. 😡

[@mozzberg590]

AAC always seems to be ALMOST good enough. Speer Gold Dots live in my G22, and I don't plan on switching anytime soon.

[@A_Brit]

When are companies going to learn, if it has an XTP it needs + P.

[@charliecochran3035]

Some ammo makers seem to hate .40 and underpower their loads for no reason that I can figure out. No reason 180 grainers need to be under 1000 or 165 grains under 1150ish.

[@rogerwood5228]

Thanks for the test.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@CarnivoreDog]

I would of liked to seen one more try on the second tool. Probably wouldn't of mattered but I am curious.

[@coalgunsandfreedom6891]

Good ol 40. My nightstand caliber. Thanks for the test as always.

[@coalgunsandfreedom6891]

@-ToolsandTargets Have you tested any Speer Gold Dot 155s? Used to be hard to find but idk now. 1200fps advertised, feel like it too. Hmu if you want to test, I got a few.

[@calanon534]

This is about on par with the standard original .40S&W loading - 180gr @ 984 or 1000fps. In this case, projectile selection is the factor. These projectiles are not well suited to the lower velocity.

[@JFergel]

thanks for the video, as always

[@ToolsandTargets]

🥇😎👊🥇

[@jeremymcauliff8485]

As mentioned, the XTP bullet needs some serious velocity to expand. These are just too slow.

[@steelpunisher6944]

It’s a shame these companies haven’t learned to run the XTP’s faster. When they run fast I think they’re a great projectile. It’s one of my favorite bullets to load spicy and they are pretty cost effective. Just too slow AAC! Spice these up and you’d have a good round. Awesome test as always good sir 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ke3552]

Thanks. That's a shame about the .40S&W offerings but they are doing some nice work w/ their 5.56 77OTM loadings. House brand & Sierra projectiles are working nicely.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I still gotta test those.

[@chrisbrown2627]

165 and 155 weight bullets work better out of 40 S&W.

[@johngrunwell2412]

Just goes to show us that these manufactures (many) are more interested in bottom costs and not in the actual performance of a product! With your results I truly don’t believe they tested (as you have) their individual product lines with their loadings or managed quality control?? Then they put their NAME on the box and hope for the best. I don’t load my platforms that way. Thanks Tools.

[@76_138]

You lucky fellow! Is 50f and rainy in SC

[@ToolsandTargets]

It was here today too. This was a few days ago.

[@patsmith6942]

The .40 s&w was designed to be 180 grain bullet at 950 fps.

[@halfcirclehranch6877]

"I got a bad feeling jelly time" Quote by Tools Solo.

[@bohnhoff346]

Thanks for another test

[@billdye3530]

Thats like running the drags at Thunder Valley. If you dont have the speed go sit in the stands with the rest of us. Need 1,100fps or better design. Might come apart out of carbine. Appreciate you. 👍🙏

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep!😎👊

[@itsjustjoe3790]

Thanks for the data

[@SCH292]

That G27 went full FMJ. Lol

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah it did.😆

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

That's why I don't subcompact pistols HP loads never expand in those.

[@_JimS]

Not impressive at all but in PSA's defense they are at the top of the charts with regards to Hodgdon Powder Co. MAX load for 180g XTP...978fps. I guess that is standard performance. Underwood is 1100fps @484energy with standard 40S&W and Buffalo Bore +P is the exact same. Seems to me you have to go down to 135gr Underwood to get the velocity, they're moving at 1400fps!

[@johnw4999]

As you watch this, keep in mind Underwood 10mm 180 XTP at about 1,300 fps. With this AAC 180 XTP, looks like we see the minimum velocity needed for the bullet to remotely do its thing. If the UW loaded XTP is screaming out the gate, what max effective range can we expect to get???

[@Iberian247]

If AAC is gonna make them that weak, they'll have to enlarge the HP cavity and cut deeper expansion seams.

[@NEFARIOUS_B.I.G.]

Undie wood 150gr, or the Penetrator!

[@brianbenton3826]

Hey Tools, love all your tests. I have a test request.... Underwood 38 Special +P 158 grain lead SWCHP gas check black cherry coated out of a snub nose. It's supposed to be an improved version of the old FBI load. Think you could pull off a little old school cool with this one? Underwoods item #733. Thanks buddy!

[@Mikelp73]

On the lookout for a g27. Funny I was just talking about it today, good stuff.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@williambaker1753]

I never tried AAC ammo even in other calibers I'm just not a big XTP fan and from the looks of it I'm not missing much. I like the 40 s&w and love the 10mm but I just don't understand why most ammo company's don't take advantage of the power they are capable of especially the 10mm 90 % of it is trash. Good video thanks for the heads up a couple times I saw the AAC ammo on sale and almost picked up a couple hundred rounds.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely not worth the extra recoil, etc with this kinda power.

[@cecilnewman666]

Clearly AAC needs to quit watering down the personal protection loads. The 10mm performed better but was still loaded light.

[@GeographyCzar]

Important test. Great title. There’s no excuse for loading the .40 that slow.

[@philipfreeman72]

Good test .

[@Hanover_Fist]

Thanks Tools, Is this another case of "You get what you pay for!"?

[@scott23040]

I shot some of the 9mm full metal jacket and man that stuff was dirty.

[@aZX14blurr]

Thanks brother for reading the comments, which is nice for us and allowed you to catch that scammer using your thumbnail pretending to be you.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@martipettty2297]

Damnit! bought 100 of these and got a 3 inch barrel! Oh well $ was right it’s more practice ammo.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

I appreciate your reviews. It’s a shame these manufacturers sale ammo that doesn’t do what they’re suppose to do. It’s a crap shoot …pun intended.

[@georgepowell3190]

I have a video idea. I always hear 12 gauge autos have less recoil than pumps. That makes me wonder how much velocity might be lost on the autos. How about choosing a slug from a manufacturer and trying it in both a semi-auto and pump of same barrel lengths? I have a feeling the results may be interesting.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have a handful of new shottys that I gotta get videos done on that will be great for that.

[@Nutty.357]

Last resort may work good in a carbine! That is what I always wonder when these different ammos fail in a handgun lol! You're going to have to have a carbine on jelly contraption standby when they fail like that! lol! Preciate ya! & Happy Friday! 💥💥

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Very thankful for this test. I really wanted it to work, but that's what I was worried about. They should make a 155g

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely

[@l.a.3887]

Another great video i hate to spend money on all that stuff thanks man really appreciate you 👍 🇺🇸

[@billsiegloff2150]

I dont know why people load heavy xtp projectiles slow. Anything under 1000fps is a gamble. Why not just load the 155s to 1100fps in the 40 and have good performance in any barrel length

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Hmm, I don't know... I'm gonna make a bet with myself before I see the results. I doubt that a 180 gr load in .40 SW is gonna exceed 1000 fps in the real world. We'll see, maybe I'll lose the bet! Edit: It did better than I thought out of the G22 for velocity, not far from 1000 fps. Too bad not so great expansion though. For the .40 SW I'll usually go with 165 gr because I much prefer a bit more velocity and energy rather than heavier and slower.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Just go get ya some HSTs in 165 for subcompacts, and 180 for anything else and call it a day for .40.

[@projectturbocoupe4897]

I load 180gr XTP's for my Ruger PC40 with Longshot. About 1,300 FPS.

[@RL-RL]

GTSY back again! Yes AAC is skimping on their loadings, and It's be cause of the lack of materials. But, that's still no excuse for selling a product that's sub par, and should be loaded the right way for what you pay for period! I'd rather have quality over quantity any day.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Amen!😎👊