Better Than HST?...Federal PUNCH 9mm vs 45acp Self-Defense AMMO Test!

[@harryanderson7282]

Would be great to see a follow-up vid on the .45ACP Punch being fired out of a full-sized 1911 for comparison's sake.

[@sparhawk5515]

That’s about the most impressive.45 I’ve ever seen! It expanded to almost .70 and still penetrated over 19 inches. That’s better than 99% of all calibers out there. The fact that it did it out of a 3.8 inch barrel just makes it that much more amazing!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep. Great stuff for the short barrel.

[@d.hayward5232]

I too was shocked and impressed with the performance. Gonna have to see how it does out of a 5" barrel now!

[@sparhawk5515]

@@d.hayward5232 dITTO!

[@joeyphillips1181]

Yeah the 45 stuff was really impressive.. with that being said the HST is just as good if not better but either one works 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BBEEAATTNNGGUU]

​@@joeyphillips1181Now the HST guys are saying "just as good"😂

[@truthhurts7836]

I feel pretty confident in my EDC ammo thanks to all of the jelly you've been through Tools.

[@ToolsandTargets]

The jelly weeds em out.😎👍

[@tommylitchfield3450]

Tools and his Jelly Contraption is saving us all loads of money, fo'sho'!

[@MB-jg4tr]

Agreed. Best jelly tests on JuuTube. Having the right defense rounds sure makes one feel good.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

Tools, I think you are absolutely right about the Punch having a more pure lead, making the Punch softer. I think that heavy 230 .45ACP at the lower than box velocity pretty much proves it. I think I will check some of those babies out myself. My Pop has a 1911 in .40S&W and I am curious how that soft lead in a high pressure round like the .40 will do. Will it blow up?? Who knows? A good idea for a Tools Test... 40 in a long vs short barrel with The Punch!! Keep 'em comin', tools!

[@gripaimsqueeze]

I’d be interested in this as well.

[@timrobinson6573]

I think Punch is the hidden gem of ammo world.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I didn't record it but I tried this Federal punch 40s&w with a Glock22 on a goat carcass which was pretty much the same thickness as a human torso & it passed through leaving a decent wound channel & the bullet was just about an inch in the dirt.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@robertm8401]

I've carried 124gr 9mm Punch ever since I saw it appear on this channel and never changed since, being fully confident in it's capabilities. Thank you Tools 🎉

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff.😎👊

[@sandoval1529]

Might have to consider changing also! Still love the Hornady critical defense though.

[@MB-jg4tr]

​@@sandoval1529Hornady CD is very consistent, but HST & Punch are clearly better options.

[@DEAMcN]

​@@MB-jg4tr Absolutely! Punch has done great out of every barrel length I own, and every test I've watched they've done well. CD is ok but I like a little heavier bullet and the9mm punch has nice power too just being standard pressure. Punch all day long over critical defense.

[@paulp.6399]

The 9mm expanded almost the same as the 45. Impressive, most impressive.

[@cgsimons1187]

I anticipated that it would be all too easy for the .45.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@jimsanders4412]

Yes, I've said it before...I am a HST guy to the bone marrow, however...The Punch is definitely a contender. Plus, it's a bit cheaper here, locally!!

[@Adam-nv9zo]

Both of those are pretty impressive. Federal definitely has some smart folks working for them. Great video, as always, brother.

[@jordanamos102]

I work at Gopher Resource. The lead refinery that distributes the lead lead Federal uses. You're absolutely right about the different color being a different alloy.

[@jimchambers7548]

How nany ammo companies do you supply. And it seems like lighter grey ammo is softer

[@jordanamos102]

@jimchambers7548 we do all federal/spear gold dot, Remington.... I can't speak to "softer" I know the darker the more pure.... but I don't think that matters. We make at least 13 different alloy variants for different applications.

[@jordanamos102]

@@jimchambers7548 don't look at it like softer is a positive or negative. Research the bullet you need for the job you need done.

[@jimchambers7548]

@@jordanamos102 i do check out bullets, it looks like the lighter grey expand more like the Remington semijacket, ammo inc. I keep the different JHP i catch to compare the looks. Just something i was curious about and seeing how you're the expert figured I'd ask. Ty

[@Hissatsu5]

I enjoy seeing mixed callbers same projectile videos

[@ToolsandTargets]

I like em myself.😎👊

[@champlow8522]

Tools i been rocking with you since you had under 10k subs and watched your channel grow. Congratulations on your success because you put in the work! Great content as usual

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that bigtime, brother! It's been a lot of fun!😎👊

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

Pure lead is dark gray. They add tin to it to make it harder. The more tin they add to it the brighter it gets. Hard cast have a lot of tin and that’s why they are so bright silver.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Makes sense.😎👍

[@timd729]

I thought antimony made it harder and tin made it flow better in the bullet molds

[@rogerjohnson6733]

I'm with you my friend.. Anti​tmony and tin are what is used to make bullets casting lead alloy harder! Brinell hardness is the scale used to used to measure the relative hardness of the lead bullet casting material. The higher the Brinell hardness the harder the lead alloy! @timd729

[@johnanderson186]

Yes tin adds minimal hardness, and is more for mold fill out, Antimony is what makes it considerably harder. Tin does add some hardness but not by a lot.

[@rexhinlo3398]

May I suggest you put round stickers on the denim so that you'll have an aiming point when you do the tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I draw aim points with a sharpie but with so many different guns and points of impact, it doesn't always go to plan.😂

[@williambaker1753]

The 9mm really impressed me with the expansion and penetration that 45 ACP was no slouch I never expected it to expand that well federal did there home work and turned out some nice ammo. I have some of the punch in 9mm I haven't had a chance to try it out yet I will be doing a lot more now that the weather is nice. Great video comparison 45 ACP and 9mm are the two most popular self defense rounds.

[@speedyforde3404]

I am liking what i see out of the federal punch line

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff

[@jwash3rd]

I picked up a box of 124 gr. Federal Law Enforcement Tactical HST at a show, $35/50. They look the same, except for a nickel coating. They're also rated at 1150.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I always try to scoop up the LEO trade boxes when my local shop gets some. They never get any 9mm, unfortunately.😆

[@sfcmmacro]

If you want a cheap way to test the lead’s hardness you can try an old reloader’s trick using a cheap set of artist’s pencils. Get them nice and sharp and try to scratch the lead, starting with the softer pencils and working your way up. You can estimate the hardness of the lead based on the known hardness of the pencil graphite.

[@MB-jg4tr]

Cool trick, thanks

[@timd729]

So what number pencil scratches pure lead? The lead sheets you get off of old roofs.

[@therichie9916]

Either one would provide very adequate protection provided the user can put them in the proper place when the time comes.

[@MB-jg4tr]

Placement is 🗝️ It doesn't matter what you're loaded with if you can't hit vitals. Practice is more important than what you're yeeting 👍

[@kennethrisner8648]

Used to be a 9mm would out penetrate a 45 no matter the round used, but this is one of the few examples where it didn't. That said the performance difference between the 2 calibers using the punch is so close a switch from the 9 to a 45 wouldn't be justified

[@johncoleman2495]

I'm gonna be 100% honest, I've been waiting to see you test this before I bought it🤣 I'm like you in the fact that I distrust most .45 ACP with 230gr bullets. I had good results with the 9mm punch in my shield a few years ago when I was doing some gel testing myself. So I have a bunch of that. I guess I'll be buying some .45 now too! Thank you again for the great content man!

[@mattjensen73]

These caliber match ups are so cool!! Awesome to see the difference between the performance in the gel

[@JJ_SDWR]

The 9mm Punch is always way cheaper than HST and unlike HST I actually see it in stock at my local shops. Not bad. Edit: I was referring to what is available ON THE SHELF at my local stores and thus what the average person probably buys. I was speaking for the masses because I'm assuming most of you aren't buying 50 round boxes of LE Critical Duty/HST for $25 a box like I do with a Qualified Professional discount on Buds... I understand there are better deals to be had and I'm not going out of my way to buy lil 20 round boxes of Punch 👊🏻 But I'm glad it performs.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep

[@MeMadeIt]

Depends on location. Around here 9mm 124gr HST LE 50rd box $40 while Punch 20rd box $20.

[@Samyouell11510]

Yeah usually I just pick up HST or punch depending on whatever is in stock locally or online.

[@lazybear236]

Looking online, HST is way cheaper in quantity. Several places with HST at 51 cpr and free shipping. Cheapest for Punch with free shipping is 80 cpr

[@joeyphillips1181]

I've never seen the price difference between the punch & HST be big enough to actually matter tbh.. I would rather pay like 5$ more per 50 rd box and get the HST's or gold dots.. we can't use the LE discount but we can still find the LE boxes cheaper at certain places and it's the same stuff 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@billsiegloff2150]

2 winners there Brian. The surprise was the 45 only having 25ft lbs extra energy

[@scarifrougeone7225]

Federal Punch is definitely worth the price point. The MC9 makes another great showing. The .45acp surprised me the most. That is the standard for the ammo to perform to. Very nice the weight, speed, short barrel and still performs as it should. Thumbs up there. Federal gets the top dog stamp. Thanks for sharing and be safe. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@anthonyb2334]

Very impressive results, especially the 45. After watching your channel I have a great appreciation for these punch rounds. Thank you.

[@redforeman1706]

Love how you're videos are no bull $hit. Straight to the point.

[@stansdds]

Federal's HST line has been good stuff and it looks like their Punch line will be too.

[@miker9043]

Punch is fitting name for those bullets ! Enjoyed the test Tools !

[@Succeedlikeyoubreathe]

Hell yes this is exactly what I’m talking about. Let’s see some what should you EDC caliber series

[@ironmikehallowween]

You are convincing me that JMB was onto something for sure! Thanks for the video

[@MrZachxd]

Holy crap! Look at that big old .45 go! This ammo looks great. I love my HST

[@wildcatindustries8030]

Best way I can sum Punch up is it’s discount HST. It’s slightly cheaper but for the every day person, mimics about the same performance. It struggles on barriers or anything tough where it is infect a soft lead alloy, but it works very well imo in anything organic. I’ve carried and tried out both and unless you need that extra barrier penetration, punch is the way to go

[@joemokrzycki2006]

Punch does it again

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🥊💥

[@chrisp1601]

I’d pay an extra dollar or two for them to nickel plate these again. They did for a while… but I think only the 22lr is plated still

[@kevinramsey4673]

Great test Tools! I've got some of the 9mm Punch. Looks like I need some 45acp Punch.

[@ToolsandTargets]

A couple of good ones.😎👍

[@johnnymccann5607]

I've committed on most all your videos I've seen. I never held back on any thing and on this video I must say I am greatly impressed with results on both calibers. as we know all hollow points are not equal, but today it couldn't get any better. I love your honest tests holding back nothing. Papa wishing you well 😊

[@MB-jg4tr]

I'd love to see some wadcutters/flat point jelly tests from various calibers. Love watching, cheers

[@fredallen7493]

I'm impressed with the .45 results. That is good expansion, especially from a short barrel. I've said for awhile the lead used today is harder than years ago. Hence less expansion.

[@Jeremy-by6pg]

Underwood has a 185 45 acp grain. I'm also wondering how the 135 grain would do. The specs are pretty good if you ask me.👌

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Very good results. Glad to see 45 succeed. Many thanks.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@RobDelacruz-w6d]

Another superb test. These should be what I carry in my G30s from now on.

[@WayStedYou]

makes it even more strange that the cci uppercut failed since its the same parent company and federal seems to know what to do for expansion even with slow 45s

[@Judge102]

Great video!! You converted me from hornady to sig 9mm v-crown, but this stuff looks as good maybe better .

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir!😎👊

[@wtjonesphd9375]

I consider that over-penetration. Some shooters don't worry about that, but I find it a great concern. The possibility or even likelihood a bullet passing completely through an attacker and possibility hitting someone else is something I never want to take a chance on. I really don't even know why Federal makes the Punch when their HST line performs consistently well without over-penetrating.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

This is Bob LD'S husband. I'd be far more worried about hitting what I was shooting at than 19" penetration. If I recall FBI says 12"- 18". You are more likely going to endanger innocent bystanders than to over poentrate when you are under stress.

[@wtjonesphd9375]

@@hotrodray6802I'm a retired police officer. And I don't miss shots. I was even awarded a S&W .38 Spl Snub-nose revolver for getting a perfect score on the academy qualification shoot. I didn't miss on duty either. My experience is a perfectly good shot is not good at all if it passes through the intended target and then hits the wrong person. Murphy's Law is abundant. The best defense against collateral damage is not to miss the intended target. But the right ammo is important too. And this test indicates that Federal Punch is not the right ammo.

[@Jpb707]

Great videos! Always showing me exactly what i want to know , any .40 165 vs 180 video? Im searching allll your videos now

[@getit9183]

Extremely impressive expansion in that 45ACP.

[@michaelgibbs3011]

Both are sufficient; however, the 9 will always fall behind the 45 in end result capability. That said, I love your videos and learn something from each one. In the end, your results and the results of others show the significant advantage of the 45acp. ALL issues considered, all videos made, I am convinced a man's best chance of stopping a bad guy, or several bad guys, and the best chance of survival when limited to a handgun, is found in a 45 acp with at least a 4" barrel. I'm referring to ALL considerations: ease of carry, capacity, ease of operation, relative "stopping power," time into initial shot, concealability, comfort, all other factors bearing on full time carry, a lightweight commander size 1911 is the very best. Other carry guns are of course adequate, but none other has ever been made to best that choice. I carry others at times but I know I am under gunned compared to the very best.

[@peterdarlington4117]

45 has no real advantage if anything the reduced capacity and controllability leaves it disadvantaged. But even with the FBI switching back to 9 mm and releasing their findings in the report no one bothered to read you can’t teach some people anything.

[@Rocket-ui2vv]

I carry a 70 series TUSSY custom Commander and feel “ very well equipped for self defense” ! Their 230gr Punch look like a real winner. SEMPER FI. 😉🇺🇸🫡

[@kennethferguson4283]

Looks like the cup of the bullet is doing most of the expanding. I am sticking with the street proven HST.

[@Nutty.357]

👊Punch has proven itself time and time again! 💥💥

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep

[@brandiwynter]

Wow, that .45acp surprised me. I haven't even heard of this ammo other than the .22lr. I think I may get some of that for my short barrel .45's. Looks like Federal Punch for the shorties and HST for the rest. Much thanks TnT!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff.😎👍

[@alfonsorj70]

Good video..I have been using sig sauer 230 grain in my 45 and 124gr in my 9mm but I might try the federal HST in my Springfield 45.. ok tools take care and keep making those great videos..

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@skewerz]

I'd like to see those projectiles with underwood loads.

[@jw-sigp2258]

I will have to get some punch in 9mm and 40 S&W as I use both. Great test.

[@ldjb8648]

I like the results of the test, but I'll stick with my HSTs. Thanks for the intel!

[@Sometimes_Always]

You always have the best ballistic gel tests! Love it. Keep them comin'!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@russdennis7026]

Both are great rounds but I like the capacity with 9mm. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnD357]

Great information about the Punch. Better than HST? Not hardly. 😃

[@RickGrimes357]

Another great one ,Man!Thanks so much for all that you do for the 2A community!

[@ChooseFreedom-o1e]

I wish that I found your channel before making my ammo purchases - excellent content and video skills.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👊

[@ogbobbye]

I like these head to head test between different calibers that you do.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother.😎👊

[@JesseGacria357]

Always awesome to get a notification from your channel🎉

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@SaltyMaverick]

You're right, the lead in those **does** look different. It's entirely possible it's alloyed differently from most bullet lead.

[@mozzberg590]

I'm wondering if good ole 230 grain hardball would be sufficient in ballistic gel.

[@randyduncan795]

830FPS is pretty respectable for 45 out of such a short barrel. Federal's 230gr HST and Punch loads seem a little hotter than their competition's. Bet it's close to 890 out of a good old 5" 1911. Thanks for another great test!

[@timd729]

That would be pretty fast for a non +P in 230 grains. I would like non +P ammo like that. I got sierra outdoor masters, I think this guy tested them a few years ago

[@Sambo169]

Thats good penetration for a Glock 30! Most 45 acp rounds go 14 inches to 18 inches in gel! They might expand more but thats decent expansion coming from a short barrel 45 acp! Sure the HST might expand more but i want that penetration in case of a 4 legged beast! This punch is adequate for animals & people in case of a self defense scenario! I got a Glock 30S and im going to carry this Federal Punch for woods carry & just normal edc! Thanks for your time making these videos and sharing them! It gives us a good idea of what to carry and the barrel lengths to carry with the rigjt ammo to carry!

[@moshedayan9049]

Notifications working, thank you Sir

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that. 😎👊

[@kenworland1865]

Glad to see these results!!! 🙌🏻👊👍

[@147CombatMedic]

Can't complain about those results! 💥👍💥

[@rsbreeze]

Excellent test and ammo!

[@dancruze]

Thanks jelly man!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@l.a.3887]

Thanks for testing all this ammunition good stuff

[@murphymmc]

That's some good performing stuff. Yep, the .45 was a very pleasant surprise. I'd like to see them put out a 200gr or a 185gr for the shorter barrels. Velocity will be up a bit at distance, it may never be needed for 25yd shots, even if it doesn't expand it starts out where a lot of 9's end up with downrange expansion.

[@davidchampagne464]

Looked like a fun test. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of any of them. Nice video.

[@phild9813]

Do you have a cumulative list somewhere of recommendations of ammo for each caliber?

[@boondogger]

Know what I'm switching to, Thanks. Good on ya 😉

[@phillhuddleston9445]

Surprised that 230 gr. expanded in a short barrel, I still like 185 gr. +p's out of any .45 ACP long or short barrel, 230's are just too heavy for the cartridge IMO.

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Very nice performance, good to see the 230 expanding like it should. Have some 9mm Punch, need to pick up the 45. Thanks for the video Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@donniebaynard8430]

The notification bell is working.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@shane3878]

Corvette vs bel-aire? Most like camaro vs silverado. :)

[@ToolsandTargets]

😆😆😆

[@Tom-cp6yj]

I bet the 185gr Silvertip would be a great performer for the .45

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@RKHarm24]

I always used Speer 200gr JHP. The flying Ashtray

[@ElainesDomain]

Both looked good to me. I'd bet a shiny nickle that it's soft lead. I have Punch in .38. I don't think that it would fail in a 2.5'' or a 4'' barrel that I have them in. Another money saver video. Thanks Tool Guy.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Just realized there are a few more I need to try out too.

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome video and I love those bullets, thanks.

[@billdubois56]

Another great jelly test Brotha ..

[@Rocket-ui2vv]

Old 4th MARDIV and me LOVED MY 45s.. WOW. great results on the 230gr. Punch. I EDC my Terry Tussy custom 70 series COMMANDER and this would be a hell of a self defense load. Thanks again TOOLS, much love from this Old Marine.. SEMPER FI 🇺🇸🫡. 🔫🔫🔫pew pew pew .

[@erichanson7293]

The Punch line is great! Thanks for testing these projectiles. So far, I haven't seen a Punch projectile in any caliber not live up to the manufacturer claims. That includes gun tube tests I've viewed and my own.

[@russellridge8623]

Have you played with any Fort Scott TUI( tumble upon impact) ammunition?

[@ToolsandTargets]

I tested a few quite a while back. Just not impressed by or sold on it at least for self-defense handgun use. I hear it's supposed to be really accurate from a rifle, but there are plenty of much better priced rifle options.

[@switcheyephotography5722]

Thanks, this was really good. Norma makes a budget defensive line of ammo called Safeguard. They perform very similarly to the Punch at only 34 cents per round.

[@joem1565]

Good review. Very thorough

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@corbinpowell128]

We’ll Tools&Targets I’ve been watching you for 2 years now after finding a comment in one of your videos from a while back. So now I know that i have been committed to watching all of your jelly contraption content for at least 2 years now lol. Especially 10mm recently

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, my friend.😎👊

[@corbinpowell128]

@@ToolsandTargets I found you through looking at ballistic gel tests for common firearms and I found your platform to be entertaining and informative.When I want exotic weapons I watch Kentucky Ballistics with his safari rifles on ballistic gel torsos. Then when I want silly humor with entertaining gun content I go to Top Shot Dustin. So there’s my three top favorite gun KZbinrs.

[@corbinpowell128]

Tools&Targets, after seeing how dramatic the difference is in velocity on 45 ACP is in a compact pistol vs full size pistol with your videos it got me to thinking about using the chronograph on FMJ bullets. Planning on using the shells for my reloads and can compare to factory ammo. The chronograph has opened up the ability to know average power factor, energy, velocity etc. Then for max kinetic energy I take the website calculator and put in bullet weight & velocity for that info and put it in the session notes on the app for Garmin.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Nice results... another great test/review. I'd have to see how the 45 HST did but I think I recall it did well... but those all look good. Federal has winner with the punch. But I'm not selling my supply of HST lol.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@kevinmoore6640]

I would love to see you give the hornaday american gunner ammo a shot They use the XTP projectile the critical defense woukd use, but theyre plus p and no nylon plug

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@arrobrewer2730]

100% on metal density awesome test

[@bobborlog1677]

They probably found a good lead to antimony mix it makes a big difference. Just look at a hard cast lead it goes through hard barriers without any deformation

[@jmichaelcarbonniere9549]

Another good one, Brian! I will admit I've yet to be impressed with the Punch line of ammo. It doesn't do anything that that HST doesn't already do, and none of them even holds a candle to either my favorite ammo, the Lehigh Xtreme Defender or my back up ammo, the Speer Good Dot. Ok, if that's what you have, you'd be ok, I suppose. I just don't think I'll go looking for any with my limited budget! Cheers, jc

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir!😎👊

[@leegreene3059]

I love the Lehigh, and g9 external hollow points, especially from a longer barrel (8.5" ar9, or my buddies mp5) normal h.p.s over expand and under penetrate but those externals just get better with more speed. Or that's what I've seen testing on coyote carcasses. 😊

[@timrobinson6573]

Have you done a shorr barrel test for the 220 grain +P Critical Defense for 45 ACP?

[@ToolsandTargets]

Critical Duty?

[@kevinroberts1888]

Federal Punch is what I've been carrying in my 9mm, which has a four inch barrel. It's nice to see it do so well as it's one of the more affordable options in my area.

[@daily4020]

Very valid with the number of subcompact options today. Thanks for putting this together.

[@327Federal]

Can’t wait for 327 Fed Mag Punch 👊

[@timrobinson6573]

GunSamRevolverAfficiando has a recent video testing it.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@327Federal]

@@timrobinson6573 I gotta check it out. I know he tested HST. I didn’t know Federal made PUNCH 👊 yet for 327

[@pharnzie1715]

best 2a channel on YT prove me wrong

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊