Does Size Matter? 9mm VS .45 ACP Hornady Critical Duty - Windshield Test

Testing the Hornady Critical Duty in 9mm 135 gr FTX VS .45 ACP 220 gr FTX in a 10% Clear Ballistics test with and without a windshield barrier. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.com/user?u=5828221

[@GunSam]

Every single suggestion a person can possibly make about what needs to "be changed" on my Glock...save yourself some time, I did it all. I tried different mainspring weights, changed magazines, changed extractors twice, changed magazine release 3 times, changed magazine release spring twice. Just like every other person with Glock 41 problems, the gun is 100% reliable with standard pressure ammo. The problem is the design, and that's just how it is. You can Google search for yourself and see this. Any comments about how to "fix" my Glock or comments that are only about my pistol's reliability will be deleted, because the video is not about my Glock 41, it is about the ammo. Not trying to be mean, but I would estimate I have gotten at least 2,000 comments over the past 3 years about my Glock and I am really sick of hearing it, and now hearing it again over 2 feed jams. It has a 5.3" barrel, that's why I use it, period.

[@floorpoop5852]

Screw the haters, thanks for the informational video which you spent YOUR money on. Thanks brotha just dropped a like a sub!

[@ZorcNecrofear]

A glock that malfunctioned ? say it aint so.. thought that only happens with hi-points

[@GunSam]

The Critical Duty 9mm 135 gr+P in this same pistol averaged 1,094 FPS when I tested it a couple years ago, a mere 35 FPS more going up to a +P, and that's why I settled with the standard pressure version as I knew trying to find the +P to make things "fair" wouldn't make much difference. Also, I mentioned that the 135 gr+P would be about the same velocity in a 4" barrel as the standard pressure is in this 5" barrel. After I got home I looked back at a video I did nearly 5 years ago with the 135+P, and indeed I averaged 1,058 FPS in my 4" Ruger Security 9 with the +P version. Also, at 0:56 I don't mean to make it seem as if I get no channel support at all, as my Patreon supporters do cover about 15% of my purchased ammo as well as sending ammo from time to time. The other 85% is KZbin ad revenue and my own money, which is getting a little tight lately. I may at some point be forced to put out just one video a week due to this. Thanks again for those who support me in some way, even if it's just a thumbs up.

[@mdubb4855]

Best ammo and barrel length test out there. Keeping ammo companies honest and us informed is great, thank you!

[@sombra6153]

Interesting the Critical Duty 135 grain +p isn’t as fast moving as other +ps and I don’t think the extra 10 grains over a 124 GD or HST accounts for 50-100 fps. The CD 45 ACP really impressed me, however.

[@tamadrummer001]

Man between you and tools. We have 2 of the best testing platforms on the internet. Thank you for the work you put in man. It’s a huge help for those of us that cannot do the work you do. Bravo Zulu big dawg!

[@rogerwood5228]

Agreed, but let's not forget Paul Harrel and his "Meat Target"

[@tamadrummer001]

@@rogerwood5228 very very true. Good call

[@JMane3000]

Another good one is Gundungeon and turkeys opinion, AzGunner but GunSam revolver is my favorite

[@stevenessary7986]

I appreciate your content. You do a great job with all of your videos! I was a LEO for two different departments over the years. At both places, back then, we had to buy our own weapons and could choose anything other than a rimfire to carry. I started out with a 357 mag revolver, which was and still is a great choice, imo. Later at the same department I went with a Colt 1911, series 70, 45 acp. I fell in love with the 45 acp caliber. Some years later I changed departments and decided to go with a Sig model 220, 45 acp, for the double action first shot and single action thereafter. I did love the 1911, but decided under stress, the cock & lock was not the best ideal and I liked not having an external safety on the Sig 220. Til this day, even though no longer in LE, I still give high respect to the 45 acp. I have and do carry other calibers now, but still believe the 45 acp and the 357 mag to be at the top as man stoppers, although other calibers have their place and some offer some good things you don’t get in a 45 or 357(more capacity, smaller frames, less recoil, ect). I am old school by my own admission and will probably die still believing that in most cases, bigger is better, when it comes to handgun calibers, at least for me personally. That being said, back in the day, my bug was a S&W 38 spl air weight and a 22 mag mini revolver as a get off of me gun. The only time I ever had to use a handgun to protect my self was from being robbed and probably beaten up. That was in my early years and I happen to be in the middle of no where with two people I had just meet and they decided they wanted to take what little I had, but they did not know I had a 22 derringer in my pocket. I used that 22 to change their minds. That being said, any caliber is better than not having a gun at all. BTW, back in the day, my duty ammo of choice was Black Talon ammo. We didn’t have then all the new ammo on the market today.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@luistapia1942]

Quick question. Did you have to shoot them with the 22 or just persuaded them not to rob you?

[@stevenessary7986]

@@luistapia1942 Thankfully, I did not have to fire my weapon. I simply backed them down. Although I did not want to shoot them, I would have, if the threaten my life or proceeded to try try rob me. No doubt, having a firearm on me that day changed the out come. I have carried every since.

[@rationalmind6362]

Both performed very well. Another great video. Thanks 🙂, looking forward to the 40 vs 357 that I'm sure you'll be making soon.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

45acp really banging that steel around...and consistent penetration depths through all types of barriers..no substitute for a 200+ grain hunk of lead!!!

[@ronbrown3893]

You amaze me! How you keep coming up with so many interesting comparison test one after another is just astounding. Thanks for your time, effort and contribution.

[@GunSam]

Thank for watching!

[@johnsimmes4870]

Regarding the .45ACP: A few months ago, I fired this exact ammunition out of three pistols, a Beretta Px4, a Beretta 8000 (Cougar), and an HK USP Compact. For all three pistols, the recoil was only slightly greater than standard pressure ammunition, the reliability was 100%, and the accuracy was excellent (distance from the target was only about 15 meters). I wear a men's medium sized glove, and weigh about 75kg. Thank you for the video.

[@davecain2671]

Gun Sam you’ve got the best and most interesting videos on U-tube. If anyone is complaining about what you’re doing in your videos then to hell with them. Like you said they can perform the tests themselves. Keep up the good work, best gun channel period, I look forward to your videos everyday.

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@BladesRKing]

Appreciate your laidback, down to earth comparisons.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Great data. Very good comparison. I have carried the 45 in my Shield for a while & so did my daughters. We did switch to HST 230 +p. But it is an excellent offering in my opinion. Thank you.

[@J.R.F.23]

I love watching your videos! Your testing methods are fantastic!

[@TheRios7018]

Awesome testing bud 💯👊 thanks for all you do!👍🏼

[@tonycolca2241]

Thank you so much for your videos and the content in them. I dont think some people realize how much work it is to do these.

[@ronolson2024]

Honest review. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter as sometimes without commentary would be hard to evaluate. Kind of like watching Pro Football without commentary.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks Sam for sharing this interesting comparison. Good shooting!

[@davidlee8551]

Excellent video. Your tests are rock solid- Clear gel, obvious measurements, Clear thinking, and all the “ little” things like measurement of both bullets compared to each other & caliper accuracy. You do set the standard and it is very high! Thank you for the thought, planning, and demonstration.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching. Took a few years to really get to where I am, small changes along the way just like making a food recipe.

[@peternorton5648]

I like both the 45 & the 9mm but just personal preference I’ll take the 45 in most cases. I’m just more accurate and more comfortable shooting it. Both calibers absolutely get the job done.

[@andywilson8698]

Aw yeah 9 vs 45 ,keeping coming sam ,keep them coming!!! And, thanks for all the work you do , but I would love to see more 9 vs 45acp videos!!!

[@bobcatforever3485]

GS. Another good and interesting video and ammo comparison. As always, thanks for your work and take care.

[@GunSam]

Thank you, take care.

[@DanTheWolfman]

My new .45 HST vs Critical Duty "Modern Meat Target" test with both short and medium barrels kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKm3hHqNf5KrgbM

[@factsoftheconfederacy7151]

I don’t understand why people hate .45 ACP so much. I can get loads for any situation I think I’m going to be in. Bear loads, xtreme penetrating rounds, fragmentation etc. It is nice to shoot suppressed as well. The people that hate .45 ACP, they tend to not be able to shoot it well or they only listen to the “JUST AS GOOD!” Crowd.

[@classicgunstoday1972]

They feel insecure with their 9mms and feel the need to downplay the .45 to compensate. (Strangely enough, 10mm guys are often worse) It’s boils down to a maturity thing most of the time. I actually like the 9mm for what it is. But I have no illusions that it is “better” or even “justaspowerful” (swinging my fist) as the 9mm.

[@6793student]

Those people have no experience with other calibers, and follow the crowd. Like Glock fans, they love Glocks because they are not shooting anything else.

[@JMane3000]

Great test man CD is my favorite round for 9mm been wanting to see this

[@dependablepaul]

Thanks for another great presentation.

[@morrisadams1471]

Once again a great vid!

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@organicmaterialsciencecorp6115]

Great job,Great Video Sir. I shoot this ammo using a Xdm .45 and a Ruger Sr .45 with no trouble. In the Ruger Sr .45 i installed a 22 lb. Recoil spring and in the Xdm .45 i installed a 24 lb wolf recoil spring and the both are perfect. Good work !!!

[@ejsocci2630]

I enjoy the way you do your videos,

[@ericbergfield6451]

I'm enjoying the auto-glass layer in these tests: the bullets coming out the other side tell a story about their performance afterwards

[@georgemoore3304]

Thanks for doing this one! I load CD in my .45’s. This was a very surprising result, 9mm usually does quite well through auto glass and .45 struggles. Thanks again.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Fast projectiles penetrate well and dissipate slowly. Heavy objects also penetrate well due to momentum, but in bullets, they tend to be short and fat, lacking the shape to penetrate anything.

[@tedcollins4684]

.45 struggles through a windshield? No

[@johnharris8191]

I did not see.45 struggle in this video and neither did you.

[@mtkz13]

Thanks. This was fantastic. Great job.

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

Great vid, I usually handload a cast and PCd 230gr (LBT-LFN) and like them right at apx 1000fps. Alot of people scoff at a 45acp being too slow, but adding a little more horsepower with handloading really makes the big difference. Alot of book loads for +P show the 230gr at 950-990fps so its not too unusual at all. Shooting the 250gr at 1000fps is another step up....going 45 Super or 450SMC kind of puts a 10mm to shame in both velocity, bullet weight and bullet diameter. They are all great cartridges, but it bugs me when people put down the 45ACP - its about American as it gets!

[@GunSam]

I still remember taking Power Pistol powder and loading the 230 gr ball at the minimum charge and hitting something like 950 FPS. The max charge at the time was a lot higher than that.

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

@@GunSam Power Pistol is a great powder its amazing the start load was that hot off the bat lol. Kind of like CFE Pistol and the start load for a lead 200gr SWC (H&G#68 my guess from stated OAL) is like 1050FPS.Then the stated max is 1142fps, but I've hit about that with apx 7.8gr with no pressure signs, so my guess is max is probably 1200fps or so - not bad lol. A couple of other Alliant ones are Unique and Herco. Alot of old load data shows often highest velocities from Blue Dot though I've never tried it. I was trying to replicate the Buffalo Bore 255gr /920fps'woodsman' load for 45ACP+P but I wanted a bullet that would feed in all my 45s so I got there with Herco and the RCBS 45-250gr at 930-940fps.I hope to continue my testing soon, I havent had the time lately. Thanks for your vids I appreciate watching your detailed testing.

[@nokoolaid]

@@Kinetic.44 On the rowland, nah. It kicks even more and requires special built guns. The super is easier to convert and live with and probably is optimal in terms of tradeoff with recoil and power. It would also be easy for manufacturers of 45 pistols to make them 45 super ready out of the box. Why more don't, IDK.

[@mikerobinson8734]

@@nokoolaidif you handload you can get .460 performance from 45Super. There is no need to waste money on .460 conversions. Just a full support barrel, springs and a comp. .460 and 45 super are identical in every way except the case length is longer in the .460 which does nothing for performance whatsoever.

[@nokoolaid]

@@mikerobinson8734 I would prefer the 45 Super as it's easier to get brass, shoot 45 ACP and there's factory ammo for it. What's hard to discern is what are the easiest platforms to convert to 45 super(require the least modifications) and are there any 45 ACP pistols that can handle 45 Super out of the box? I love the 1911, but it's heavy for EDC and needs to the most love to go to 45 Super. The plastic fantastics are easier, but I hate the triggers on them. Anyway, thanks for the reply.

[@burly_bob]

Thanks man, great video! you got a new subscriber.

[@barney214]

Another great test regardless of whether it's "fair" or not. Thanks!

[@IDontKnow-bb6mt]

Love your channel

[@biggunshandguns3687]

Having just bought a 41 mos your shooting with yours incredible. I grew up with a 1911 and the Glock is nothing like a 1911. It takes all my concentration just to have one good hit

[@History_Coffee]

Excellent test! I'd be curious to see how gold dots compare, especially when it comes to the windshield test

[@sammy2840]

Glock 21 Gen 3 and I run this same ammo! It’s a man stopper I have no doubt!

[@Fudmottin]

It's impressive how that automotive glass mangles up bullets. That's a tough target. As far as the angle goes, I'm not sure it matters just so long as you have one. The angle forces the bullet to go through a bit more glass than a straight on hit. Other than that, it shouldn't make a difference. It's not something I can test though. Hornady continues to impress with the FTX projectiles. I really wish they were available as hand loading components.

[@876mpr]

9mm makes such cute little noises on steel. I was thinking 625 revolver when you were shooting at 75. Definitely one of my favorites.

[@scottroder5516]

Great video sam

[@69mailman69]

Excellent! Thank you good Sir!!

[@duaneridings6591]

great video Sam

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@johnnymccann5607]

wonderful honest tests.papa 😊

[@KH-mf1sq]

The HK USP .45 will handle just about anything without a hitch. I just shot several brands and loads with one I just picked up, and there was not a single malfunction. The accuracy was almost perfect, and this was my first time shooting a .45acp. It's frame is polymer, like the Glock, but it's way more sturdy.

[@timjohnson8390]

Nice test on the shelf this looks like nice ammo but after the performance on the gel I wouldn't carry this. Doesn't seem like much disruption in the gel however it does seems to cut a straight line though. Thanks again be safe

[@ironmikehallowween]

I have carried a 9 for decades, but the 45 ACP is superior. It is also heavier, more costly, and has less capacity. But, having said that, it’s still superior to a 9mm shot for shot. There is no doubt about it.

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

It really is a matter of personal preference, and we will argue this stuff for years and years to come...keeps new videos showing up...

[@deamcn6548]

​@@JohnPublic-dk7zdyou're right, it's an endless argument. I used to carry and love a 45 and then I started getting into 9mm and I fell in love with it and now own several and carry a 9mm. Put the bullet where it needs to be and it's game over no matter what caliber.

[@mdubb4855]

Not to be touchy feeley here, but there’s a lot of history behind the 45 stretching even before ACP, the Colt 45 was a legend too. Plus, I grew up on Jeff Cooper articles. For home defense imho 45 is king, and larger magazines help a lot. Can’t help but agree that lighter rounds an higher capacity carry the day for CCW holders. We are really lucky to have both.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Carry something less superior requiring more shots to hit the zone. That is a personal preference.

[@mdubb4855]

@@exothermal.sprocket some of us at least for a while are still stuck with 10 round magazines.

[@joeturcotte2810]

You make good videos!

[@lanedexter6303]

Interesting test!👍

[@williamgrissom1995]

Love your videos. I think you need a heavier return spring in your 45 for defensive ammo that are hotter loads. If I was thinking I might need to shoot through hard barriers like windshields, that 45 round might be what I'd pick for my CZ 97B. But I don't think that round would perform very good out of my 45 shield performance center with such a short barrel. I normally carry 45 hst in my guns, for the best performance in expansion. Great video! 😎👍

[@GunSam]

I have done it. 22 lb, never seems to help.

[@danoneill2846]

Good Test they both look good

[@oneboyscout3653]

Good test. Thanks

[@wendyvic4046]

Have always liked the .45.

[@ericbrabham3640]

1911, 9 rounds of Gods caliber. Can't do better, LOL

[@Lateralus1007]

I’ll take a Glock 22 w Speer 165 gr Thx 😉

[@bobjohnson1633]

Yeah, some people have no class. I won't blame you for dressing like you're poor, either.

[@joesheetstheragman7737]

Ps thanks for this. You are Thee go to ammo tester. All the best.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching

[@Wastelandman7000]

My response is after two ammo shortages a .45 will always make a .45 caliber hole. Even if all we can get is ball ammo.

[@bobjohnson1633]

45 ball was always effective. It was made because it was effective.

[@PopsGunChannel]

Very Awesome Would have loved to see a 10mm thru a windshield Regards, Pops

[@bobjohnson1633]

I run this in my scandium s&w 1911 commander. I haven't had long or shot autos much at all. It is, however, not difficult to dump 9, center of mass, into a bad guy at 7 hards in a couple seconds.

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

Thanks, I'll definitely try this ammo in my USP 45 and HK45 to see if it's reliable.

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

@ShutterManAce That's usually true... but I'd still want to test it. A few years ago, (during an ammo shortage) some slightly out spec Golden Sabers were choking USPs.

[@williamgaines9784]

I have always liked how you elevated your blocks to eye level. I am sure you have fewer "escapees" from your gel blocks because of that.

[@GunSam]

I don't think I would hit it any less accurately, but starting with water jug shooting, I decided that going higher made more sense.

[@williamgaines9784]

@@GunSam Hitting and hitting straight on are different. If you were having to bend over or kneel down to aim at your blocks, or water jugs, you'd see a difference in capture rate(lower). Same with shooting from the bench. If the target is higher or lower, the bullet will have a different attitude toward the target. Your "range" is also a very nice spot, seems one could go down there and just sit and relax, if nothing else. I really enjoy your works.

[@bjornlovoll8972]

Hey Sam, I think you get a lot of those annoying comments not to belittle you, but because we like the stuff you do. I've quibbled on a few points because your stuff is interesting and engaging. Guys I don't appreciate, I don't even comment. So, thanks and sorry if I was one of your annoyances.

[@GunSam]

I don't keep track of names. If there is something specific you have said, there's probably 200 different people who have said the same exact thing.

[@kennethrisner8648]

Your videos are just fine brother, forget about the trolls. 99% of the times the 9mm in almost every load out penetrates the 45, but this was a learning experience for me. I think the 9mm critical duty might just be the ticket for my taurus g3

[@harrypeterson9287]

Critical Duty +P is a solid and reliable performer.

[@melanehme3661]

The test probably needs to be redone without the G-41, and instead with a proper G-21. Very good video, both highly informative and entertaining, thank you!

[@GunSam]

I guess I do not get that comment. G41 is 5.3" barrel, G21 is 4.6". Not sure how that is "proper". If we went by average barrel length, by far the most popular guns in .45 ACP throughout history and even now are the 5" 1911. That puts the G41 closer to the average .45 ACP pistol.

[@melanehme3661]

@@GunSam if the G-41 CONSISTENTLY fails then a G-21 that is not known for failing like this G-41 will be better, not because any barrel length; get it now or is that still to too hard for you to understand? ... I'm beginning to think that you're kinda lacking in brainpower too buddy.

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

​​@@melanehme3661make some great videos with your big brain then clown

[@oldcop18]

My former agency issues Federal Premium LE 147 grain HST as a duty round. I shot a mag full at our LEOSA quals in June and it was fairly tame in my S&W 2.0 Compact four inch. I’ve been retired since ‘97 and no longer know how or who makes these decisions.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Also a lot of pistol rounds are shooting a bit slower than just 3-4 yrs ago. Unique and Bullseye powders are no longer available, and I think there is a 3rd one as well. I suspect that has something to do with it. That does seem strange they would select 147gr subsonic 9mm tho as well. I know Hornady won the federal ammo competition with their 9mm 135gr +P in this Critical Duty because of it superior barrier defeating capabilities. It shot better thru the auto glass and still hit 12-18" deep in gel over the others I read. I like HST 's better personally but both are great ammo I am sure. The HST did great thru all the other barriers but that auto safety glass is a tough barrier to get thru and still achieve 12-18" depth in gel.

[@keithcampbell4926]

I have a Springfield Armory 1911 Operator and it runs fantastic and reliable on ALL ammo All the time.

[@davidking7606]

Will have to try that 220 grain in my Gen 5 21

[@Lateralus1007]

Carry it too 💥

[@davidking7606]

@@Lateralus1007 it's part of the iwb rotation.

[@nokoolaid]

I recall the TYM saying 45s bounce off windshields. Paul Harrell did some windshield tests and the 45 didn't bounce off, as you found out. He did 357 and 44 mag too and the 44 mag was best. The critical duty in 45 did what it was supposed to do, which is penetrate hard surfaces better. I wonder how the +P SD ammo would do, like from Underwood or the Federal HST. I have a box of CD in 45. Haven't used it yet. If you lived close I'd give it to you.

[@keiferpantke669]

Your Glock puzzles me! I have a Glock 30s I have shot light loads defensive loads and hot hand loads. Reliability has been amazing even when trying to limp wrist it. It’s a bummer Glock 41 is cool on paper 🤷🏻‍♂️. Keep up the awesome content. Thank you for doing what you do 👍🏼👍🏼

[@GunSam]

I had a Glock 36 like your Glock 30. I shot everything through it, tried to limp wrist it, never jammed. It's why I would get so annoyed when people would start yelling limp wristing, when obviously if the little 36 never jammed with my baby wrists, the heavier 41 definitely should not have.

[@327Federal]

327 Federal Magnum has an insanely high sectional density. Especially with Hard Cast Lead projectiles.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Outside a single action, it's hard to find a good 4" small/medium frame that runs it, most everything else is a snub or a few 3" barrel. Being a borderline "super magnum" it does really well with longer barrels.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Kinetic.44 I did a search in an online aggregate site and right now, .327 is slightly more expensive per round, HOWEVER, if you do a search for brand-vs-brand (Federal for instance), .44magnum is 35 cents more per round, before shipping.

[@WayStedYou]

​@@Kinetic.44economy of scale. 44 magnun is infinitely more popular

[@podunkmissouri4999]

That's funny. The Yankee Marshall said a 45 bounces off windshields 😆

[@64samsky]

They keep touting the wonder nine, but it still pales in comparison to the 357Sig, 40Cal, and 45ACP. I wouldn't want to be shot with a 22 or 9, but I like something a little more for carry.

[@jonclark8155]

Your doing just fine Sam. What I’m seeing is critical duty is not as soft as critical defense granted I don’t have a duty size pistol in 9mm but I do have a Glock 21 that will eat that stuff.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Excellent. As an aside, would be fun to re-run the test with a good 1911 on that .45 and see how it do.

[@bobjohnson1633]

The most common 1911 for carry would be a 4.25" commander. Not enough barrel to matter at those low pressures.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@bobjohnson1633 The test was done with 5" barrels. I don't know of anyone carrying a 5" barrel 9mm either.

[@aloysiuswojocockowicz3855]

Size is everything.

[@beetlefang]

Awesome video. If you could...could you do the same test with .38, 357, 40, 10mm and 22 LR? These are common rounds used too. I understand it's a big ask, thanks for all that you do!

[@GunSam]

I have done it with .38 Special Hydrashok Deep. I may or may not try other calibers like .22 LR

[@beetlefang]

@@GunSam OK thanks so much for taking the time to reply...I'll check out that video.

[@Master-AGN]

Woh, the 9er Whiners got a *F* U from saltless Sam.

[@Lateralus1007]

Do you wear a microphone when you record? Always such good sound on your videos 👌

[@Mack5749]

Thanks

[@livincincy4498]

Thanks again. Darwin Award Parody video of shooting a windshield on a car coming at you at 75 MPH ? For the critics !!!!

[@GunSam]

For some reason I imagine Austin Powers and the guy screaming as the vehicle comes at him at 2 miles an hour but he is too slow to get out of the way.

[@daves6851]

The 45 made a much bigger diameter expansion wave behind it to my eyes in the initial gel bock test. It collapsed then to a similar size as the 9mm end result after it collapsed. Just my view. You see more than I do though.

[@philipfreeman72]

Good test 45 still is hanging in there .

[@BradSimmerman-lm4lh]

Seems your 45 has a hiccup. Get another. It tends to malfunction a bit. Great videos tho!! Keep em coming!!

[@adonikam1]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. 45 RELIABILITY WAS YOUR GUNS FAULT. As for me I'm sticking with 45SUPER!

[@libra7624]

accuracy and recoil i can manage makes the 135 gr ftx standard pressure my top carry load for 9 mm pistols, i am a accuracy snob so i pick my loads for best accuracy first then perfomance second, less bullet performance hitting a vital is better then more performance and not hitting a vital, mike tyson ''its not the power of the punch but where your punch hits''

[@mattpatterson9128]

When i owned a Glock 21, i had feed jams with many different ammo types quite often. I like the double stack Rock island much, much better, great gun. A glock is a expensive Hi Point anyway, yet the Hi Point is more reliable Go figure.

[@JasonHenderson]

Your intro song is such a banger. Also what Glock is that? I have a 460 Rowland kit I'd like to see stacked up against the 44 Magnum. I can send you the barrel and magazines and some ammo if you're interested in testing it.

[@GunSam]

it's a 41, doesn't do that well with hotter ammo.

[@JasonHenderson]

@@GunSam I finished the video and found that out. 😒 Do you have a Gen 3 or 4 in a 21 or 20?

[@JustDefense]

Thanks!! Can you test that critical duty 45 out on the HK45?

[@fbweaver63]

thanks again.

[@joesheetstheragman7737]

Just bought a XDs Mod 2 .45 3.3. It has no more recoil than a 9mm. (subjective)I used 230 gr HP and ball. Gonna carry this for a while. The only downside is it has 5+1 and 6+1. Ps. I did put some Ameriglo sights on it. Even though it is OSP, i took it off. I cannot get used to it. It would take thousands on ammo and hours upon hours at the range. AND it’s not good for pocket carry. Fits great in a DeSantis V 5 holster.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Just carry extended mags as backup. You can carry a 6 or 7 shot officer 1911 and have two 10 round mags as backup. 26 is a lot of bullets.

[@alanlerner2354]

Really interesting results. I wonder how the 45 would perform out of say a 1911. Maybe another time! As always a great video.

[@JasonHenderson]

This is a 5" barrel so should be basically the same.

[@bobjohnson1633]

My only auto is a commander 1911, and that's literally 3/4 of an inch shorter. 9mm uses speed to penetrate. 45 uses weight.

[@frankhinkle5772]

1911s are not a +P platform. I wore out a couple 1911s from shooting +P in them before I realized that issue. So I stick to standard pressure in all of my 1911s, regardless of barrel length.

[@alanlerner2354]

Thanks. I’m a 1911 fan due to history and by no means an expert. Since they are heavier than a Glock I was assuming the gun performance might be better. I’ve actually only shot range ammo in my commander. Appreciate your help and saving my gun!

[@frankhinkle5772]

@@alanlerner2354 I love the 1911 platform and carried one (of three) for 40+ years. They are a wonderful weapon, but they are based on a design prior to 1911, and specially for the GI .45ACP cartridge. You can shoot +P, but the parts and springs aren't meant for that added pressure, unless it is a modern copy and the manufacturer put that +P on the slide. Enjoy that Commander.

[@tthomp57]

I have a possible solution to your Glock issue. I had a 9mm doing the same thing and it turned out to be caused by the extractor, not enough clearance and binding on the rim as it cycled a new round in. If you can, I'd start by changing that out. Thanks for the test!

[@GunSam]

I didn't ask for advice. Yes, I ALREADY changed the extractor, so you are incorrect.

[@kylehansen6580]

​@@GunSamsalty boy

[@anthonyc.6170]

Looking at the blocks at the time of impact, the 45 is significantly more violent than the 9mm.

[@markburke2533]

My colt 1911 is more accurate at 200 yards and is not hard for me to shoot. However I am sort of smaller frame and it is hard to hide so I carry a .357 snubby. I really like your videos so dont take what I said as criticism. Each person shoots differently.

[@conleyhennigan8113]

Isn't it great that we can have caliber wars? Based on my experience shooting animals with many different calibers, arguing 9mm vs .45 acp for self defense is about like deer hunters arguing .308 vs .243. Hint, with identical shot placement the deer will be just as dead in the same amount of time with either one. Shot placement is #1, bullet selection #2 and caliber #3. Even the .223 is more than sufficient, though I'm sure those with magnumitus will disagree.

[@mikepetrucha2774]

I noticed in all 3 tests with gel, the ,45 seemed to hit harder as the gel jumped more with the .45.

[@GunSam]

This particular .45 ACP+P load is significantly more powerful than most .45 ACP loads.

[@keythsmith7924]

Good video, just have a question for you, I saw one of your videos about 3 years ago and at that time you said the .38 special was the best cartridge, so my question is: after shooting all these different handguns, do you still think the .38 special is the best cartridge???

[@GunSam]

It wasn't really meant to be totally in context of a realistic list of better than something else. BTW it was over 6 years ago I made that video. I would still say, it's one of the best choices out there. I carry .327 Federal but it was coincidental that I have that revolver as someone gifted it to the channel, but if I didn't have that I would still probably be carrying some form of .38 Special+P in some sort of snub nose.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

@@GunSam I think you gotta shoot what works best for you. The more comfortable you are the better your accuracy too. There are a lot of great caliber choices and ammo /bullet types today.

[@mikethefarrier]

Like to see that test with 357 mag 😊

[@GunSam]

I was going to, all in one video with also the .40 S&W but I was over budget. I might think about it some other time maybe .40 S&W VS .357 Mag

[@carlosmorris4510]

Same here; that's my cartridge... I'm a .357 Mag man. 😀

[@KGoBang]

Size definitely matters. Basic physics.

[@classicgunstoday1972]

To a point, yes. But boost up that velocity a good deal and that makes a difference with a full powered .357 Magnum. But a 9mm isn’t even close to .357 Magnum

[@ralphbernieri3362]

I like you schoolin` them TROLLS! 🤔

[@ArtofHunter]

I like 9mm and carry it more but in practice 9mm has poor barrier performance and is affected heavily by thicker clothing which makes it a more poor choice in colder months. While as .40 and .45 due to their weight can be much more consistent year round and better through barriers. Downside being less ammo and more recoil so tradeoffs.

[@georgepayne8019]

What size backstrap do you use on your S&W 5 inch? I'm using the medium-large. Mine has a little over 15,000 rounds. I indeed enjoy Mine!!!