Does SIZE Matter?...S&B Exergy .40 S&W Copper Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test & Review!

[@MichaelGolpe]

6:23 “It’s ‘Does size matter to make the jelly splatter’ jelly time!” 🤣🤣🤣

[@ToolsandTargets]

😂😂😂🤭

[@MichaelGolpe]

@@ToolsandTargets hahaha 😂 thank you, brother! I love the rhyme time!

[@j.t.cooper2963]

🤣😂🤣

[@douglastong3208]

I appreciate you continuing to test .40 S&W ammo because that's still my go to round. I also appreciate the comparisons with other calibers, which always reassures me of the effectiveness of the .40.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@Bob.W.]

Thx for more .40. Expecting my M&P 40 2.0 to come in at a local store soon.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@johnmatthes8608]

That's my next purchase also! And after market 357 sig barrel also

[@Cruiser777]

Yeah I didn't like it either until I started shooting my P320 40 I like it now and there's no big deal on The Recoil I use 165 grain

[@PassDaHorchata]

I always love your jelly time rhymes and jokes 😂 appreciate all the effort you put into these gel tests for us

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I do appreciate that.😎👊

[@alwaysmakinglyrics7340]

I've been a 40S&W fan since 95. I've owned more 40 caliber models than any other caliber

[@ToolsandTargets]

Does the trick.😎👍

[@MarvinTurner-oc4ml]

That's not terrible performance, but I want more velocity from .40 S&W. I think I'll stick to Sig V-Crown and Federal HST for my defensive ammo in .40 S&W.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@metaldamnation276]

Thanks for the test tools, love the .40. saving us money one video at a time. Thanks 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother!😎👊

[@dennispiert5742]

Just the opposite for me… watching Brian’s videos COSTS me money!

[@kerino1]

Honestly did a little better than I expected. Tools - thanks for braving the cold to test 'em!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

🥶

[@danjones2680]

Do you ever rest? I don't even like .40. If I am going for less rounds than my 9mm, I am going with God's caliber in the all mighty .45 acp. But I will be damned if I am not watching this video on a round I don't ever intend to mess with because I respect the hell out of your work ethic and sincerely appreciate your efforts.

[@rickmueller267]

I always enjoy your tests and look forward each new one you post. Being a numbers nerd, I noticed something that might be significant for this test. The first round fired from each barrel length was the lowest by a good margin. In each case the next four rounds were quite consistent. My hypothesis is that being a cold day, the first shot warmed the barrel of each firearm, expanding the barrel diameter just enough for the next rounds to reach a higher velocity. On a warmer day, the overall performance might have been better. It might be an interesting test to evaluate the same rounds from the same firearm at significantly different temperatures.

[@toddparsons2980]

Looks good to me. Thanks for more .40 tests 👍

[@jasongibson8114]

Love all of your tests I agree with all your opinions they are spot on and I'm also a full power 10mm guy. 40short and weak.

[@Cr0wmagnum]

It's not too bad for a copper solid. After watching your testing, I've realized the .40 is not so bad. Thank you, Sir, for such great content. I'm always ready for "Jelly Time"

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@natjonestower3035]

I discovered another reason to not buy s&b. Was reloading some 44 mag, everything went fine for a while, then primers started exploding in my face. It only happened on s&b cases. Turns out their primer pockets are too small. Now my ears ring more than usual, for a couple days now. Thanks s&b!

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤯 I actually have a .44 Mag test for tomorrow. Not S&B.

[@ryanvezina4864]

Can confirm for ALL calibers. Haven't had your specific issue with the booms; still a snug fit at best

[@natjonestower3035]

@@ToolsandTargets Glad I only had a box worth, they were super weak anyway, never bought another box. All that brass went right in the trash after some research.

[@steveb6103]

I would never have guessed that! Thanks for the information.

[@DannyRay65]

I have a reason not to buy s&b.. I bought a new box of their ammo for a security 380 & as I was inspecting every round I noticed every one was labeled 9mm, I guess they ran out of 380 casings & cut it down to 380, the ammo shot fine but I wasn't happy about what they did,so I don't buy s&b ammo anymore

[@silenceismycanvas]

Good video!

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍actually thought they did really good. Looked great in the gel. I use the 9mm version of this and it shoots really well out of my S&W shield. Appreciate the test tools.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@myrddrral]

Comrade Tools one again brings out the Patriotic Ushanka of Truth to tell us: "Da, a one-inch difference is enough to make them open up real wide.".

[@shawthackston9723]

Them XRG rounds are not on my radar Tools. Enjoyed it!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@UncleFjester]

*Happy New Years Big Ears!*

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir!😎👊

[@merlemorrison482]

Ive only shot FMJ in S&B, so have no experience with expansion. FMJ have me good accuracy and no problems.

[@caleb6988]

They seem to be some decent freedom seeds, excellent test brother tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate ya!😎👊

[@leonardpiskacsr.7111]

Thanks for continued testing of 40SW it is my round of choice....I'm comfortable with Hornady critical Defense Ammo!!😊

[@ericbergfield6451]

Surprisingly great results, thanks Brian

[@Texas-Chris]

Awesome hat Sir !!! Hope you had a great Christmas. Have a Wonderful New Year !!!

[@CeltKnight]

I won't be trading in my HSTs anytime soon, BUT in a pinch, these are better than some other bargain options.

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Other than the inconsistent speed looks pretty good with nice disruption and decent depth. Love the 40 cal, thanks for the jelly test Tools!

[@jmans56]

Kinetic energy does not wound. Shot placement, Penetration and expansion are the only important things with handgun ballistics.

[@Neutercane]

I would say that kinetic energy is very important for proper bullet performance, but how much is too much and where is the line to be drawn? There's a sweet spot, but for me, I prefer too much energy over having too little. It's a cushion to help with not only penetration and expansion, but also proper function of the weapon itself. Dirty weapon, poor grip, insufficient lubrication all detract from weapon performance and having more energy can help overcome that in a dire situation.

[@charlestwyman9933]

.40 S/W is a very adequate for self defense. It’s not obsolete and it’ll be around for a long time. If you can’t train up to master the recoil …. It’s ok. 9mm is a great round too.

[@FoulPet]

Unfortunately most companies aren't producing new guns for 40

[@charlestwyman9933]

@@FoulPet yes … that is a game changer

[@FoulPet]

@charlestwyman9933 if you consider sarcastaball a great game, then definitely

[@MeMadeIt]

Agree! S&B XRG seems to be the same across the board. Cheaper and underperforms but I'd rather pay a bit more for the better performance, especially for Defensive ammo. I had a chance at a great price on bulk S&B XRG in 300BO but, after checking its performance against other coppers from Barnes Tac-Tx and Hornady GMX , the trade-off didn't seem worth it.

[@147CombatMedic]

Good to see they make a few rounds that "work." As far as S&B rounds go, these seem to be ok. That being said, any S&B rounds that I pick up will be restricted to fmj for the range, tho... if the price is right. 😁 Always good to see .40 vids thrown into the mix! 💥👍💥

[@nightcrawler6141]

Being from Illinois, I had to laugh at the furry cap @ 40 degrees....I reserve that for 15 degrees and under

[@ToolsandTargets]

😂

[@DadHominem]

Interesting test. Thank you for posting

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@robertkubrick3738]

I'm already stocked up. I always figured I would just shoot the target until my energy expectations were met but sometimes light is a little too light.

[@rjw261984]

Appreciate you Tools. 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Hope you have a Great New Year!

[@upholdthesecond92]

👏I think the rounds are pretty cool. I have a bunch of Barnes XTP rounds like this. The projectile has a black coating for whatever reason

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have tested a few of those TacX PD rounds.😎👊

[@upholdthesecond92]

@@ToolsandTargetsI’m going to search your vids for those tests and watch 👍👍

[@nigeltheoutlaw]

The XRG seems really underloaded in every caliber, but they all seem to work as advertised. I guess for the price and being lead free, they aren't terrible. Thanks for the test.

[@luketilley9137]

Yeah, I wouldn't use that stuff. Hard to beat the plus + gold dot and hst.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir 😎👊

[@prestonahlson3299]

Love your videos Brian. Appreciate the hard work and consistency. What is your formula for finding your ftlbs of energy?

[@brockhowell2296]

Could definitely be worse, should be significantly cheaper than brands like HST or V crown.

[@SJMyer-ht7xn]

I hope you get a g23 soon so us 23 edc guys don’t have to guess all the time

[@patriotpreacher43]

Not bad, but not the best either. The Underwood 155 grain getting +500 ft./lbs. has my attention. Thanks for the test, Mr. Mayor!

[@ratagris21]

Good rounds to use if you can't get any thing else for SD. Thanks for testing the S&B ammo Tools. We know your expectations and your standards. Thanks for all you do and stay warm. ♠️🎩🎯🇺🇸🏹

[@mkshffr4936]

I don't worry about energy in handguns as it is almost entirely irrelevant at handgun velocities. If you are getting good tissue damage and penetration the numbers don't matter.

[@catshark12]

Thanks again for your hard work

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Excellent performance ! And the bullets did ok too

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@petee454]

Definitely could use a deeper cavity and umph. Good test sir! Thank you!!!!

[@scottblackwell1215]

Great info.

[@Grizzlyman420]

I had my Russia Tula SKS out today…only ran 100 rounds but man it’s fun! 250 yards with irons all day long! Thanks for the test! 🫡🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice 😎👊

[@musicman7773]

I've only tried S&B a box of 9mm in fmj. Never seen consistent results of people testing their hollow points.

[@VS-ff4ez]

After watching several of your videos and have become a big fan of the solid copper expanders. Which one is your favorite?

[@williamfry6087]

Always good info, thank you sir.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@chuckboy9372]

Using Remington .38 special compact handgun +P's in my Taurus 856. Remington seemed to up their game with this round. Nothing but good reviews online. I love the .38 for pocket carry so I can have my hand on my gun at any time or fire through my pocket.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@adrianmateogunz]

Awesome job Sir. Thanks 🙏 for sharing brother. Big supporter here. Much love and respect 🫡!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother. Hope you have a Happy New Year!😎👊

[@adrianmateogunz]

@ Thank you 😊 Sir. Likewise for you and your love ❤️ ones. You are an inspiration to me Sir. Keep up the great 👍 JOB!! The more you post videos the more I watch!!

[@kevinramsey4673]

Great test Tools! I can't carry any S&B for serious stuff

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Thank's Brian! 👍🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@angrysheepdog9744]

Decent performance. Ironically S&B offers bonded 357 SIG loaded hot at 1475fps. That would be a good test for your favorite down but not out caliber.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have a box of their .357 Sig 124 grain to test this coming week, but it's just standard cup and core bullet. Nothing bonded on this stuff.

[@timrobinson6573]

That's not bad performance but it needs to penetrate deeper.

[@MrZachxd]

I enjoy these .40 tests. I dont carry .40 but i like to know what works and what dosent.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Always appreciate that, my friend.😎👊

[@marcohandy67]

I have a new/unfired SS KKM 40SW 6" bbl for a Gen 3 I can loan you.

[@Disastrous.Affect]

I do wish they loaded them hotter, they seem like solid performers in expansion.🤷‍♂

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep

[@GabrielCarterEGA]

Why not get the Underwood versions of these rounds that are actually loaded to proper pressures and move off these S&B’s.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

As a fairly committed 40 carry guy since late 90s I would not choose these as a rule. But they did perform decently. They should get the job done. That first shot being noticeably lower than everything else is interesting maybe even strange. Thoughts? Thank you Sir.

[@ToolsandTargets]

My guess would be the copper just can't get sealed up against the barrel like a lead bullet can, when the barrel is that cold. The heated barrel from the first round helps it "soften" up the copper so it can seal better for the rest of em.

[@rogerthat-b4u]

Could you please show slow motion at the beginning of the gel penetration wound cavity expansion all the way to the the bullet depth stop.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I don't get what you're asking for. I show the entire gel shot in slow motion.

[@DannyRay65]

@@ToolsandTargets he's probably asking you to show it in super slow motion so it shows every wiggle n jiggle of the jelly, some people are that way 🤷

[@Kevin-y1q4x]

Would love to see you get a 50ae cyclops …… that thing seems like it would be the greatest one shot machine you can buy since compared to the 45-70 it’s pistol powder and the case is so much shorter so more barrel length to use

[@crsquirrely73]

You're just trying to get rid of that junk ammo which is why you've been using it so much here lately 😂

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤣

[@usernamesrlamo]

440 ft lbs and good petal expansion, I wouldn’t consider this junk, perhaps not top of the line, but far from junk.

[@camojoe83]

Copper bullets cause much higher chamber pressure with a given powder charge. That's why they're usually slower than their similar weight traditional bullet counterparts. They also require much less energy to open due to their design, so it doesn't matter anyway. If you want copper bullets that go as fast as your lead cores, step down a weight class for copper or load them to liability pressure on your own if you think it makes enough difference to make a difference. They're an expensive waste of material is why I don't buy them, but I sure like digging them out of the public range backstops. Good test, as usual T&T.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I don't buy solid copper ammo either for the same reason expensive & gimmicky.

[@camojoe83]

@PerceptionVsReality333 yeah, other than hunting idk a good reason for it. I always liked those old fail-safe hybrids for that. Great idea, probably expensive to make tho, and they still had the same pressure curve increase as solid copper i think.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@ggrandcz]

​@@PerceptionVsReality333It is not gimmicky for duty use. XRG was designed for police use. After windshield and after tyre performance in mind. In those applications they work much better than conventional JHPs. Problem with copper is its density-> longer projectile-> less case space-> less power.

[@watermann8200]

Anything in the hopper for the new 40 Super round?

[@ToolsandTargets]

.40 Super has been around for a long time, unless you mean something different.

[@watermann8200]

@@ToolsandTargets Yeah since the 90's I meant the new rounds with modern bullets.

[@loquat4440]

The problem with solid copper is that the reloading tables seem to list slower velocities for them vs lead core bullets. For 40 S&W With a 4 inch barrel using longshot powder and 135 grain lead core nosler hp one gets 1,434FPS 31,900 PSI. With lehigh bullets of 140 grain xtreme penetrator all copper bullets: hodgdon lists a load with longshot powder giving only 1,185 fps at about the same pressure of 31,400 PSI. I have a 5 5/8'' barrel on that pistol and hope to get 1250 fps with the quoted load. I want to use the 40 for self defense against our local black bears and wild hogs. I can get the same velocity and the same pressure using Hornady 180 gr XTP bullets from a 4'' barrel of 1,159 at 32,300 PSI

[@xforce708]

Reliable and accurate enough with those spreads on speed? I wish those two in the gel had of been speeds like the first two through the radar 😳 I wouldn’t ditch the good stuff for those

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤷‍♂️

[@etherealswordsman3214]

definitely a round you don't want to carry in the small gun size. something you'd need to carry in a compact or full size, so probably like truck gun, open carry, or duty ammo or something.

[@Mikelp73]

Missed a sale on a g27. Still hurts

[@ToolsandTargets]

This one was a LEO trade. Super good deals since they come with upgraded sights already.

[@thePrussian]

I can find .40 ammo that puts out 500+ft.lbs, so that’s my standard. I want overwhelming power for self defense rounds.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Amen!

[@shadybrookgrassfarm]

Got some as a stocking stuffer. Guess they’ll punch paper… Love your reviews!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@mikedillon6233]

You betcha ! and I took your recommendation I think I only run ranger.T

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@stevenkimber4735]

It seems the this copper doesn’t like a cold barrel. Thanks for all the great tests!

[@ToolsandTargets]

That's what I was thinking. Probably doesn't seal as good as lead in the cold barrel.

[@Ifitfitz22]

So I have heard swapping between solid coppers from jacketed or guilded bullets will cause accuracy issues if the barrel hasn't had the fouling cleaned (in rifles). I wonder if those first shots were cleaning your barrels out and that's why they were so slow

[@81mrsmitty]

Do some s&b 44 mag 240gr jsp

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'll see if my local shop got some of those. I do have a different .44 mag test coming tomorrow.

[@joekelly7346]

I've been taught when testing ammunition to ignore the first shot especially if the barrel is cold. I know you've been doing this a while, just my two cents.

[@ToolsandTargets]

You don't get to ignore the first shot if it's for real.😎👊

[@ratagris21]

​@@ToolsandTargetsthat's why you keeping it real Tools!

[@jeffreybean5363]

That's some good stuff Tools, but I know there is better options for 40S&W. Me I'll stick to my 9mm 124gr. Thanks for doing what you do 👊🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that, brother.😎👊

[@YEETUS_DELETUS_]

Any plans to look at Underwoods extreme defense in .40 ?

[@STIBBS315]

Love to see at test of the 40s&w Buffalo Bore 125 grain barnes tac-xp. I get 1300 fps out of my glock 23.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@64samsky]

I can get my .40 S&W loads up a bit, I'm a handloader.

[@ToolsandTargets]

🔥😎👊🔥

[@chumpchange00]

Have you seen the 40 super ? Prob. Expensive endeavor

[@ToolsandTargets]

It's an old niche round from 30 years ago that never grew legs. KZbinrs will try to "revive" anything for views.

[@lonewanderer3603]

Needs more speed and a deeper cavity in my opinion. Comparing these to the S&B jhp, these are pretty decent, but compare them to other copper solids from other brands like Barnes or Lehigh etc and S&B is still pretty lacking.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed

[@jasonkeating9958]

The underwood 155gr is around 160fpe higher than this in the same gun for similar money,

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@marcohandy67]

Agreed! Underwood 155gr XTP or 115gr Extreme defender are my goto. If I had to shoot a large commercial loading it would be Hornady's 155gr XTP. My G24(factory 6" barrel) is currently loaded with 115gr Extreme defenders.

[@amalfi460]

Discount the first cold bore shots from now on

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nope

[@TorstenHoff]

In a defensive shooting your first shot will be a cold bore shot, so how the ammunition behaves will be critical.

[@arrad77]

Hey Tools !

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@YTsux24-7]

The hardest working man on KZbin. 💪👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@scpatriot5270]

40s&w!👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Rundu1987]

Its not like the 40 s&w doesnt have enough case capacity to accommodate a decent charge of whatever powder theyre putting in there. Great test Tools and I agree, nobody is edc'ing a 6 inch barrelled 40 S&W.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@3gunshooter60]

Must be a powder shortage. Seems like a lot of the big companies are under loading defensive ammo these days.

[@gunjunky187]

Could you do a test on Winchester USA Ready 45 ACP 200gr Hex Vent HP? I saw a box today and they intrigued me. They're rated at 1000fps which is faster than the rest of their lineup. Appreciate the testing as always 🇺🇲

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@Mrgunsngear]

🇺🇸

[@phild9813]

Would you be willing to test some of their TXRG? We have been trying it in 6.5 creedmoor and terminal results have been a bit different than other copper ammo.

[@dwalker2431]

There is a 40 super now

[@ToolsandTargets]

I thought .40 Super was like 30 years old.

[@64samsky]

Yea, a 10mm

[@dwalker2431]

@@ToolsandTargets I'm just now hearing of it heard of 38 super

[@joesephkingston1621]

40 Super “now”??? Wait till you learn about cellphones, electric cars, and drones. Your mind will be blown, time traveller from the 80s.

[@shanehuff7452]

Get with the program. Geeez.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Surprised me

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@wadelucero6461]

Well these performed much better than the last solid copper test but so under powered if they were @1400fps id probably buy some

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely better than the last.😎👊

[@theodorebrego3737]

Ill take it. Not bad..... If the price is right. Ill pay $1 per round. If im gonna pay $30+ per box, then i might as well stick with hornady cd. Are there any other 130 gr options? Im shooting a 4in ported barrel, kahr k40. I wouldnt mind going lighter grain with increased velocity.

[@bobgordon1754]

I'm no fan of S&B but I would hate to take one of those in the gizzard. I'm sure it would hurt.

[@williamgaines9784]

I got a few boxes while they were on sale for about the cost of FMJ. If I get a 40 S&W carbine, I will certainly be testing them on a hog.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🐗💥

[@ratagris21]

A DRT Hog will confirm their performance.

[@williamgaines9784]

@@ratagris21 shot placement is what gets DRT hogs. I've had hogs drop DRT with 22 magnum, 7.62x39, 30-06 and had others run 100 yards with 500 S&W magnum and 30-06 with same load as DRT. All shot from about same distance. I would try those XRGs from my Glock 22, but don't usually carry it. Might have to make a purposeful pistol hunt just to test them out.😉