380 Ruger LCP Max and 85 grain Winchester Silvertip ballistic gel and chronograph test

[@noahcount7132]

These tests of various brands and types of ammunition provide a wealth of useful information. Thanks, Dave!

[@charlesjames5477]

i really like the lcp max mine has been great so far

[@Butch-vo1jn]

Mine as well. Flawless

[@YellowHammer26]

Thanks for the test Dave 👍👍

[@Valorius]

If these had nickel-plated cases I'd carry them just so I felt like The Lone Ranger LOL

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

....or a Vampire Hunter ...

[@Valorius]

@@rockytopwrangler2069 I think that's werewolves :D

[@Valorius]

Im sure the thousand foot per second is from a full size 380. And you are right, that is definitely not impressive.

[@whatsup24_7]

I don't understand why the 4 layers of denim. I would use one layer of the denim or one layer of a cotton shirt to simulate a realistic scenario. I don't know anyone that wears 4 pairs or jeans.

[@GeographyCzar]

It's the IWBA/FBI testing protocols that call for 4 layers of fabric. The IWBA specifies 16 oz denim. I find that unrealistic in the extreme, so I've dropped back to 12 oz denim.

[@gk5891]

It's an IWBA Engineering Test, its designed to cause the bullet to fail. If it doesn't expansion is all but guaranteed in the real world. To the best of my knowledge this isnt a requirement in FBI testing. In its defense bullets removed from actual shootings tend to resemble 4 layer denim shots in appearance. FBI Heavy Clothing Test is more realistic: 1. One layer of cotton t-shirt material (approximately 5.25 ounces per yard, 48 threads per inch). 2. One layer of cotton shirt material (approximately 3.5 ounces per yard, 80 threads per inch). 3. One layer of Malden Mills Polartec 200 fleece. 4. One layer of cotton denim (approximately 14.4 ounces per yard, 50 threads per inch). Essentially replicates a t-shirt, shirt, fleece vest and jacket in a cold winter climate. The simple fact is 4 layers of denim (especially if not brand new specified weight) is likely cheaper and easier than a correct heavy clothing kit to obtain for most testers.and is perceived as creditable by many.

[@Kattbirb]

I was told once that it's supposed to simulate going through an arm, where going through a coat three or four times is possible (outside of sleeve, inside of sleeve, body of the coat folded over itself). Can't verify if that's really why, but at least it makes sense. Regardless, I don't put a lot of weight in denim tests unless I'm worried about loads for winter carry.

[@johnmikel5934]

Interesting, in all gel testing, adding denim cloth typically cause failure of HP rounds

[@SonicGamer0636]

Look at the wound cavity 😳

[@shaunt892]

Are you going to test it without denim?

[@KD-lb9bg]

I’d rather see the fbi protocol then the idpa’s 4 layers of heavy denim. Everybody knows that the idpa guys have it out for Jay Leno, Lol. Thanks for another 380 Thursday. Hoping we might get a 40 Friday, but if not, see you next week, and thanks again.

[@frankbrowning328]

Even new designs sometimes will clog when shot into 4 layers of denim. The FBI uses this as a test. My guess is that it might be to show what the bullet will do if it encounters a couple layers of fabric then enters and exits an arm or leg and then again penetrates fabric before reentering the body. Just my guess. For the average citizen is this much dense fabric needed? Maybe/maybe not. I think it depends on the climate you live in. In winter carry, in the cold belt, this may be a good test. In warmer climates it may not be necessary. In these warm climates a few layers of T-shirt material may be appropriate. Regardless of climate I believe some amount of fabric should be present to see if the bullet performance is affected. Most of the time the adversary is wearing some type of clothing

[@toddparsons2980]

Who wears 4 layers of denim???

[@joedoakes8778]

Thank you for the test. While I realize it's your money buying the ammo and your video, perhaps more that a one round test is in order to draw a conclusion?

[@GeographyCzar]

100% and I do retest almost all rounds - sooner or later. This one just doesn't have the power of some others so it doesn't excite me.

[@gieb6428]

On a failure, one round is all I need to know

[@olegvorkunov5400]

Looks like only G2 RIP ammo expands out of LCP Max and nothing else.

[@paulross9287]

Maybe gun and ammo manufacturers should work together to produce a pocket 380 and round nosed bullet that penetrates about 16 inches.? It seems like it's virtually a lost cause to get expansion from such short barrels, and with these bullets, over penetration wouldn't be an issue. Time to get realistic? Just a thought.

[@Ivan-vn1pd]

hence why buffalo bore makes hard cast lead flat nose

[@paulross9287]

@@Ivan-vn1pd As usual, I'm behind the curve. Thanks for the information.

[@duke927]

Hollow Points are a waste of money in 380. Winchester WB with the flat tip, Underwood Xtreme Defender or the honeybadger by Black Hills would be my choice. But thanks for the video. You would need a lot more velocity to make the HPs expand.

[@GeographyCzar]

Yes, but then, 380 hollow points are the money makers on my channel. Go figure. I'll probably always carry round nose, but Critical Defense almost penetrate adequately.

[@neustif]

I would just use fmj ball ammo.

[@GeographyCzar]

Yes, me too. But it makes for boring videos...

[@dangerman007]

Too slow a round to open up. Might be good out of a 3.25-inch barrel.

[@rob6850]

Too light to be that slow, and what, $30 a box of 20?

[@LUVDOGS1954]

$14.99/20 plus shipping at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore as of this post time.

[@rob6850]

@@LUVDOGS1954 ok good, at least they're not ripping people off. I've gotten so used to seeing high prices for .380

[@Fudmottin]

I suppose it's better than having to use your fists.