Gun Sam's Personal Carry Ammo Choices - Ballistic Test

I test a lot of ammunition, and from time to time I will say "I use this as my carry round" when speaking of a certain round I am testing. So today what I am doing is bringing out ALL the guns I carry or keep loaded at all times for self defense, and I share what ammunition specifically I keep in them, and ballistic gel test them all side by side! Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.co...

[@JugglesGrenades]

Way back in the late 1960's , the "meter maids" in Macon Georgia carried Smith and Wesson revolvers in .32 S&W long. I recently gave my mom's 4 inch barrel Smith, to my son, so that he and his girlfriend would have a house gun for self defense. When you need a gun, anything is better than a sharp stick.

[@Gieszkanne]

The .44 special was the most impressiv!

[@jaredgreen5840]

You sir are becoming one of the best KZbinrs for ballistics testing filling the gap that TNoutdoors9 left when he stopped uploading videos on a regular basis. My personal favorite across the board for personal protection has to be Federal HST with an honorable mention for Hornady critical duty in full size handguns 👍

[@GunSam]

Thanks.

[@jaredgreen5840]

@@Valorius Yah he is. Although he seems to do alot more testing involving armor 👍

[@awiedevilliers1288]

That 44 special round open up a lot and penetrated deep enough would be an excellent choice for any 44 mag

[@WheelgunsOnWheels]

Excellent demonstration with real world application. You and Paul Harrel are the top two most trustworthy tubers regarding ammunition testing and comparison. I really like the fact that the revolvers out performed the semis in essentially all categories and the most effective semi was the .380 ACP. All of this is very satisfying information. Well done!

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@txjm7965]

Great video (as always). I carried the REM 125 grains in my 586 when I started out in LE 27 years ago and still carry it today in a Ruger Wiley Clapp GP100 7 shot (retired from LE). Perfect 357 round after all these years.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@876mpr]

Always liked reading Wiley’s stuff on .357 Magnum and .44 Special. Still searching for a box of those Remington 125’s.

[@txjm7965]

@@876mpr Very hard to find, hopefully they will make some more soon. Buffalo Bore 125’s are great too but damn pricey!

[@876mpr]

@@txjm7965 For sure. Definitely can’t do any practicing with the BB’s. Too low on small pistol primers to do much practicing that way either.

[@hairy1harry1]

@@876mpr The bullets are very rare as components and the hot loaded ammo is extinct . Winchester has a hot 110 load that's pretty near the same and they're relatively cheap . They are in the white box .

[@Dennisthemenace40]

Remington’s 125 gr SJHP 357 Magnum is a load I’ve found shootable in a Ruger SP 101 with LOTS of power. It’s a combination Masad Ayoob favors.

[@d.hayward5232]

One of your better presentations - in other words, EXCELLENT. I was very impressed with the 44 special round in particular, looks like something that could make my model 29 a viable option for home defense. Well done Sir!

[@jamesmutz7435]

Excellent episode, your channel is my go to when I’m looking for ammunition performance. My carry ammo is all based on your testing. Great job and thanks for the information!

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

I appreciate you making this video for us Sam. As you said, this is all about you and YOUR guns. Something might function well in someone else's gun or might shoot well in their experience, but that doesn't make it good for you, or vise versa. All seem like solid performers to me anyway.

[@GunSam]

Yeah, it's surprising how much one make and model of gun can be different from one to the other. Like for instance my G2C and Ruger Security 9. The Security 9 has to be on the slow end to have about the same velocity as the G2C. I have seen it with other guns too, like that Beretta pistol is faster than average and that .22 revolver is slower than average.

[@Followme556]

@@GunSam While i dont agree with all your conclusions, i definitely appreciate the effort. Keep the vids coming. :)

[@danoneill2846]

I agree with your mind set of rounds that are user friendly that work well Vs Balls to the wall ... no matter what . More is not always better .

[@The_Rob_D]

Let me start off by saying that I LOVE your channel. There is a massive amount of great information among your videos. The issue I’m having, and what I could only imagine a fair amount of other people (I’d be willing to bet most) have is that a lot of your ammo tests involve long slide hand guns. Which are great, but again, a lot of people don’t carry full size hand guns. I’d love to see you put out a video of your ammo tests on compact and subcompact guns which is what a vast majority of folks carry or use for self defense. Again though, love the channel, keep up the great work!

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@willo7734]

Your choices in the snub 357 and the 44 are a great example of why Buffalo Bore is such a great company. They give us a lot of flexibility in our choices. I’ve found that going down to the lighter ammo but using the Buffalo bore “heavy” version gives a great medium load that is very useful for self defense. I like their heavy 38, heavy 44 special, and heavy 32 H&R mag a lot because they give a great balance between power and recoil.

[@dragonusmc0311]

Good one Sam you deserve a lot more subs.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@frankhinkle5772]

Thanks for giving us this overview. With the ammo shortage this gives me more ammo to look for. I'll forward this video along to others.

[@GunSam]

Thanks a lot!

[@YellowHammer26]

Thanks Sam, I appreciate the video and all the time and effort you put into it.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@robertbryan5491]

I learn a lot about rounds and the way they perform in real world shooting , I carry an sp101 357 mag for EDC so watch with great interest what different rounds do from different barrel lengths. Keep up the good work

[@GunSam]

Thanks. My first carry gun and the one I qualified my permit on easily was an SP101 2.25". Very good gun.

[@scubaguy007]

You know what works best for you. I like that you have tested your ammo choices. Too many people don’t and they just pick what someone else recommends. I’m a big believer that a snubby .357 is going to be more effective with a .38+P. Thank you for all you do and your efforts. All hail the HST. 🤣😂🤣

[@GunSam]

Yeah, and I was trying to explain that in part the best I could. Even more so than each gun shooting a given round a certain way, each person feels recoil differently so it's best to pick what you shoot well and go from there.

[@STLSNIPER]

This is probably the BEST video you have made. I follow and check your channel daily for your vids...😎 I carry the 125gr Remington's in my Taurus 627 Tracker. Seven shots. A VERY good self defense choice..! Keep the videos coming..!!

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I saw it as average or possibly arrogant, the way I titled it as i'm not really 'anyone", but I wanted it to be seen by my subs and understood.

[@oldcop18]

I learned something from you again & that’s saying a lot for this 74 year old retiree. It’s particularly interesting that you mentioned recoil/follow up shots as a consideration in round selection, something my street experience taught me too. Have you stopped carrying the 342 PD? I only ask b/c recoil control is a BIG consideration w/my 340PD.

[@GunSam]

My girlfriend had her Bodyguard 38 stolen so I gave her my 342 PD and some Winchester Ranger ammo. I figured that I still have my 2" Taurus .357 for testing .38 ammo, so I could live without it and still do videos. She lives alone and is very small, so I felt it was needed for her to have it.

[@oldcop18]

@@GunSam Smart play.

[@albertforletta1498]

I’m 61. I watch all his videos. I have learned a lot from gun Sam. His ammo test have helped me determine what ammo I buy for self defense.

[@cancermonkey7334]

@@GunSam great video. Thanks for all your hard work and diligence putting these videos together. I always learn something beneficial when I watch.

[@MAG-li5jo]

Thanks again Sam for turning me onto the Remington UMC 357 Mag SJHP ammunition. I have stocked up on it and that is what I keep loaded in my 357's. I have plenty of Buffalo Bore, Underwood. Hornady and other great self defense rounds, but the Remington UMC is what I keep loaded. Helps me sleep better at night.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Thanks for the work you put in, for the stash of resource and knowledge. I hope you back up all of these videos in case Google goes more ape crap than they already have.

[@GunSam]

Yeah I bought a large external hard drive recently, as my PC drive was full, so I should have them.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@GunSam Excellent!

[@richardcolligon4277]

Great video, I watched it twice. I love the 327, but really liked that 44 special. That of course Elmer Keith's favorite round for year's. He used to hunt with it, but I do find with my 454 Casual that it doesn't matter what round any of them will stop someone on the first shot. ( lol ). Buffalo Bore really has some awsome ammunition. Have a great day!!

[@GunSam]

Thank you. The more and more I test the copper hollow points, the more I think they are superior in some ways.

[@richardcolligon4277]

@@GunSam yes and it's amazing that the special round's are better then the full power one's. I want to get the 327 round, my hand's are getting bad with arthritis and a full power load just kill my hand's. I'm not a 9mm guy, but they performed very well and that Remington 38 is what police officer's used for year's, it's a real man stopper. If I ever get out to Arizona, I want to get all 24 Taurus raging hunters in all sizes and color's. They all come in a 5.25 inch barrel and the 357 with 7 rounds, would be great with the 38's. Canik just came out with a new pistol, it's still the FTS or X but its like a gen 2. The original SFX ( I got it ) was a competition model but the trigger pull was less then 2lbs. The new one has a safer trigger pull. If I was going to carry a 9mm that might be it. Canik gives you a cleaning kit and tool set, you get a lot for your money. I've seen two review's, the best one was on GB guns. Have a great evening my friend!

[@randomgamer-st1ie]

Mine are 22LR: Federal Punch 38SPL: Hornady FTX 125+p 380: Precision One XTP 9MM 5" barrel: HST 147 9MM PCC: Gold Dot 124+p 40s&w: Win Ranger-T 180 45 3.3" barrel: Hydra Shock 165 low recoil 45 5" barrel: HST 230 12ga: #4 buck

[@boogitybear2283]

These Ballistic Tests are as exciting as The Price as Right Wheel Spin!

[@Fudmottin]

Seems you've got a good selection all around. This video also reminded me of why I like the 380 ACP. People sure underestimate that mouse caliber. I'm quite impressed with the 327 Federal Mag. That's a nice platform. For carry, I like to go with small and light. For home defense, a long gun (so long as it isn't too long) seems to me to be the way to go. There are lighter loads for 12ga shotgun. That still has some recoil though. Although it is more likely you will be moving onto the next target rather than doing a fast followup. Carbine length rifles are also good. If you don't want too much blast, there are a lot of pistol caliber carbines to choose from. If only the NFA didn't exist so you could run the barrels at reasonable length.

[@GunSam]

In contrast is where it's at for .380 ACP. People think it's weak, but in the gun size class of .32 auto and .22 LR, the .380 is like a massive manstopper. I like it, always have.

[@Fudmottin]

@@GunSam In a larger platform, like the M&P 380EZ or a P365XL chambered for 380 ACP, I think it would be the bees knees (whatever that means). That is, a very low recoil pistol with good reliability and easy to rack slide. And I know for a fact that no one wants to be shot with anything!

[@GunSam]

@@Fudmottin Yeah, an EZ 380 is on my wish list. I think it would be great, and I think the HST .380 in it would be basically low end 9x19 ballistics, with the other ammo a dream to shoot.

[@Fudmottin]

@@GunSam That would be an interesting combination to test. I do hope you get the funding for it. I would PayPal you some, but if you look at my channel, you might see why I'm short on funds at the moment! LOL.

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

.380 is a very respectable round .. I normally carry 9 .. but I do carry my LCP 2 when I'm wearing gym shorts and t shirt ..

[@willo7734]

Great testing as always. I’ll give some of these a try. You’ve already turned me into a Buffalo Bore fanatic over the last few months.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. At the time of the ammo shortage, Buffalo Bore was all I could find. Not that this was a negative as their ammo is good.

[@Lateralus1007]

One of my favorite new episodes Well done 👏

[@dangerman007]

Great video! Nice to know what the Pro carries! 😊 Some the rounds were real thumpers like the .40, 44 special, .327 and .357 mag. Recoil and follow up shots are just as important. Who cares if you have the hottest load if you are flinching before you even fire it.

[@GunSam]

Thanks lol. I slowed down the real thumpers lol, noticed in editing only 3 made everything jump, and of course the .327 moved the blocks.

[@chrish.4067]

Excellent as always. It's good to see different options.

[@GunSam]

Thanks again!

[@SouperAsH]

The only thing that would improve upon the content of this vid, is a list of these cartridges in the description. This has been remarkably informative. Thank you, for taking the time to create the video, and especially, for the collective experience that you've gathered over the months, and months of testing various calibers. This is very useful stuff.

[@TXBassAngler24]

Ever since I got hip to Underwood ammo, I only use the .38 SPL +P, 158g, hard cast Elmer Keith in my S&W Model 10-8 made after 1984. Great Velocity & Energy ratings. Great for many different scenarios.

[@STLSNIPER]

Thanks to this video (LOL) I just ordered some Federal HST 124gr +P's for my Sig P365 which has a 3.1" barrel. These worked great coming out of your Taurus G2C 3.2" barrel..😎

[@GunSam]

I have never seen a bad review of that ammo. Never a mistake.

[@whomagoose6897]

As you load/unload you Sig-365 magazines. Does the stiff magazine springs get somewhat looser? Loading the 9th & 10th round in a Sig-365 ten round magazine is a booger bear without a magazine loader.

[@STLSNIPER]

@@whomagoose6897 Yes they do. Leave them fully loaded for a few days. Then manually unload and load them again. I have done this with 10 and 12rd mags for my P365. I use a Glock 9mm speed loader and it works really well...😎

[@whomagoose6897]

@@STLSNIPER I use the MagLULA UPloader magazine loader. Works on every brand of magazine. How does the Glock loader compare to the UPloader? The U & P stands for "Universal Pistol" loader. The current gen-2 UPloaders even have a magazine unloader on the side opposite of the loading gate. Load magazines on one side and unload on the other. The gen-1 UPloader doesn't have the unloader feature. If you see the words "Patent Pending" you have the gen-1. Patent numbers are listed on the gen-2. MagLULA stopped making the gen-1 loaders about 15 years ago. No gen-1's on the market. I have both.

[@curtisparker9559]

That .44 special is intriguing.

[@freedomfirst5420]

That .44 Special round was impressive, for sure.

[@celowski6296]

At close defense A big slow moving hunk of hurt will do the trick. Think of all the people that were shot by muzzleloaders back in the day. Look up Taylor's Knockdown Formula.

[@mrmann44]

That 44 Spl was fantastic! 👏

[@davidp73]

Great video. This type of information really helps in narrowing down ammo selection

[@GunSam]

Thanks. Yeah I suppose it says a lot when the guy who tests ammo weekly says, hey this is what I choose personally lol

[@ShaunPanzer]

Sam this is a video I was waiting for ! Thankyou !

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@troy9477]

Great video. Nice choices. In the 327, you didn't mention the bullet weight- 85 or 100 gr? Is it an XTP? Nice to see the Win USA doing well in 380. Great penetration and a touch of expansion. That 44 Spl load is dynamite. I am not familiar with it- i gravitate toward the 190 gr LSWCHP. I was expecting the BB 158 gr +p LSWCHP in the 357 snubby- the 125 is an interesting choice. I have seen good performance in tests of the Rem 125 gr +p SJHP. And of course in the 357, what else is there? Been getting it done since the 70's. My favorite load. No surprise on the 9 and 40- HST looks like great stuff. I have always favored Gold Dot and still have some, but i will have to try the HST.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. Yeah the BB .327 Federal Heavy comes in 100 gr only. As you might notice, I don't feature lead rounds in any defensive revolver round. That's because they always have a ton of smoke when loaded hot, and in a defensive gun I try to avoid that. Eliminating flash as well as smoke just eliminates as much distraction as possible, along with eliminating overbearing recoil. I find these to be important.

[@danoneill2846]

I was looking at your videos to try & find a 44 Sp loaded with the same bullet you just tested in the 44 mag . I think it would work well down loaded . @2:00 great point & proof of all lead vs copper , I have never seen it stated that way in 22 Lr . I am a little surprised it was that much difference .

[@briankeithwood]

I carry a 40 and use the HST. Glad to see you picked it, maybe I made a good call. I tested much less ammo than you have and this worked best of the ones I tried.

[@biggunshandguns3687]

That was a very interesting video and as usual had a lot of helpful information. Can't wait to hear all the you should comments you know are about to get. You know they either didn't look at the title or they know better than you what you like. Thanks for the excellent video and keep them coming

[@GunSam]

Yeah lol. I went with an honest thing, what I use, I don't use more than one ammo caliber or type in each gun, but they don't read the title "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU .45 AUTO IS GREAT WHY DIDN'T YOU TEST .45 AUTO SUPER XTREME PENETRATOR EXPLODER"

[@biggunshandguns3687]

@@GunSam You forgot it won 2 world wars haha

[@bobbytarte2299]

Wow another informative video thank you for your knowledge.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@user-mm4je1sb9b]

Great Vid- very impressed with that 44 special

[@Narsuitus]

Based on my accuracy and reliability handgun range tests, my soft-target modeling clay penetration tests and/or my hard-target pine wood board penetration tests, here are my favorite personal protection ammunition selections for my handguns. By personal defense, I include home defense, vehicle defense, wilderness defense, SHTF defense, concealed carry, and open carry. 25acp Remington 50 grain FMJ in Beretta model 21A with 2 1/2 inch barrel 380acp Fort Scott 95 grain solid copper in Hungarian Walther with 4 inch barrel 38 special 158 grain flat-nose lead in Smith & Wesson revolver with 5 inch barrel 9mm in Heckler and Koch USP with 4 inch barrel Federal Premium Personal Defense 147 grain JHP Remington bonded 147 grain JHP Speer Gold Dot 147 grain JHP Hornaday XTP 147 grain JHP 357 magnum 180 grain hard cast lead in Smith & Wesson revolver with 6 inch barrel 45acp in Heckler and Koch USP with 6 inch barrel Remington bonded 230 grain JHP MagTech 230 grain FMJ Note: other ammunition I wish I could try include Buffalo Bore and Underwood but I only evaluate what I can buy locally.

[@ratagris21]

Great testing Sam. Thank you for sharing for this video and sharing you personal picks. ☯️🎩♠️

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@ratagris21]

@@GunSam YW

[@Graydog-sx6le]

I’ll be honest. It’s a good selection. They all seemed to preform about the same and seem reliable. I have some of those in my handguns and some gave me pause to think about. Good video. Thanks for the cool content as always.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@jasonsliger5430]

I may try some of that Blazer out of my LCP 2, didn't realize that it was the mini mag unplated. Thanks and take care.

[@PODSMPSG1]

I carry Federal Punch. I used to carry Hornady Critical Defense. I still have Critical Defense, but I got Federal Punch and started carrying it.

[@GunSam]

The limited testing I did on the Punch was pretty good. I would probably carry it as well if I had that.

[@PODSMPSG1]

@@GunSam yeah. I read good reviews about punch. When I went to the gun store, Punch was the only .38 Special the gun store had.

[@addytuney2028]

Great info, thank you Sam!

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@Bonham-ik1pe]

Great video Sam! I’ve been a sub for a while and have learned a lot about bullet design and ballistics from your channel. I just recently got into reloading. Have you ever thought about doing a short series for beginner reloaders? I’m sure you have a lot of great tips in this regard.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. For the past few years youtube has threatened people who show how to "manufacture" ammunition with channel deletion. They claim it's against their policy, so very few people attempt videos like that anymore. If they do they are usually a small enough channel to not worry about it.

[@Bonham-ik1pe]

@@GunSam Man, they are brutal. That’s too bad. Keep up the good work and thanks for all of the great information.

[@robertrenstrom4668]

@@GunSam Understanding the censorship on KZbin, could you do it on Full 30 or one of the other platforms and reference those in your KZbin channel? I, too, am just beginning to gather the materials for reloading have several of the books but would like to focus my load development without a lot of "rabbit holes" to go down.

[@GeographyCzar]

Authoritative. An excellent apples to apples demonstration.

[@GunSam]

Thank you DDR

[@Tom-cp6yj]

115gr Gold Dots in my Walther PPS. It's standard pressure but it's loaded pretty hot and even though there's not much data on them, I'm confident it's a good short barrel load and not to mention I paid out of my ass for them for 50 round box 😅

[@GunSam]

A few months back ammo prices were a lot more. Now days the Gold Dot 9mm go for like 90 cents a round.

[@ryanbassett4751]

Excellent video! Excellent rounds that I do too carry or use for self defense.

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@justinappling614]

I was only surprised by one round. The .22. I was sure that you were going to use the Federal Punch

[@adamsaylor7427]

Always good videos. Thanks for the good work! I like the Federal HST 147 grain in my M&P 2.0 Compact 9mm

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@RickyJr46]

You certainly did your homework Sam!

[@thetoneknob4493]

my fav 357 load was a full charge of h110 with a 125gr hts doing 1674 fps from a 6 in barrel. recoil is light for the performance you get.

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

In 380 the Underwood XTP, in 9MM 147HST because it shoots a little softer than the 124’s. Nice video!

[@GunSam]

Thanks.

[@brianmiles401]

I carry a Sig 365 and have ran both HST 147gr and 124gr and would agree the 147 does feel a bit softer. The 124gr+p does feel a bit snappy to me. In a full size 9mm I really don't notice a difference between all 3. All great choices IMO.

[@tomcarr4630]

Well thought out criteria, Sam!

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@plasticglock]

I think I anticipated most of your choices. I watch a lot lol. I didn't expect the 38's in the Taurus 605 though. You've tested a lot of 357's through that short barrel and I thought they mostly did good. Did you choose that for the reduced recoil?

[@GunSam]

Yeah. All .357's cause me to flinch. All of them have huge flash and recoil, and the few lower recoil rounds I tried had more recoil than this .38 but didn't perform better and were inconsistent. This round was the highest power and lowest recoil round I have tried, and still does well for terminal ballistics.

[@kpg-uo1tm]

Just bought a Ruger LCR in .327 Federal. I will be trying all three Buffalo Bore rounds in .32 Long, .32 Mag, and those Heavy .32 7Federals. It will be my primary carry gun within a week.

[@GunSam]

The .32 Mag and .327 Buffalo Bore are essentially the same round. I think I had a difference of like 20 FPS between the two from a snub.

[@kpg-uo1tm]

@@GunSam That's good feedback. Im sure I will end up .32 mag. That was a great round in the video

[@dcidci1012]

I would like to see how Lawman 38 spc. semi wad-cutters stack up. You do good vids, Thank you...

[@OldManMontgomery]

Odd. The 180 grain HST loading penetrated to the same depth as the others, AFTER knocking the preliminary stuff off the gel block AND lifting the gel block considerably. That is a excess contribution of energy not counted. Perhaps it should be noted, even if it's unmeasurable. I'm still not convinced kinetic energy ('foot-pounds' based on velocity) is the real measure of usefulness in this question. For a handgun, I still prefer momentum.

[@Vernonu9]

shhhhhh.......the anti-.40s gang are listening. Meanwhile, my police trade-in Glock 22 gen4 w/tac-light stands at the ready. shhhhh

[@OldManMontgomery]

@@Vernonu9 I rather like the .40 S&W round. Carried it first in an H&K USP (full size) then as a hideout pistol in the H&K USP compact. I did note the compact version did present a little more recoil than a Colt (lightweight) Commander in .45 ACP. Not amounting to a serious concern. I went back to the Commander ONLY because I wanted to carry a U. S. made pistol. Not because I was dissatisfied.

[@thomastune776]

Excellent information. Thanks

[@bobcatforever3485]

Really good and interesting video. Thanks for sharing your rational for the various rounds. Take care.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. Take care.

[@revv45acp71]

Super video! Thank you.

[@markmuch1295]

Glad to see you carry a .327 fed mag. What do you think of the Hornady critical defense and American eagle .327 fed mag rounds?

[@GunSam]

I have only tried the 85 gr American Eagle round, and even then I wasn't too impressed. The Critical Defense was decent, but I felt like it wasn't as consistent as I wanted.

[@frankhinkle5772]

I watch several channels and I'm not impressed by any of the Hornady handgun offerings. For the $$$ there's a lot to choose from from other reputable companies. I like that Sam is testing several different ways. I do miss the baloney splatter.

[@BeefLettuceAndPotato]

First of all, love that I found this channel, earned a sub from me. Secondly, after seeing your videos about Federal Punch .22 and seemingly performing well, is there a reason you still prefer the Blazer to Federal Punch?

[@RB-lk4or]

Thank you sir. Would’ve thought the 158 gr bb lswc would be the choice for the snub. Interested to hear your reasoning.

[@GunSam]

That round has recoil closer to a .357 Mag plus a lot of smoke.

[@brianmiles401]

The buffalo bore 158gr+p out of a lightweight snub is pretty intense (for me). I opted for the standard pressure version. Can handle that for strong or weak hand only drills. Thinking about the Buffalo 158+p out of my s&w 340 is making me flinch just sitting here!! Haha

[@advrajeevpandey8014]

All ammo has its own importance.

[@jimsanders4412]

Interesting video. I load everything I have with HSTs, and it doesn't look like I'll be changing that anytime soon. However...The HSTs are getting harder to find here locally (central Arkansas), but the Punch is pretty much getable anywhere around here.

[@GunSam]

Punch is decent for what it is. Was impressed when the 230 gr Punch expanded in my testing, as most 230 gr .45's will not expand.

[@mountainhobo]

Surprised you didn't have a .45 ACP there, that would more or less match the .44 Special performance. To be honest, the more I look at those tests, at ballistic charts, etc., the more I think they had it figured out for a handgun 100+ years ago - big and slow.

[@GunSam]

I don't personally use .45 ACP as my only .45 ACP gun is a Glock and unreliable. Nothing against .45 ACP, I just don't use it so I went with the honest theme of what I actually use. I don't keep my Glock loaded.

[@mountainhobo]

@@GunSam To go with your screen name, you need the S&W 625. :)

[@guarddog318]

@@GunSam - You need a revolver in .45 Colt.

[@randallminor4866]

I believe that his Glock has the .45 conversion kit on it and is not as reliable as the factory slide.

[@GunSam]

@@mountainhobo If I went that route I feel like a .460 S&W Mag "snubby" 4" cut for moon clips would give me all the options I need.

[@alvinbraxtonjr2105]

Can't go wrong with a good 357 snubbie

[@tylermorrison7051]

Recoil hasn't been much of an issue with my 627 PC snub nose.

[@sniper.308]

Try spear gold dot 158grain hollow point for 357mag awesome power. Shot down 2 deer deadly one shot kills.

[@GunSam]

I have, and it did terrible in testing years ago. Not that it wouldn't kill a deer, but it would not expand even in a 4" barrel.

[@sniper.308]

@@GunSam was a 6” barrel on my 357 mag 686 s&w . Had best car door penetration and empty Freon can penetration. Speer 357mag 158gr Speer gold dot357mag 158gr is like a 38to a357 and is the same bullet but not load I found out . Though the Speer 357 mag hollow point shot flatter with less velocity. Speer Gold dot 357 mag shot. Ok after a dot on it the hornady was best accuracy 158gr horady hollow point + p is my new hunting round.

[@Followme556]

Have you tested Underwood 380+P XTP? XTP seems to be the one round that really expands and penetrates beyond 12" in all mediums. Not many people at all have tested the +P version. Muzzle energy is right between a 9mm makarov and standard pressure 9mm parabellum. Seems like it should be the ideal choice for 380.

[@GunSam]

No, but I have ran some .380+P Buffalo Bore before.

[@Followme556]

@@GunSam There are many different kinds of 380+P (as i know you know). For instance, 380+P gold dot expands great, but doesnt penetrate enough for many...same for 380+P barnes solid copper hollow point. The 380+P im referring to uses the XTP bullet, which has much more controlled expansion, and tends to penetrate more.

[@Followme556]

@@GunSam There are also no gel tests at all that i've seen for underwood 380+P Golden Saber. So if you tested it, you'd be the only one on youtube that I've seen.

[@jackbauer9077]

On your .357 snub nose have you tried Buffalo bore Barnes copper round 125 grain? It works great in water jugs and 4 layers of denim when I tested it and sp101 and S&w 640 handles it great! I’m currently carrying a new sp101 with it and have it in my 640 and 649, and even my 360 that’s supper light.

[@jackbauer9077]

Also golden saber is easy to shoot too but little over penetration but expands good in my snub nose.

[@wadeanderson9032]

Great video

[@danoneill2846]

yep

[@bigandy2109]

Sitting here on edge Wondering what will be your choice for the 686....will it be Buffalo bore ??? Glad to see it was the Remington 125 grain sjhp

[@rob6850]

Great video, Sam! Just curious, have you tried the 147 grain HST out of your M&P 2.0? I wonder if you would get better performance than the 124 gr +p out of the 5 inch barrel. Very impressed by the WWB .380. That is about the best I have seen from .380. The Blazer .22 has not been 100% reliable for me, but I think mine are the 38 grain, from the big "Got Ammo" milk carton. I liked your reasoning though. Would love to see you test out the SGB.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. If I recall I don't think I have tested the 147 gr HST, but I am not 100% certain. I been wanting to test the 150 gr though.

[@rob6850]

@@GunSam definitely check out Ammo Quest and Paul Harrell's videos on the 150, there seems to be something wrong with it. But Ammo Quest put the 147 right up there with the 124 +p. I just figured it would have better penetration than what you saw with the 124 +p out of the 5-incher.

[@cliffknoebel8528]

Can't argue with your choices at all I actually carry a couple of them, white box 180 for the 40 pretty impressive too, not sure if you tried that one or not

[@GunSam]

I haven't tried it yet, but I do have white box 9mm JHP that I been meaning to try.

[@newhuskytwenty]

I am impressed with the performance of the .327 Federal magnum as a everyday carry ammo, I would prefer it over any .38+P or .357 Magnum even a compact single column magazine 9mm Parabellum pistol. Of course much better tan smaller calibers and the very frequently carried .380 acp. I have at home a hunting 12 gauge shotgun because... this is Europe :-( Nothing allowed to carry outside for protection, not even a pocket knife.

[@joes.7536]

I was expecting you to choose Hornady 110g critical defense for your snubby 357

[@Master-AGN]

8 gun Sam. 😎 way cool

[@ftdefiance1]

I would be interested in a video explaining why you own each weapon and when you choose to carry them.

[@HAYAOLEONE]

Said quite a few times the 327 is for its weight+shootability, in simple pocket carry (pants or jacket, a hand in the pocket doesn't draw attention). I suppose the 22 is for very active situations and warm summer days with little clothing. Pocket carry too if I remember correctly. As for the 9x19s, if I remember correctly it's inside the jacket on the belt strong side, for the capacity. Rest might be preferences or for the (not discussed here) times when carrying more than one pistol seems smart. Nothing extra-ordinary. Classic realistic time proven solutions because comfort matters.

[@biggunshandguns3687]

He already did that a couple months ago

[@ftdefiance1]

@@HAYAOLEONE still several questions for example why struggle finding a home defense round for the .44 magnum instead of adopting 357 magnum? When would you select 9 mm over 40 Smith and Wesson?

[@HAYAOLEONE]

@@ftdefiance1 The 9x19s were bought before the 40... For the 44 it may be a case of felt recoil. With the same options I'd use the long barrel 9x19 for home defense as a primary tool. You?

[@HAYAOLEONE]

@@ftdefiance1 Also reloading means less trouble cycling your defensive ammo with practice. Plus who knows what some people do when they found a good load? Some people 'stockpile' a little bit.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I know that handloads are not legal in most cases in self defense but... playing around.... I took hollow based .358 speer wadcutters.... I coated em with HT coating.. this is the thing... I loaded em in 38 spl cases upside down at around 890 or so FPS (4" barrel) Soooo in the past with soft lead 148 WC upside down? erratic if not dismal? But.... with the HT (powder coat would be the same) I get mushroom performance with 90% ? weight retention.. this is in magazines as a medium. it penetrated about like a round nose but.... WAY more expansion I get it...you won't probly do handloads but it would make a fun vid.

[@GunSam]

I have tested them a few times. Hand loads are not typically illegal for defense, but most say not to use them as if the shooting is in question, powder burns, unburned powder etc etc might put you in a different position than you said you were in, if different ammo than you used is ballistic tested. Like if they find a .38 case and an XTP, well they aren't going to use your hand loads to ballistic test, they will use Hornady ammo and be like "oh he was lying" when in reality, your hand loads may have just been hotter or weaker.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@GunSam Fact is? that at my age I do not give a crap what is or is not legal. I will let 12 true decide that LOL My POINT is that all my ammo is handloads. Sooooo.. if someone says I did not 'buy' the right ammo? LOL It is what I do

[@THATMOFODIRT]

Good stuff

[@philipfreeman72]

I used target load light bullet on 357 snub .

[@briankeithwood]

For 380, have you tried the TUI or the screwdriver tipped ones (can't remember their names)? I'm assuming you did and was wondering why you rejected them. I don't often carry a 380 but when I do I always just went with cheap ball ammo and hope for good penetration.

[@spencermichaelson1882]

I choose underwood 147gr bonded +p+. Real smackers. Why don’t u like to use super special ammo in your 9mm like buffalo bore etc?

[@unichooch]

After watching you buffalo bore 9mm +p+ video I was thinking that was the hot ticket for a 5 inch pistol. Is there a reason that isn't your carry choice?

[@keithgregory7937]

Cool video thanks for sharing👍

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@pistolerogt]

Does not carry 38 spl? And what do you think about the Guardian Gold Magtech CBC 38 spl +P? Good video!!

[@GunSam]

I have not tested that ammo yet.

[@rodneyspence7441]

What's your suggestion for a good 45 ACP round? Thanks!

[@NotchaBizness]

I watched hours of ballistic gel tests on 380 before deciding on 4 rounds I’d carry. Precision One, HPR, Sig V-Crown and Lehigh Defense. The Precision One expands most consistently, the rest perform in terms of penetration. Winchester white box is good in some calibers but not this. Another question though: why use MDF? You shooting people while shopping in Home Depot?

[@GunSam]

MDF represents ribs or sternum. It's mildly hard and shatters like bone.

[@johnleeper7997]

I carry the same round in my taurus 357 model 66 7 shot

[@indianajets]

I know I sound like s Lehigh Defense salesmen, but I just don't have faith in a hollow point to be consistent. Extreme Defender 100g+p 38sp 120g 357 mag 90g 9 mm Extreme Penetrator 90g 380

[@biggunshandguns3687]

Aren't you glad everyone can pick what they want no matter what someone else has to say

[@chrish.4067]

Check you later....I'm sure you will test some good stuff!

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Wow wow wow. That 44 load isn't just punching holes and making things leak. The expansion and wound channel are making it far above typical handgun results. More like a true one and done problem solver.