MOST POWERFUL 9mm Ammo in the WORLD Tested! Buffalo Bore 115 gr 9mm +P+ VS .38 Special+P

The infamous Buffalo Bore 115 gr 9mm+P+ that has a listed velocity and energy of 1,400 FPS and 500 ft lbs energy! Today I am testing it in ballistics gel as well as my classic Jug-or-Not bologna pack test. I am also firing from 25 yards at my 10" steel gong to test for accuracy. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.co...

[@GunSam]

I know some people like to falsely claim that two rounds of something that add up to the same energy as one different round make them both "the same" like two rounds of 9mm and one round of .44 Magnum having the energy. But for fun, If I happened to take this 9mm pistol and the one spare magazine that comes with it and carry that setup with 35 rounds, those 35 rounds times 566 ft lbs energy makes a total energy of 19,810 ft lbs energy. This is a ton of "firepower". Statistically speaking all you need is probably 3 rounds of .380 ACP (less than 500 ft lbs total energy) for your average defensive situation. So no real reason for this comment other than to have fun with the numbers. Now I will say this; when I have studied "one shot stop" statistics, there seem to be three things that put a cartridge into the 90 percentile range for stopping power. One is energy, typically over 400 ft lbs of any caliber has high stopping power; Two is velocity, typically over 1,200 FPS of any handgun caliber(not rimfire from a rifle) has high stopping power; Three is diameter, typically anything over .45 caliber has high stopping power. Some cartridges combine two or three of those statistics, but with at least one of those requirements being checked off you probably have a decent caliber/cartridge of choice.

[@dansparrow1506]

I don't care what caliber or gun you use. There is no replacement for placement.

[@mikecacciatore543]

@@dansparrow1506 practice training under different levels of stress will help with that shot placement

[@robertmosher7418]

@@dansparrow1506 you know, I have been studying the whole myth of power/stopping power and the conclusion I have come up with is that you can carry a varied range of calibers and it all comes back to the comfort level of the shooter to the particular pistol/revolver. The more comfort the more a person is likely to enjoy shooting and will shoot more. More range time equals more accurate shot placement into the vital areas of the attacker which equals higher chances of shooter's survival. Which is the point. We all know the faster, bigger bullet will have more ft lbs of energy. We all know that that means higher probability of first shot stop. However, if that means carrying a weapon that isn't comfortable to carry or shoot, the chances of hitting a vital area or even possibly missing a moving attacker diminish. Moral of the story is to buy and carry any caliber larger than a .380 that you like to shoot and enjoy range time and don't worry about the ballistics of the whole thing. Unless you are a bullet nerd like me.

[@cwatson42785]

@@robertmosher7418 Well said Robert! When I first started in the hobby I was all about going with the bigger round (.45) for "stopping power" but after buying a 9mm I found it was easier to shoot and better/faster follow up shots for me personally. I prefer 9mm cause I just think with modern day defensive jhp rounds and higher capacity they are more then capable of taking someone down. Now if jhps didn't exist and only fmj were around I might opt for a higher caliber. I just think 9mm is the most balanced round between capacity, velocity and expansion and easier to shoot that you can't go wrong. The key is just having something to protect yourself and family...Period.

[@flatstheflounder9874]

Seismic 185gr 9mm load let's see that

[@professorpewpuew]

Sam is literally out of breath after describing all the testing he will do. Can we just appreciate the effort and expense to provide content that KZbin wants to cancel?

[@GunSam]

The rheumatoid arthritis, kids and life don't help lol

[@red9man2130]

absolutely! Sam is to be applauded for what He does for us!

[@leaonardland9001]

@@GunSam Do u hve arthritic thumbs, like no cartilege left? I do and i'm pretty sure it came from shooting hard kicking powerful but light guns one handed.

[@perseusrex614]

@@GunSam I'm with you, same boat for me, I can relate. My work is hard and I've been doing it over 24 years, I have 7 surgeries from it. Thanks for your work, its top class.

[@watarusakurai7030]

@@GunSam It may be obvious, but is it safer to shoot the 9mm Luger + P + from a revolver that uses a .357 magnum instead of from a pistol?

[@828enigma6]

I seem to recall several state and city agencies using the 9mm 115 +P+ with excellent street results.

[@JM-ct9lg]

I have watched every video release for years, I am happy to see the gel block in the last two videos. Very informative!

[@skipmaloney2126]

The 9Mm+P+ appeared to be pushing the bullet beyond it's design limits.

[@GunSam]

yes. A little bit

[@jeffhudson2346]

Wondering if those are cup and core or bonded bullets?

[@jeffhudson2346]

@@jorgesolis9468 anything but what they're using currently.

[@jeffhudson2346]

@@jorgesolis9468 underwood extreme defender would work with that loading as well.

[@leaonardland9001]

They issued us 9mm +P+ on my job.

[@jacobgill4808]

You blew the lungs right out of that gelatin block

[@jimmyruger7529]

Agree with Tyler, I shoot n collect more of 38. And you do thorough work , n testing.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching

[@davidcunningham6856]

You did it Sam! That's the comparison I've been waiting for. Awesome review today! Great choice of ammo because that's what I primarily shoot but, that side by side with Jug Or Not & Gel was SWEET! Great work on the gong today as well. Your the Man, Sam!

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@faaportela]

👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@johnhughes1140]

IMPRESSIVE! Both the 38 and 9mm loads shown have several applications. Love the new videos with both the gel and the Juggernaught box. Great video!

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@LionquestFitness]

Best ballistic comparisons on KZbin, and without trying to put down one caliber over another.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@TennesseeFrank]

Wow, that is one HOT 38 spl load. Just goes to show the 38 spl is still a very viable self defense cartridge all these decades later.

[@muthaflaco75]

The hydrostatic shock of the 9mm 566lbft of energy being absorbed in 10-12" has to be a devastating wound. Not discounting FBI penetration data, just thinking out loud...

[@GunSam]

The FBI data takes into account side shots through an arm into the thoracic cavity. Front shots require no more than maybe 4" in a body or simulation equivalent of 8" of ballistic gel. Hydrostatic shock is a medical term where over 2,200 FPS shuts down an organ, but I knew what you meant.

[@crusiethmaximuss]

That is the coolest .355/9mm cartridge I've ever seen! (: I am definitely a fan of .38 special, but I can't ignore that auto cartridge's performance. Another fantastic video, Sam. Thanks! 😎🤙🏻

[@Fudmottin]

That 9mm load is very impressive. I've never gotten 9x19 to go that fast. The 38 is no slouch either. Both seem to have the energy to drop a pest.

[@GunSam]

Yeah, I been afraid of this round for a long time. In reality, it's nothing. I think the TAC-XP .44 I tested at over 1,000 ft lbs in my 37 oz model 69 either cured, or ruined me for other rounds.

[@Fudmottin]

@@GunSam I think it's been well demonstrated that 200 ft-lbs is sufficient. Of course more is more. Helps make up for slightly less than optimum shot placement.

[@Fudmottin]

@@Nostradamus_Order33 I've tried. I've gone as light as 90gr .356" bullets for 380 ACP over a stuffed case of Power Pistol. Best I got was just kissing 1400 fps. The bullets exploded on impact. No penetration at all!

[@JoseSantos-bm5zp]

2.0 is faster than a glock in general a lil American secret

[@gregengbert]

Try some black hills ammo 9mm 124gr. +p... I got 1400 fps average from a 5 shot group from a cz scorpion. That's about a consistent 530 ft lbs of energy. Slightly longer barrel but it's also a slightly heavier bullet.

[@timnelson75]

Good comparison, thanks for taking the time to put it all together.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching.

[@FindersKeepers88]

Thx, besides the 9mm+P+ vs 38spc+P comparison which was interesting,,, I have to tell you, your outdoor shooting lab is one of the best I seen, very well thought out to capture the projectiles and the best camera angles. Job Well Done budd

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@biggunshandguns3687]

Hey Sam that was a very educational video and fun to watch. You make learning so fun. Seriously loved it. I vote jug or not is more educational

[@GunSam]

Thanks.

[@beck-tn9gl]

Impressive ballastics from both round. I particularly like the .38+P Thanks for the video!

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomcarr4630]

Glad to see both the gel and jugs. Outstanding video!

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@holaadios9958]

Better and better. Keep doing those awesome vids!

[@frankbutta9344]

I clicked onto Buffalo Bore’s website after you shot the .38 special into the gel! Thanks for Sharing! 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GunSam]

I'm sure they appreciate that lol

[@ryanranard5187]

That 9mm is amazing! I’ve been waiting on this test. With 17 rounds of this in the magazine, what other duty caliber round does one really need? Underwood use to do these hot rounds with the gold dot bullet. Now THAT would be an excellent police load!

[@robertmcnab7575]

In the sixties, I would occasionally come across boxed WW2 surplus U.S. military 9mm ammo, marked "9mm for machine guns only". I fired it through a Colt 9mm Commander with a four inch bbl. While I experienced no operating problems, recoil was quite stout, and there was a pronounced mussel flash. I believe that this was a bit hotter than +P+.

[@jimreed6875]

I did not expect the 9mm +P+ to have as that much energy. That's approaching .357 Sig territory.

[@jimreed6875]

@Ethan Mac Good point.

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

.40 is nowhere near the class of .357.... especially in penetration

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

Ballistics is my strong suit .... I hear everything you're saying... a 150 grain .40 would be a hot round but most likely would be a shallow penetrator... yes a revolver casing vs semi auto...clearly .357 is longer..which further supports my theory that .40 is considerably out classed .. .357 mag was made to penetrate...and deliver alot of energy which it does well ... but having 7 shots in my 686 and two 6 round speed strips in my front pocket.. I dont feel any disadvantages honestly...

[@boedude8496]

@Ethan Mac i shoot mostly 150-155gr in my cz75. they are lower recoil in lighter loads than 180gr but are really movin (1300+) when you approach max spec. i have yet to make me some gel but i've seen some tests with some loads that are pretty close. good depth and expansion

[@ryanranard5187]

@Jason Voorhees CH CH CH AH AH AH lol

[@justmeva]

That was a well-rounded test, it proves a lot to me; thank you.

[@armyofshea7941]

Truly appreciate your editing and presentation style with the Picture in Picture. Well done.

[@GeographyCzar]

Fantastic set of tests! Thanks for doing this, Sam!

[@GunSam]

Thank you, tanks for watching!

[@adrenalyx5926]

Thanks for the video. Caught this box of ammo last minute, it looked really vintage to me (thought it was just a box of 12gauge) and then I proceeded to examine more closely at it, it was 9mm!

[@jasonb7878]

Sam I watch tons of videos. Yours are at the very top. The way u explain and test are the best

[@erikjensen6503]

Great video! Really like seeing the gel block wound cavity and penetration!

[@christrong3046]

Awesome!! I am a fan of both rounds. They truly both have their place.

[@stonegiant4]

Enjoyable demonstration of the jug or not box and gel together

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@jalan8171]

Seeing this 9x19 load exceed 1500 fps blew my mind. I'm not aware of any .38 Super matching this velocity. Others have written of the .357 Sig; however this 9 really extends the versatility of the Parabellum after a century plus of development.

[@andog6092]

Yeah, impressive but 357 sig is impressive in its own right. At least on paper 357 sig puts out 10mm power, in fps and force. Ironically the only downside is the price of 357 sig

[@Dracbrewer]

This was the best video I have see yet for a good example setting for the 9mm comparing it to another good gun. Thanks was very helpful.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Not disappointed in either. Pretty impressive velocity & energy.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Glad I found this channel. Great data and no bullshit. Love it.

[@martinkavanagh9641]

Good work 'Maestro' - thanks for sharing with us.

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

That was a damn good video. Love the 9mm para and the .38spl. Thanks for your hard work.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@mikecacciatore543]

A fine job you are providing a good format. Thank you

[@jtoker9758]

I like the clear ballistic gels, but there is something much more satisfying seeing what the bullets do to the meat pack and water jugs. I also like seeing you shoot up the melons, as they also show a big difference between the hollow point and full metal jackets.

[@refan6]

Any chance with these tests you could include a single shot into the gel with the short barrels for comparison? Enjoying your new gel blocks. It’ll be more eco friendly since we won’t be destroying baloney and water jugs :D

[@GunSam]

Oh i'm still destroying jugs lol. But I probably will run the .38 through my snubby .357. Not sure i'd shoot the 9mm in any other gun I have.

[@MrZonacat1]

I know it is more work for you, but showing the results in gel with the ballistic box is very interesting and informative. Thanks for the video.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks Sam. Good to see some high performance 9mm & 38 special without overpenetration.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@slash19961]

9mm fan boys :finally a load that can "rival " .357 magnum 357 sig : Hold my beer

[@leaonardland9001]

.357 SIG is the best Glock. It's the only Glock that doesn't misfire when u "limp wrist" (a bad name for when u can't get a good grip) it.

[@I_Am_Victor]

This 9mm packs a punch. 38 special is impressive too. That's a good demo testing with excellent pip view of get. Good presentation 😎👍

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

Good job! Yes Underwood makes a similar round. Choice Ammunition's 148 grain Hard Cast Lead Flat Nose Truncated Bullets claims to achieve 515 Ft Pounds of Energy. If possible please compare this Choice Ammunition 148 + P.

[@Swampytheroot]

Those 38s are no joke. That's matching the 80s FBI 357Mag velocity with the same bullet weight. It's also identical to the original 357Sig loads. That's good stuff if you can tolerate it in a pocket pistol.

[@jacklucking691]

Thank you for this info Sam......very good job !!!!

[@certaindeaf8315]

Fantastic work! Those are both some wicked rounds.

[@yellowboxster06]

I carry that BB load in my SP101. Never felt a reason to use .357 Magnum. But again, that 9mm round is impressive. Great job on the video.

[@Spcwes1]

BB and Underwood get their FPS velocity out of a 4" barrel fyi. Or they did, so 4.5"-5" barrel will get more horsepower. So 115gr at 1475-1500 is an average with my testing from both companies. Both are some of the best ammo made as well. Glad I found the video, good run Sam!

[@NoTimeForThatNow]

Wow, those are both booking it! Awesome video, Sam!

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@GaudyButtons]

As always, great video and comparison!

[@andyamysarizonaadventures5450]

Incredible , The power of a really good 357sig!

[@packhousetv]

Where do we go to watch all the great firearms and ammunition videos after KZbin stops them? I really enjoy videos like this.

[@leaonardland9001]

I see that a lot of people have moved to odysee.com

[@rezlogan4787]

The 9 mm light and fast loads smack explosively and dump energy in the target. I’ve played around with .36 cap and ball through the ammo shortage. 140 grain flat top conicals moving 800-900 fps punch through a water jug without moving it. Holes just magically appear on the plastic. By contrast, loading an 83 grain round ball moving 1,000+ fps punches the same hole, but kicks the jug 3 feet off the ground.

[@paulscountry456]

Wow,that Manlys up both of those,that nine is just smokin.

[@jerrycollins4893]

I was with you up until the pest control observation at the end for the 9mm....I’m a revolver fan at heart also... Love your vids... always well done...

[@terryatherton2881]

Great video, thank you for the hard work.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@traumajock]

I've got some Ranger T 127 grain +p+. It's been a long time since I looked at it. If my memory serves me right, its velocity is around 1250-ish. The longest barrel I have for it is the 4.7 inch on my P320. I expected more penetration from the Buffalo Bore 9mm.

[@Carv97]

The ranger T series 127 grain plus P plus is what I carried as well… I just switched over recently to spear because my rounds were four years old and I didn’t have any more left , in theory they may function well but I’m not willing to risk it

[@lutherpayne9957]

Buffalo Bore makes some wicked hot stuff. I have some 9x18 MAK from Buffalo....you don't want to have a long range session with them. It's cool that you added the clear gel just as a comparison. Next to my CORBON, Buffalo Bore is my preferred 38 Special +P carry load in my 605. Thanks for the presentation.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@CeltKnight]

Excellent video, as always. At my old dept our issue 9mm round was the BPLE 115 (later 124) grain +P+ as over-penetration was of great concern in an overpopulated beach town and again, beach town, so heavy clothing really wasn't an issue most of the time. FWIW, they now issue the Federal 124 gr HST (my new favorite non +P load). But, I still load up most of my 9s with the +P+ ammo as that's what I shot through them the most and I know where it hits and have the best idea of what it'll do. My Glock 26 and BHP especially. My Walther P99, though, well when I got it, my old dept gifted me a heaping helping of the HST and it shoots them very well so that's whats in it. The 9BPLE out of my baby Glock (just under 3.5" bbl) clocked from just over 1200fps to about 1250fps and from the 10.5" bbl of a Colt 635 it clocked 1475fps, so at a guess I'd say Buffalo Bore's is even hotter. Might not be the ideal coast-to-coast load for LEO work but for densely packed cities, coastal area with thin clothing, and civilians I'd say it's a darn fine round. As for that .38 special load ... WOW!

[@GunSam]

I am getting sort of partial to Gold Dot and Winchester Ranger lately. Sometimes ammo choices are just how they make you feel, and for me there's something about how a medium weight bonded bullet does in most of my testing. I think overall a true jacketed bullet can get higher potential energy over a plated style bonding, I don't know why but I have experimented with same powder charges between Gold Dot and XTP and the XTP always moves considerably faster. It's only speculation, but I think maybe the plated style bonded bullet deforms in the bore a tad and absorbs the energy, as where maybe a true jacket bullet does not and essentially defects all that energy into the bullet base more.

[@CeltKnight]

@@GunSam - That's an interesting theory I have not heard anywhere else. Definitely worth researching. Thanks for the info! :)

[@robertmakowski7808]

That is the same velocity as a .38 Super gets from a 5" barrel...very impressive... And tahanks for doing tests in both mediums...

[@ericarbuckle9537]

Excellent video buddy good work.

[@MrDowby]

Awesome Sam. Thanks for the comparison with the gel block in the same video as the jug or not. What is that 9mm bullet. Is it the 115xtp?? Pretty impressive. That 38+p is smoking too. Seems like 1125fps is the sweet spot on that 125 xtp for reliable expansion. Your videos/testing and Lucky gunners gel test is what led me to get to 1130fps with my snub 605. 8.0 of W231 in a 357 case gets it there. I'd have to go look at my notes to see what the 4inch barrel did with the same load. Got to work up the titegroup load still with that 125xtp but I'll get there eventually. As always thanks for the content

[@ernest9606]

Basically BB ammo turned a 38 into a 9mm and a 9mm into a 357mag. Great ammo for sure

[@bobjohnson4677]

Great to see the new gong. You needed a new distance target

[@jaredlange]

it clearly states in the mp 2.0 manual NOT TO USE +P+ in in that gun just for the record and i doubt theyll honor your warranty if you destroy your pistol at any point

[@davidsirmons]

Can confirm that Underwood has +P+ 115 at 1400 tested (by their declaration) from a 4" barrel. I use a stainless 4.5" 416R barrel with comp. in my Taurus G3 and it works with their ammo just fine. Would be curious to see a chrono of the Buff Bore or Underwood ammo out of a 4.5" My guess is an average of 350fps per inch for the Buff Bore/Underwood. So a 4.5" would be throwing it out at 1480-1550fps.

[@electrochubb]

great test Sam, Federal also makes a 15 gr, plus P + load. I think Tenn made a vid of it. The fact is, both rounds you've tested will suffice for a defensive load.

[@ravenrise320]

Federal used to load a +P+ 9mm. Im pretty sure it was a 115 grain HP, too. Back in the 90's. But it was primarily a LEO offering. Most of those agencies who issued it, I think, primarily did so in SWAT MP5 sub guns.

[@GunSam]

Illinois state police. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXPXZYt4nZmeeqs

[@mikebott6940]

I have just loved Buffalo Bore's ammo in my revolvers and will be fascinated to see what it does our of a PCC

[@oldcop18]

Agree w/not using this BB.38 round in my 340PD but no problem in my 4” Model 66, or even my Model 10 snub.

[@GunSam]

I agree with how Buffalo Bore markets rounds like this by calling them "short magnums", more or less finagle a .38 Special to be about as powerful in a snub as a .357 Magnum, so they extract better with those short ejector rods.

[@oldcop18]

@@GunSam You’re right, magnum casings are tough to clear from my 340PD while almost any .38s clear easily.

[@goranmalnar5172]

Nice video again!!! 👍

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@Ragnar_Helsson]

You might want to look up Hirtenberger L7A1. lol I read those things are pumping out about 600 ft/lbs of energy. With a 124 grain bullet. But they're not designed for pistols. Might go boom.

[@jasonsliger5430]

I appreciate the work and info, will try to find some of this ammo. Thanks!

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@themainmanchannel]

I like that buffalo bore. I think i will get a box of each to play with.

[@jonross6033]

Great video! Keep em coming.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@crankybuzzard6867]

That was FUN!! Nice job!!!

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@Oldclimber1]

The issue with the BB 9mm is not for a matter of "street" use, though it can be in the depicted hollow point rounds. BB +p or +p+ ammo appears to be typically for the outdoorsman who may encounter aggressive and dangerous predators (2 or 4 legged), while alone or with others who are vulnerable. The "autopsy" of the bear killed by the 9mm hard-cast "Outdoorsman" ammo in the Alaska brown bear guide shooting showed that the individual rounds penetrated all the way to under the hindquarters skin, after traveling the full length of the bear. It seems to me that in a handgun, this level of penetration is primary to its effectiveness, along with the ability to keep it on target at paw shaking quarters.. Any handgun short of the super magnums,..460 on up to .500, makes little difference in energy transferred, if there is no overwhelming hydro or mechanical shock, such as might be visited upon an offending 4 legged predator by a 12 gauge rifled slug. My guess is that the difference between a .355 hole and a .44/..45 hole is negligible sans rifle level velocity with accompanying shock. Just a thought. And I would not necessarily like to find out for sure in "real life".

[@black_dog_barks]

Wham bam thank you mam....good hard hitting rounds for sure...be sure to measure the ambient temp when using the clear gel or the gel temp itself.. it will change penetration data

[@JoseSantos-bm5zp]

Dat smitty wess 2.0 9 Most underrated 9 out there

[@GreyHorse019]

This is a good comparison. I would like to see how this compares to Hirtenberger +P+. Thank You,

[@tommccormick9290]

I'd love to see what the 9mm load does out of of a pistol caliber carbine.

[@elblancobasura]

You said "a new model 10, current production, or 64 or 67..." with respect of course to the +P .38 round tested as something you'd fire it from. Soooo, my question to you is what are your thoughts on using this round in good condition 70's era 10's? Good condition 80's era 10's? Both of which I have in 4". I've also got a 1972 model 67. Am I correctly assessing the gist of the statement or reading too much into it? Are you of the mind to stay with new production 10, 64, and 67 use in K frames when using this BB round? Thanks for the great video. Much appreciated. I enjoyed it very much.

[@tylermorrison7051]

First. You do good work. I'm rooting for the .38 😁

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@liberaceboiithe3rd5]

Good video, thorough

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@timrobinson6573]

Can you do a test on the Underwood 147 +p+

[@USARMYvietnamVET1969]

I have the identical 9mm M&P and was wondering if the Pistol is rated for such hot ammo...

[@GunSam]

No, it's not rated for it and the manual says do not use +P+

[@zachariahz9832]

Just picked some up for 27$ a box!! So ready to try it out when it comes in!

[@rtaggs8178]

Gun Sam, I need your advice. I enjoy all firearms but, I getting joint and muscle pain due to 56 years of manual labor and no longer enjoy .357 Magnum. I'm thinking down the road of getting away from semi autos and focusing in on revolvers, which I do own. Carry guns would be a Taurus 65 with a Taurus model 856 as a backup. What are good self defense loads for either ?

[@GunSam]

I have tested about every load that exists in .38 Special. The one that I have tested the most is also the one that has had the least amount of failures to expand or penetrate exactly where you want it to. That is the Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special+P 110 gr. The 90 gr or the standard pressure 110 gr don't do particularly well, but for whatever reason that +P load is it. I have ran in 2" 3" 4" barrels and it expands, penetrates well in all of those barrel lengths. Most other ammo I have tested will expand in a 4", but not in a 2", or I will test it one time with good results, next test poor results. I have tested the Critical Defense 110+P probably at least once per year since 2013 in some fashion, hot summer days, cold winter days, and it never fails me. It really is astonishing how well it does.

[@rtaggs8178]

@@GunSam If I go with a 4 inch .38 Special for a main carry, what would you think would be best ? 158 LSWCHP +P ?

[@jamesmutz7435]

Really impressed with the performance of the .38, seems like that would be an excellent carry round. I have a Kimber K6s 3 inch I am going to try that in and see how my gun likes it

[@GunSam]

Probably would run great. I don't know what velocity to expect, but probably in the 1,150 range.

[@cowboyx9380]

When i first got ..on the job... i was issued a Sig P226 and federal 115+p+. And i agree that is one hot round, however back then Sig and H&K were the only guns that were +p+ approved... S&W voided their warranty if you ran this ammo thru their guns. I assume this has changed.

[@GunSam]

I haven't read the manual personally, but people are telling me that S&W says to not use +P+ ammo. On the other hand, I trust Buffalo Bore not to go to the level of damaging my gun.

[@cowboyx9380]

@@GunSam Keep in mind this was back in 1993, and the smith 5900s were really crap, so i assume things have changed since then. Im pretty sure the desire from us cops to feed the 115+p+ was the incentive for Sig to create the 357sig round. Happy shooting sir, and God bless!

[@mathewquigley9672]

That was awesome! That 9mm did exactly what I would want for CCW.

[@wetonwet3655]

is the 9 bonded? great damage but if you wanted more pen maybe bond it or use a solid copper hollow point. that would do some damage though. wound path was straight carnage. probably considered great for less collateral damage personally the 9 plus p plus would benefit from a little more weight?

[@ratagris21]

Impressive rounds indeed. Glad the option is there if you need it. Very nice shooting and testing results are great. Keep up the great work Sam. 🎩☯️♠️

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I will try to!

[@ratagris21]

@@GunSam I know you do.

[@fenomeno71]

A bit of coin spent on this video for the BB. Thank you SIr!

[@chahahc]

Man you got like every handgun bullet out there gel tested.

[@stevethompson1608]

I’d like to see the 357 mag in that test

[@jfowler7604]

Excellent video and VERY comprehensive, one of your very best. BB is again.....just mind blowing. They claim "blended" or "non-canister" powders to get those velocities. Don't know if that's 100% accurate but clearly much of their stuff is well into the redline. However they do it, whether it's special powders or crazy pressure, nevertheless they do it. However, I wouldn't use this info to formulate any concrete assumption that 9mm vastly outperforms 38 SPL.

[@GunSam]

Well I agree, because performance is not energy period. I have noticed in a lot of my testing, that whatever a 9mm does at 350 ft lbs, the .38 Special at 225 ft lbs matches it exactly, other than hard barrier penetration. I think this is mostly because .38 Special usually has a larger hollow cavity and flatter nose than the 9mm. And also, once you get enough energy to get the job done, more energy doesn't necessarily bring more to the table unless it's a significant increase.