Gun Tests ammunition testing can potentially save you money and time by narrowing the list of candidates you might try in your own gun, and you can also follow our system to see if a given round performs for you like it did for us. This listing contains results for 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, 32 H&R Magnum, 30 Carbine, 380 ACP, 38 Special, 38 Super, 357 Magnum, 9mm Luger and 9mm Luger +P, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 44 Special, 45 Colt, 45 ACP, 223 Remington, and 12-gauge buckshot and slugs.
We’ve been testing ammunition for 25 years, with a broader reach of considerations to look at and more samples tested head to head, out of the same guns and by the same shooters at the same time. In particular, our testers said too much ammunition testing focused on terminal performance — that is, what the bullet did after it hit the target and not much at all about how the bullet got to the target, if at all.
Certainly, terminal performance is important, but getting the bullet on target is much more important, in our view, so much of our focus is on performance before the bullet hits the target. Because we realize that results from our test gun can’t be extrapolated to every possible gun readers might own, we wanted to test ammunition in a fashion most consumers would be able to duplicate, and in fact, should conduct on their own. But our framework can potentially save you money and time by narrowing the list of candidates you might try in your own gun, and you can also follow our system to see if a given round performs for you like it did for us.
We set stringent standards for reliability, consistent velocity, accuracy, and controllable recoil level — four crucial aspects of performance that allow you to put rounds on a target, paper or otherwise. In more detail, here’s how we test ammunition.
Test 1: Reliability
Reliability is the non-negotiable baseline for a self-defense gun. Before anything else is considered, the gun must go bang every time you pull the trigger. We settle for nothing less than 100 percent reliability. We also caution you that any round we recommend must be tested in your own gun. We can get you started, but your guns have to like your rounds. If you’ve had reliability issues with certain rounds in your firearms, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Test 2: Velocities and Standard Deviation Reporting
The ammunition must generate consistent velocities. Wild shot-to-shot velocity variances are not desirable in defensive ammunition. In addition to affecting bullet performance (accuracy, penetration, expansion), velocity swings make it much harder to fire the gun fast and well. We report both average velocities for at least 10 rounds and the resulting standard deviation from those velocities. Standard deviation tells you how close you can expect the velocity of any shot you fire to be to the average velocity. A small standard deviation is always a sign of ammunition that’s been assembled with skill and attention to detail.
Test 3: Accuracy
We expect variations between how our gun performs and how yours shoots with the same ammo brand. Accuracy results do vary from gun to gun and shooter to shooter. However, egregious accuracy in a quality gun is never a sign of good ammunition. For testing in your own gun, we recommend starting with our winners and seeing how they shoot in your gun. If they shoot well, then you can keep them as your personal defense loads.
Test 4: Recoil Level
Ammunition for self-defense must not generate such heavy recoil it’s difficult to control for the typical, reasonably well-practiced shooter. The method we use for assessing shooter reaction to recoil is IPSC power factor (pf). Take the bullet weight in grains, multiply it by the velocity in feet per second, then divide by 1000. The resulting number is the power factor. Example: A typical 9mm defense load is a 115-grain jacketed hollow point moving at 1150 fps. 115 x 1150 = 132,250/1000 = 132.25 power factor.
In our subjective experience, most shooters do best with a recoil level not exceeding 150 pf. Ideally, the 125- to 150-pf range seems to give a good balance of power with controllability.
Test 5: Penetration, Expansion, and Weight Retention
Any rounds meeting all criteria for reliability, consistent velocity, accuracy, and controllable recoil are then fired into water. Water generates the same results, vis-a-vis penetration and expansion, as 10-percent ordnance gelatin. It just slightly overstates expansion and penetration. Take the expansion and penetration results in water, delete 10 percent, and you know what a bullet would do in gelatin.
Recovered bullets are measured for expansion with dial calipers and on an electronic scale for weight retention (i.e., how much of the bullet is left after penetration and expansion).
When all is said and done, we recommend ammunition in this listicle that is put together with care and craftsmanship; that is functionally reliable in our test guns; that generates consistent velocities; that is accurate and controllable as well. Penetration, expansion, and weight retention data on such loads is provided for your information. Happily, we’ve encountered very few bad products, but we did find a few favorites that were listed as Best Buys or Our Picks, the latter category not being constrained by price at the time of the test. However, because of the variability of ammunition prices, we’ve redacted the prices for this list. As always, you can read the full review about a particular round in the monthly issues cited in each listing. We’ve verified that the ammunition in the Top 10 list is still available under the cited model numbers listed. — Todd Woodard
Hornady 22 WMR 45-grain Critical Defense FTX 83200 (July 2013)
This Hornady load is among a very few loads specifically designed for use in a short-barrel handgun and it shows. Bullet weight is ideal and the bullet expanded reliably and retained all of its weight. Bullet expansion was very uniform. No bullets failed to expand, but some did expand slightly more than others, and expansion was ragged in some cases. Quite possibly a 4-inch-barrel revolver would produce better results, but the test clearly showed that Hornady has developed a potent 22 Magnum loading. General-purpose 22 Magnum loads, designed for a rifle and pushed into service in a handgun, simply cannot compete. The Hornady Critical Defense load is ideal for use in a self-defense handgun.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Personal Defense 32 H&R Magnum 85-grain JHP C32HRB (July 2013)
The 32 H&R Magnum isn’t a Magnum by most standards, and in fact the results from this cartridge are often disappointing. However, the 32 Smith & Wesson Long 98-grain RNL loading seldom produces more than 700 fps from a 4-inch barrel, so the 32 H&R Magnum is an improvement. The 32-caliber bullet used in the 32 Magnum doesn’t expand to the required bullet diameter we expect from a defensive caliber. It just doesn’t measure up, in our opinion, but if you cannot handle a 38 Special for one reason or the other, the 32 Magnum is considered an option. Power factor with the 32 is twice what it is with the 22 Magnum, and when you are looking for low recoil, the difference is noticeable, particularly to senior shooters. The 32 Magnum costs twice as much as the 22 Magnum but clearly doesn’t deliver twice the performance. One 32 load expanded slightly more, one had greater penetration, both are practically equal.
Gun Tests Grade: A
380 ACP (VARIOUS WEIGHTS)
Black Hills Ammunition 60-grain Honey Badger D380N420 380 ACP (January 2021)
The Black Hills Ammunition Honey Badger uses a bullet manufactured by Lehigh. Velocity is greater than advertised, 1167 fps versus the advertised 1150 fps. This ammunition offers mild recoil and is easily controlled. Function was 100% in the Glock. Accuracy was excellent, near the top of the test. Penetration is 18 inches.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Lehigh Defense 65-grain Xtreme Defense 09380065S 380 ACP (January 2021)
These rounds are available directly from LehighDefense.com. This load is similar in concept to the 90-grain Lehigh. The Lehigh bullet is an all-copper design. The bullet is fluted and designed to create wound potential through both cutting and fluid dynamic damage. The flutes are sharp — you actually must be careful when pressing against the bullet nose loading the magazine. The bullet may not expand, but it begins causing tissue damage immediately on impact. The bullet seems to have a buffeting effect in water. The upset is greater than a full-metal-jacketed or round-nose bullet, we saw. Velocity is greater due to the light bullet. Despite the high velocity, recoil is light. Control is good. This loading breaks 1182 fps on average, slightly greater than the Black Hills Ammunition Honey Badger, which weighs 5 grains less. Penetration in water is 18 inches. (This correlates to 14 inches in gelatin.) This is a credible loading for personal defense. Those concerned about underpenetration with the 380 ACP will find this loading attractive.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Fiocchi 90-grain JHP 380APHP 380 ACP (January 2021)
This offering and the Federal Train + Protect are similar in concept. The Fiocchi offers a hollow-point bullet, and they are packaged in a 50-round box. They are economical for practice, and while not as complex as design as the XTP or HST bullets used in more expensive loads, they expand well. The Fiocchi JHP breaks 909 fps on average and penetrates to a depth of 16 inches. Expansion is near optimum at 0.52 inch (0.54 if you count the jacket). A balance of performance and economy (pre-pandemic pricing) makes this the Best Buy.
Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST BUY)
Remington Ultimate Defense 102-grain BJHP CHD380BN 380 ACP (January 2021)
This is the Golden Saber by another name, and that isn’t a bad thing. The BJHP (brass jacketed hollow point) is the heaviest bullet tested. There was some recoil, but it isn’t excessive. Accuracy was good. The Remington load went into a special niche. Loads that penetrated more expanded less, while loads that expanded more penetrated less. The Golden Saber did not quite average 900 fps in the Glock, slower than most loads as a result of a bullet heavier than most 380 ACP bullets. The 102-grain bullet penetrated an average of 15 inches and expanded to 0.59 inch. Expansion was very consistent. This is an attractive overall balance that many shooters like us will want.
Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)
9MM LUGER (VARIOUS WEIGHTS)
Norma MHP 108-Grain Monolithic Hollow Point 9mm Luger 299740020 (May 2023)
Monolithic simply means the projectile is manufactured from a single piece of copper. This was the lightest projectile tested at 108 grains. The company claims more than 1300 fps velocity. Actual recorded velocity was 1198 fps average. The Norma load was accurate enough, but it was not the most accurate load in the test. Felt recoil was subjectively lightest of the test. Penetration was adequate at 16 inches. Expansion was the greatest at 0.95 inch. We were impressed by the Norma 108-Grain Monolithic Hollow Point’s performance. It offers a combination of light recoil, acceptable accuracy, and a fast-opening bullet.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Barnes TAC-XPD 115-Grain X Bullet 9mm Luger 21551 (May 2023)
The Barnes all-copper hollow point was once pricey compared to other loads. Now it is in line with what other 20-round boxes cost. The all-copper bullet is long for the bullet weight and cannot be loaded as hot as a conventional cup-and-core bullet because the bullet base extends further into the cartridge case. Just the same, the velocity of 1143 fps makes for easy control. This bullet offers very consistent penetration of 18 inches in water and expands to 0.73 inch.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P Short Barrel JHP 23611 9mm Luger (October 2013)
The current ammunition shortage almost prevented this load from appearing in these pages. Most of the others were on hand. The Speer load was difficult to obtain, but then everything is at present. The Gold Dot design is tweaked for extra performance in the short-barrel gun. The +P rating increases velocity over the standard Gold Dot, and the bullet features a softer core. Expansion and penetration were excellent. This is a solid choice for all-around use. This load is specifically intended for short-barrel use, and as a result of careful development and quality manufacture, it was the overall pick of our raters.
Gun Tests Grade: A+
Winchester USA Ready Defense 124-Grain Hex-Vent JHP 9mm Luger +P RED9HP (20) (May 2023)
This new loading uses something called Hex-Vent technology. A polymer ball in the nose instigates expansion. This load breaks 1207 fps, making it the most energetic 124-grain load tested. The bullet stayed together and expanded well as it penetrated 16 inches of water. We measured the lead mushroom at a healthy, plump 0.76 inch of expansion. Had we included in the expansion measurement the single piece of jacket that was attached to the center, the reading would have been well over an inch. One of the bullets of three tested in water slipped its jacket, a mark of a high-velocity bullets. This is outstanding performance by any standard.
Gun Tests Grade: A+
Winchester Silvertip 147-Grain Jacketed Hollow Point 9mm Luger W9MMST2 (20) (May 2023)
Winchester’s 115-grain Silvertip has been a staple for personal defense for decades. The 147-grain version is intended to offer more penetration and offer an alternative to bonded-core police-type loads. Velocity was 980 fps, penetration 18 inches, and expansion 0.61 inches. For a heavyweight bullet, we feel the Silvertip offers good performance. Compared to the Golden Saber from Remington, the Silvertip expands slightly more and penetrates slightly less. We would be pleased with either.
Gun Tests Grade: A
38 SPECIAL/357 MAGNUM (VARIOUS WEIGHTS)
Black Hills 38 Special HoneyBadger 100-Grain +P D38N4 (July 2021)
During the accuracy testing, a rater pointed out that the HoneyBadger cut a ragged hole in the paper, while all of the other loads simply pressed a round hole in the target. The HoneyBadger is a solid-copper bullet with flutes cut into the bullet. There was definitely some hydraulic distribution at work as the first water jug was burst apart, as if it had shot with a high-velocity hollowpoint. At 20 inches, penetration is ideal. This load is very easy to handle. Penetration isn’t compromised by the light bullet. We are comfortable with the terminal ballistics potential and find the HoneyBadger a good choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium Personal Defense Low Recoil 38 Special 110-grain Hydra-Shok PD38H53 H (September 2024)
This is a specifically designed reduced-recoil 38 Special load, rated by the manufacturer at 980 fps muzzle velocity. Velocity and energy in our guns (800 fps/158 foot-pounds) were modest. Recoil is mild. This is an accurate load, and it exhibits limited muzzle flash. Penetration was 17 inches in water and expansion to 0.52 inch was excellent. We feel that this load really has the essential elements of a low-recoil but effective defense load. Expansion is very consistent, and the nickel-plated cases seem to add smoothness in loading and unloading, according to our resident handloader. Penetration is just over our 16-inch ideal range, but we like the overall balance of expansion and penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium Punch 120-Grain +P PD38P1 38 Special (July 2021)
The Federal Punch is designed for home defense and concealed carry rather than service use. If cops still used revolvers, the Hydra-Shok would be among the best loads. The Punch has slightly less recoil, expands a bit more, and penetrates less. This load isn’t a bonded type and is designed to be offered at a lower price than some of Federal’s premium loads.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Best Buy)
Buffalo Bore 125-Grain Low Flash Standard Pressure SB 20E/20 38 Special (July 2021)
This load clocked more than the rating, as Buffalo Bore often does. Accuracy is good, and the load is indeed low flash, as advertised, although none of the loads in this test had excess muzzle blast. The 1080 fps 125-grain load exhibited the second greatest expansion of any load tested, and it had the most energy. Based purely on terminal ballistics, this cartridge is a formidable choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Our Pick)
Black Hills 357 Magnum 125-Grain JHP D357N2 (February 2017)
The Black Hills load is packaged in a 50-round box at an attractive price, earning it the Best Buy nod. This load exhibits modest recoil for the performance, while maintaining penetration in the ideal range at 14 inches along with good expansion and 100% weight retention. Velocity isn’t at the top of the list, so this load is controllable in double-action pairs and offers all of the power most shooters will wish to handle in a 35-ounce revolver.
Gun Tests Grade: A Best Buy
Winchester Super-X 38 Special 158-grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point +P X38SPD (March 2022)
This is a lead hollow point molded or cast soft enough for reliable expansion. Average velocity is 861 fps from a 4-inch barrel. The Winchester load has probably seen more use than other lead hollow points because it was issued to peace officers decades ago. This appears to be the same load in use since the 1970s. Penetration is 20 inches in water. Expansion ranged from 0.51 to 0.54 inch. We recommend this Super-X load for personal defense.
Gun Tests Grade: A
38 SUPER (VARIOUS WEIGHTS)
Buffalo Bore 38 Super 115-grain JHP +P 33A/20
(November 2017)
This load came out of the Rock Island’s 5-inch barrel at an average of 1421 fps. Muzzle signature was limited and function was excellent. This load penetrated an average of 18 inches with good expansion. We saw something we have never seen before with the XTP bullet, including running a 90-grain 9mm XTP at 1600 fps in a 38 Super handload. The XTP bullet core and the jacket separated in two of three water-jug tests. Penetration, however, was not compromised.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore 38 Super 124-grain JHP 33B/20 (November 2017)
The 124-grain XTP never fragmented or separated. Function was good and accuracy was the best of the test for these high-performance loads. The balance of expansion and penetration is ideal, with a solid 19 inches of penetration. While the 115-grain Buffalo Bore loading is a good, strong 38 Super loading, we liked the performance of the 124-grain better. Accuracy is as good as any of the other high-performance loads and better than most.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Cor-Bon 38 Super +P 125-grain DPX DPX38X125-20 (November 2017)
This was the most expensive load by a mile. It was also the most accurate Cor-Bon load and one of the most accurate tested. The all-copper bullet expanded well, maintaining good penetration. At 1260 fps, the Cor-Bon load penetrated 18 inches of water and gave good expansion. There is nothing to fault at that level of performance. It is an acceptable defense loading compared to the other loads and is an excellent all-round 38 Super loading. No 9mm +P equals this level of performance. It is expensive like all loads using the Barnes X Bullet.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore 38 Super 147-grain JHP 33E/20 (November 2017)
This is the heaviest load in the test. While high velocity is exciting, a 147-grain bullet at 1099 fps is interesting. This is about 100 fps faster than most 9mm loads in this bullet weight. A valid comparison one rater made is that the 9mm is a 38 Special, while the 38 Super is a 357 Magnum. The 38 Super isn’t a Magnum, but the cartridge actually has more velocity and energy than many 357 Magnum personal defense loads, particularly when they are fired in personal-defense handguns with abbreviated barrels. The 147-grain XTP load penetrated a deep 24 inches in water. This is the greatest penetration of any load tested. For those living in a climate in which heavily clothed attackers are the rule, this heavy 38 Super has much promise. We would choose a 124-grain for most needs, but for what the 147-grain load is designed to do it cannot be faulted.
Gun Tests Grade: A
40 S&W (VARIOUS WEIGHTS)
Black Hills 40 S&W 140-Grain Barnes TAC-XP D40N6 (August 2021)
This is the only all-copper hollow point tested. The only downside, in our opinion, of all copper hollow points is that these loads are usually more expensive. In today’s world of high ammo prices, this may not always be true. The 140-grain bullet breaks a consistent 1121 fps. Penetration is 18 inches in water, in line with most of the loads tested, and expansion is 0.73 inch, the greatest of any of the loads tested. For personal defense, this load is ideal, based on a balance of expansion and penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Our Pick)
Federal Punch 40 S&W 165-Grain JHP PD40P1 BX (August 2021)
This is a non-bonded hollow point intended to sell for less than loads such as the HST and Gold Dot. The 165-grain punch breaks 1048 fps. Penetration is 20 inches, and expansion is consistent at 0.62 inch. It was tied for the most accurate load tested. While we like the HST’s performance better, if the Punch costs less, it would be a great thing.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Best Buy)
SIG Elite 40 S&W 180-Grain V Crown E40SW2-20 (August 2021)
The V Crown bullet has given excellent results in many of our tests. The cartridge case is nickel plated. The bullet, manufactured by Sierra Bullets for SIG, features a wide hollow point and a soft lead bore. Velocity is good for a 180-grain bullet at 920 fps average. Accuracy is good. The bullet penetrated to 20 inches and expanded to 0.64 inch. This is a viable choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A
10MM AUTO
Cor-Bon DPX 10mm Auto 155-grain DPX10155 (all January 2013)
Hornady 10mm Auto 155-grain XTP 9122
Cor-Bon Self Defense 10mm Auto 165-grain JHP 10165
Recoil is there with the 10mm, but not excessive for a trained shooter. But even a trained shooter will make a slower run on steel plates with the 10mm compared to the 45. The consensus is that a power factor of 200 or more begins to be too difficult to control in constant practice and for the average shooter to handle. Nothing learned in this test would have us think anything different. There were times when we were very impressed with the results with the 10mm. There were several occasions in which the Cor-Bon loads blew the water jugs into the air and off the table. With most loads, the 10mm is no more difficult to control than the 45 +P per our raters input, but the 45 +P and 10mm are each at the high end of the controllable table in a self-loading pistol. Any of these loads will satisfy the most discriminating self-defense shooter.
Gun Tests Grade: A
44 SPECIAL
Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition 44 Special 165-Grain Flex Tip eXpanding 90700 44 Special (January 2017)
This load offers interesting performance. Expansion was good, in league with the Cor-Bon DPX and slightly less than the Buffalo Bore load. Recoil is modest, even light, due to the light bullet traveling at 980 fps velocity in the 21-4’s 4-inch barrel. Penetration is adequate at 12 inches. The bullet actually penetrated two water jugs in line but bounded off the third jug. In two instances, the red polymer nose was found beside the expanded bullet, so the nose plug, designed to promote expansion, appears to work as designed. This would be the recommended loading in the Charter Arms Bulldog. At 905 fps in the lighter gun, the FTX retained most of its expansion properties. On a basis of superior personal-defense performance and a fair price, this load gets our Best Buy nod and is probably the ideal urban load for the 44 Special.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Best Buy)
45 ACP
Speer Gold Dot 45 ACP 200-grain 23969 (April 2010)
This is our No. 1 pick among the lower-weight bullets. The Federal load expanded less than the Remington while the Remington penetrated less. A toss up we have to say. We feel the 200-grain Gold Dot bullet pushes them aside in performance with equal penetration in comparison to either and practically the same expansion as the Golden Saber, but with a heavier bullet. The Gold Dot also edges either out in accuracy. While the power factor rating appears only slightly less on paper, all raters noted that the Speer load seemed mild to fire. Perhaps a particularly efficient powder blend would be the answer. In any case, the heavier bullet won out among the light weight bullets. But is the Speer Gold Dot +P worth the extra money? We wonder. The Gold Dot does not quite equal the penetration performance of the standard pressure Black Hills 230-grain JHP, (13.5 inches vs. 13.0 inches) with both expanding to a 0.72-inch slug. On price, the standard pressure round wins out, shooting for 94 cents a shot compared to $1.20 a shot for the Speer. Our view: There’s no point in adopting a loading with +P pressure without greater performance.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Cor-Bon Self-Defense 45 ACP JHP 230-grain SD45230 (April 2010)
The Cor-Bon 230-grain +P is Cor-Bon’s answer to the need for a heavier bullet for law enforcement use and for use against felons who may be heavily clothed. The Cor-Bon has a slight advantage in penetration over the Winchester SXT, with virtually the same expansion. The Cor-Bon load has slightly more penetration and accuracy is very close with either. Downside: The Cor-Bon has more recoil by several points. Let’s compare them to the standard pressure benchmark load: Cor-Bon 230-grain JHP, 13.5 penetration, 0.75 expansion; Black Hills 230-grain JHP, 13.5 penetration, 0.72 expansion. Looking at it this way, the Cor-Bon load has the edge. There is actual improvement over the standard pressure load. Is it worthwhile? Since we use water and calculations for test media—and we venture into speculation—we cannot tell at what point the Gold Dot bullet reaches its 0.75 expanded diameter. There is a good chance the Cor-Bon load began to expand more quickly due to its almost 80 fps advantage over the standard-pressure load. The Cor-Bon 230 is at the top of the heap by a small margin.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore 230-Grain No. 45230FMJ Flat Nose 45 ACP +P (March 2014)
This load used a full-metal-jacketed flat-point bullet. Since feeding is always perfect with this design, there is no reason to choose a roundnose bullet. At more than 900 fps, this is a truly heavy load well worth your time and consideration. Recoil, again, was brutal in the CDP.
Gun Tests Grade: A+
45 COLT
Buffalo Bore 255-Grain SWC 3E/20 45 Colt (March 2014)
The standard Keith-type semi-wadcutter used in this round has many advantages. The weight of the bullet is carried out of the cartridge case, which allows for more powder capacity and less pressure with a heavy load. The flat nose and the sharp shoulder allow promote excellent cutting ability. There are sorry renditions of the SWC, particularly in the softer factory loads, but Buffalo Bore uses a true Keith SWC. As a bonus, accuracy at long range is often excellent with this design. This standard-pressure “heavy” load uses a gas-checked soft-cast semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullet that roughly duplicates the old 255-grain SWC load with a stiff charge of Unique powder that produced some 1000 fps in most revolvers. This load is accurate and meets the penetration criteria. The Buffalo Bore SWC load demonstrated a strong recoil push, but that is the price of power. Recoil is the only drawback, but it is not uncomfortable, simply strong.
Gun Tests Grade: A+
RIFLE, 30 CARBINE
Buffalo Bore Full Power 110-Grain Soft Point Round Nose 46A/20 30 Carbine (July 2017)
This load was the fastest tested at 2120 fps, some 120 fps over specification. You could detect the difference in muzzle blast, which was not offensive but stronger than the other loads. There were no malfunctions using both magazines, including the original and one ordered from Brownells.com. Accuracy was excellent with a 0.9-inch group at 25 yards. The carbine used is more accurate than most and will group 2 inches at 50 yards with the right handloads. This BB loading demonstrated excellent performance for home defense. The expansion was a plump 0.81 inch. Penetration was 14 inches. Testers noted that as velocity drops off at 50 yards, expansion will diminish and that will affect penetration. Still, we are primarily interested in personal defense at close-in range, and we find the Buffalo Bore loading to be an excellent choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A
RIFLE, 223 REMINGTON (VARIOUS WEIGHTS)
Black Hills 223 Remington Remanufactured 60-grain JSP M223R4 (May 2013)
The primary rater switched from 55-grain loads to the Black Hills 60-grain JSP as soon as it was introduced. The momentum, he says, is greater and function seems better in most rifles. But the penetration and expansion are superior as well. In one experiment, the 60-grain Black Hills load expanded to a full .54 caliber diameter, although average expansion was more in the .44 range. This had outstanding performance. The load is also available in relatively affordable 50-round boxes, which make it a Best Buy.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Cor-Bon DPX Hunter 62-grain Barnes Triple-Shock X Bullet Lead-Free DPX22362/20 223 Remington (May 2013)
This is the single load that exhibited the best balance of expansion and penetration in our opinion, if police service is a criterion. For civilian use, the DPX offers outstanding downrange performance. While part of the appeal of the 223 is its limited penetration, a high-velocity load retains much of the frangible properties of the caliber. But the penetration that is needed in a defensive firearm cannot be compromised. The 62-grain DPX is a recommended loading for personal defense. Recoil is light, but the 223 really shines with this loading. You may find it at a cheaper price than the 53-grain DPX.
Gun Tests Grade: A
12 GAUGE SHOTSHELLS
Remington Managed-Recoil #00 Buckshot RL12BK00 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This is an eight-pellet load. Reducing the payload by one pellet may tighten the pattern and also reduce recoil. This is a reduced-recoil load at 1109 fps in the Remington 870. The pattern was superb, without any drawbacks, at 1.8 by 1.5 inches. The Benelli gained 5 fps over the pumpgun’s velocity and put all eight pellets into 1.7 by 1.6 inches. Basically, patterns were identical in each shotgun. This was an affordable load at the time of purchase, but was nonetheless high quality and feed reliable in the Benelli and a first-class performer.
Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)
Nobel Sport Italia (NSI) MiniBuck 6P 2.25 inch, Six 00 Buckshot (August 2020)
We bought the Nobel Sports short shell for $7.42 per 10 shells from J&GSales.com. The advantage of the Nobel Sports load is that the slightly longer shell is intended to cure the feed problems experienced with short shotgun shells. While this is fine as far as it goes, the advantage gained is only one shell in the Remington’s four-shot tube, and the payload increases to nine shells in a seven-shot magazine. The shell is advertised at 2.25 inches in length for the fired case, and unfired, it comes in at 2.19 inches, or 0.13 inches shorter than the unfired length of 2.32 inches for a 2.75-inch shell. The Nobel payload travels at an average of 1320 fps, and it is very consistent and produced higher velocities than its rated speed of 1250 fps. Recoil was greater than the other mini shells, but lighter than the full-power Hornady Critical Defense buckshot load, which uses eight #00 buck pellets. The pattern was noticeably better than the other mini shells at a 6.5-by-7.5-inch average. We feel that the #00 buck load at this velocity will offer good penetration; after all, many of the reduced-recoil #00 buckshot loads with eight #00 pellets are considerably slower. The NSI load worked flawlessly. There are no hang-ups of any type. It is definitely the best of the minis.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium Law Enforcement Tactical 12-Gauge Hydra-Shok 1-oz. 2.75-inch Rifled Slug LEF127RS (August 2017)
The Hydra-Shok rifled slug is a hollow-point slug. After firing, the hollow point was quite hollow from one end to the other of the slug. This load averaged 1199 fps. Recoil was not objectionable as a full-power load, but velocity was sufficient to instigate some expansion. Expansion is more like flattening, but it certainly exists. And there is an appreciable difference between 0.75 inch with no expansion and 0.99 inch with modest expansion. The recovered slug weighed a solid 1 ounce. Penetration was nine inches. We feel that for home defense this is the most viable loading tested with a good combination of modest recoil and good wound potential. Accuracy was good and recoil manageable. We rated this load the best buy for personal defense. It is not suited for defense against large animals.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Best Buy: Personal Defense)
Brenneke Black Magic Magnum 12-Gauge 3-in. 602-gr. Slug SL-123BMM (August 2017)
This slug maintained a good portion of its advertised velocity of 1560 fps in the Remington riot gun, breaking 1470 fps. Accuracy was excellent, better than the shotgun would do justice to. All loads tested are more than accurate enough for defense or hunting use. The Brenneke exhibited the greatest penetration of any load tested. To gather the penetration data, we went through several errors, with water jugs blown about and the slug not recovered. Finally, we managed to load the water jugs into a large trash can and carefully arrange the water jugs on an old antique ironing board (wooden top) in the folded position to keep the water jugs equal and to duplicate the line up used with the other slugs. The effect was tremendous. After the last test, the ironing board was no longer useful as a household item because the boards were cracked and there were gaps blown into them. In two cases, the slug penetrated to 48 inches and was found spent just before penetrating the ninth jug. In the third test, the slug penetrated the ninth jug but only slightly. Overall excellent performance. This is the top-rated slug for animal defense. This level of penetration would not be good for home defense, however.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Our Pick: Dangerous Game)
OTHER TESTED LOADS
Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special 110-grain FTX 90310 (September 2024)
This load is priced the same as the specialty 90-grain load. Rated by the manufacturer at 1010 fps muzzle velocity, the 110-grain FTX follows the precept of lightening bullet weight to increase velocity without raising pressure. Felt recoil is modest. The FTX/Critical Defense load is noted for reliable expansion after hitting barriers and clothing. We like this one a lot. We recommend the 110-grain Hornady load over the 90-grain Lite, unless there is a special need for recoil control even greater than that exhibited with 110-grain loads. Most raters could not detect the difference in recoil, even the shooters who have the arthritic hands that dog some of our brothers and sisters.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy 38 Special (non +P) 125-grain Low Velocity JHP 20E/20 (September 2024)
Rated for 900 fps/225 foot-pounds MV/ME by the manufacturer, this non +P rated load flew at 909 fps/229 foot-pounds on our instruments. This load uses the Speer Gold Dot bullet, an excellent choice. Buffalo Bore also informs the consumer the load may use other available bullets, including the Hornady XTP. After all, supply is still not what it should be. We have consistently found this number loaded with the Gold Dot bullet, which is exceptional. Penetration to 15 inches of water is ideal, and expansion to 0.62 inch is good as well. Accuracy at the range was among the best in the test at 1.9 inches, and the loading features low-flash powder, which Buffalo Bore may achieve by salt treating. Whatever they do, the load only threw a few sparks, and there was no orange flash. We recommend this load and find it ideal for steel-frame revolvers. Recoil is modest in the S&W 640.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Remington Golden Saber Bonded 147-Grain Jacketed Hollow Point 9mm Luger 29343 (May 2023)
This bullet doesn’t quite look like the Golden Saber bullets tested in the past. These bullets used more of the bullet jacket as a wounding mechanism. The bane of 147-grain loads has been low velocity and expansion. The Remington bonded load breaks a solid 1012 fps, marginally faster than the 147-grain Winchester load. Penetration was 20 inches, and expansion was an average of 0.58 inch. If you need deeper penetration and prefer a 147-grain bullet, Remington has provided an answer.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium Law Enforcement 124-Grain Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point 9mm Luger P9HS1G1 (May 2023)
In testing, the load clocked 1104 fps. Penetration was 16.5 inches of water. Expansion was 0.59 inch, with weight retention of 122.5 grains. Interestingly, decade-old testing of this round shows 1090 fps average velocity, the same penetration, and 0.55 inch expansion. The modern Hydra-Shok is an improved cartridge and one with a proven track record.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Speer Gold Dot 124-Grain JHP 9mm Luger 23618GD (May 2023)
The Gold Dot is designed to offer excellent light cover and barrier penetration. This means a great deal in law enforcement, but not so much in civilian personal defense. The Gold Dot bullet breaks 1124 fps out of the Walther PDP. Penetration in water was 18 inches, and expansion was a solid 0.64 inch. We like the accuracy and reliable expansion of this loading.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium Law Enforcement 124-Grain HST Jacketed Hollow Point 9mm Luger P9HST1 (May 2023)
The HST bullet is a modern development that offers a choice over the Hydra-Shok. There is no center post in the HST, and its expansion is different. Velocity was 1153 fps. Penetration was 17 inches in water and expansion 0.65 inches. Recovered weight was 124 grains. The HST offers slightly better performance than the Hydra-Shok. We would take either.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Remington Express 38 Special 158-grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point +P R38S12 (March 2022)
The Remington load breaks 869 fps and averages 18 inches of penetration. All recovered bullets measured 0.60 inch in diameter, the most consistent of the test. This is our recommended heavy-bullet loading in the test based on its consistent expansion and penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Our Pick)
Buffalo Bore 225-Grain Hard-Cast Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point 45 Colt (October 2021)
The Buffalo Bore heavy lead semi-wadcutter gas-check bullet is not a swaged lead bullet but a cast bullet. At 990 fps in the Devil Anse, the bullet penetrates 24 inches and expands to the greatest width of any of the bullets tested. While 0.84 inch is average in the revolver, one of the carbine loads went a wide 0.90 inch. This is easily the load with the greatest predicted wound potential. At 1109 fps from the carbine, expansion and penetration were virtually the same; however, the water jugs were blown around to a greater extent when fired in the carbine. This is a hard-hitting load that should prove effective against man and beast. Recoil is the greatest of the test, however, although it isn’t noticeably more difficult to fire in the carbine.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): A
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): A
Winchester 225-Grain Defender S45XPDB 45 Colt (October 2021)
This is a modern bonded bullet now sold under the Defender line. Velocity is 810 fps in the revolver. At this velocity, the projectile penetrates 24 inches. Expansion is excellent at 0.66 inch. Clearly, this is a viable personal-defense load. When fired in the carbine at 1104 fps, the bullet looked much different. The expanded mushroom was peeled back, and expansion was actually less at 0.58 inch. Unlike the Silvertip, we did not find any fragments. The bullet penetrated the same when fired from the carbine at 24 inches. This is interesting performance. We seem to have had more rapid expansion, but penetration was the same.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): A
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): A
Federal Champion 225-Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point C45LCA 45 Colt (October 2021)
This is the classic revolver projectile, a lead semi-wadcutter hollow point. If the soft lead expands, that is good; if not, you have a flat nose and a cutting shoulder. In this case, the bullet penetrated 24 inches and expanded to 0.70 inch at 837 fps. Performance from the carbine at 1022 fps was a little different. The soft nose flattened and blew off, and the harder shank kept going. The shank was found at 22 inches. The bullet nose must have blown off in the first water jug, which was violently split open. Accuracy is OK. This is a good defense load. An advantage is modest recoil.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): A
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): B
Winchester Super-X 225-Grain Silvertip X45CSHP2 45 Colt (October 2021)
This is one of the oldest loadings out there. This current version performed better than in previous testing. At 798 fps in the revolver, recoil is modest. Just the same, penetration is an ideal 22 inches, with the plated jacketed hollow point expanding to a consistent 0.68 inch. From the rifle at 990 fps, there was a difference in both expansion and penetration. The bullet nose was smaller but had obviously expanded at some time because bullet fragments were scattered throughout the water jugs. The bullet came to rest at 26 inches when fired from the carbine. This is an acceptable loading, one that makes a good handgun and rifle loading for personal defense.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): A
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): A-
Black Hills 40 S&W 155-Grain XTP D40N120 (August 2021)
This Black Hills load uses a Hornady Extreme Terminal Performance (XTP) JHP bullet. Accuracy is good, and recoil isn’t heavy in the test gun. This is a fast load at 1133 fps average. Expansion is 0.61 inch and penetration 18 inches. This is a good choice for personal defense with plenty of energy on the target.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Syntech 40 S&W 165-Grain AE40SJ1 (August 2021)
This load is intended to use Syntech technology to provide a coating that stops leading but offers good expansion. This load uses a different mechanism for wounding. The bullet nose breaks off into shards on meeting resistance. The result is more than half of the retained weight, resting in the shank and the rest of the bullet in the form of shards, traveling through the target. While we prefer a solid mushroom during penetration, we have to give the Syntech a solid A as it performs as designed. Some shooters will like this option. Also, felt recoil was the lowest of any of the loads tested. [Editor’s note: Reader William wrote Federal customer service in August 2024, asking about the round’s “Range Ammunition” description on the box. Federal responded, “Thank you for contacting us. The AE40SJ1 is strictly a target round. We do not advertise or test it for defense purposes. We do have a Syntech coated defense round S40ST1. This is a 175g Segmented Hollow Point. But the part # you provided is not a defense load.” Irrespective of how Federal describes it for marketing purposes, the AE40SJ1 round performed very well in our testing.]
Gun Tests Grade: A
Winchester 40 S&W 165-Grain PDX S40SWPDBC (August 2021)
The Winchester load exhibited the greatest muzzle energy of any of the loads tested. At 1134 fps, velocity is high and consistent. The 155-grain Black Hills load was 1 fps faster on average. The PDX design features good expansion. Some weight was lost as a small petal would break off from the expanded bullet, but the solid mushroom pushed to 18 inches of penetration. Accuracy is good. While recoil was there with a power factor of 187, this is a formidable loading that maximizes the .40-inch bullet.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium 40 S&W LE Tactical 180-Grain HST P40HST1 (August 2021)
The HST is a purpose-designed hollow point intended for police use. As such, the bullet is designed to retain its weight and penetrate light cover. The HST exited the Cougar’s barrel at 955 fps. The HST expanded to 0.72 inch with consistency. Penetration in water was 18 inches. The combination of quality control and a good balance of penetration and expansion makes this an outstanding load.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Fiocchi +P 125-Grain XTP JHP 38XTPP25 38 Special (July 2021)
Fiocchi’s 125-grain XTP bullet, left, and the Federal Hydra-Shok, right, are reliable performers.
This load also uses the XTP bullet. At a strong 1060 fps from the 4-inch barrel, this load retained 980 fps in a 2-inch-barrel revolver. We liked the balance of expansion and penetration. Compared to the Federal Punch, the difference is slight; either would be a good choice. The Fiocchi load is easily the most accurate load tested. The 4-inch-barrel Model 66 is accurate and proven, but a 1-inch 25-yard group is exceptional.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Remington Golden Saber 125-Grain +P GS38SB 38 Special (July 2021)
When we purchased the Remington load, it showed how far the ammo crisis has gone — it was parceled out in two six-round baggies! So, we fired two five-shot groups after firing two cartridges for ballistic testing. While we feel the results of our tests are valid, we have had to do two rather than three five-shot groups and two bullets into the water rather than three. The Remington load isn’t the fastest load with the most energy, but it has the greatest expansion. Accuracy is good. This load is worth looking for.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium LE 129-Grain Hydra-Shok JHP P38HS1G 38 Special (July 2021)
This is a stout load at 950 fps. Accuracy is excellent. The Hydra-Shok exhibits good expansion, and penetration is 20 inches in water, translating to about 16 to 18 inches in gelatin. We use water because it is easy to obtain and offers repeatable and viable results. Anyone from Maine to California may confirm our results and compare to a test load to their own load of choice. Expansion is 0.53 inch. This loading, with its combination of excellent accuracy and a good balance of expansion and penetration, is a good choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Winchester Defender S12PDX1 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The PDX load covers several bases, with a 1-ounce slug and three 00 buckshot pellets. At 1065 fps, recoil is modest compared to some slug loads. The pattern with the slug in the center and the three balls radiating outward was 6.5 by 8 inches in the Remington. The Benelli gained 7 fps and narrowed the pattern to 4.5 by 4 inches. This is a hard-hitting load that will produce a complex wound. While it has merit, we would recommend buckshot for home defense, but perhaps having two of these in the magazine tube as the last resort would not be a bad idea.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady Critical Defense #00 Buckshot 86240 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The Critical Defense is a full-power load. There are advantages in a 1254-fps load in penetration and energy. The balls landed in a 4-by 3-inch pattern. This is good performance for a full-power loading. In the Benelli, the loading sent all eight balls into a 4.5-by-2.8-inch group, statistically little different from the pumpgun. If you are looking for a full-power loading, this one works well. Some of the raters noticed the difference in recoil between this and the reduced recoil load in the Benelli, and some did not.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady American Gunner #00 Buckshot 86274 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This was an affordable load in the 10-shell box. The American Gunner is an affordable option and a reduced-recoil load. This load is lighter than the Critical Defense load, but not as light as the Remington Managed Recoil loading. At 1226 fps, the American Gunner delivered a pattern of 4 by 5.5 inches. Interestingly, seven of the buckshot balls went into a group measuring 4 by 3 inches consistently, and the eighth ball opened the group. The effect was more pronounced in the Benelli, with seven balls in 4 by 4 inches, with the eighth lonely pellet opening the group to 4 by 7.5 inches. The balance of power and pattern is excellent.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady Black #00 Buckshot 86249 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The Hornady Black is a full-power shotshell that pushes eight #00 buckshot pellets to 1270 fps. There is recoil and muzzle blast, but the load is controllable. The pattern was very good — six pellets in a group measuring 3 by 1 inches. The other two pellets made for a 3-by-5-inch pattern. The Benelli fared less well, but still shot very well, with a 3-by-2-inch pattern for six pellets and 3 by 7 for all eight balls at 1290 fps. This load hits hard and offers good reliability.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Ammunition #00 Buckshot XLE132-00 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This load has been around a long time and has developed a good reputation. It isn’t too hot and it isn’t too light, and it uses the original nine-00-buckshot-pellet payload. The pattern was excellent during our 10-yard test. We measured an average of 3 by 1.5 inches in the 870 at 1233 fps. In the Benelli, results were similar with a 3.8-by-3 pattern at 1248 fps.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Winchester Razorback XT #00 Buckshot S12RB00 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This is an eight-pellet 00 buckshot load intended for hunting use in areas that prohibit rifles. While we prefer slugs for something as large as a hog, at moderate range this load should be effective. Velocity averaged 1350 fps, and we only tested it in the Benelli due to the difficulty in obtaining the load. At 4.5 by 2.5 inches, we liked the pattern. There was a lot of recoil and muzzle flash with this one. It was the most-powerful eight-pellet load tested.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Black Hills Ammunition 90-grain JHP D380N120 380 ACP (January 2021)
This load uses the Hornady XTP bullet. Recoil is modest and accuracy excellent. At 902 fps, this loading penetrates 18 inches of water, which we feel is ideal for personal defense. Expansion is modest at 0.47 inch, but reasonable for the caliber. With the 380, you may have one or the other, but not both expansion and penetration. This is a good choice and also a good buy.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Fiocchi Extrema 90-grain XTP 380XTP25 380 ACP (January 2021)
This is a true half box at 25 rounds. The load is accurate, offers modest expansion, and good reliability. Penetration is superior to the standard Fiocchi JHP. At 907 fps, the Extrema, using the XTP bullet, penetrates 18 inches and expands to 0.46 to 0.47 inch. This is a superior load.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady Critical Defense 90-grain FTX 90080 380 ACP (January 2021)
The Critical Defense, or FTX bullet, uses a polymer plug over a hollow-point bullet. The plug is intended to instigate expansion no matter what material is hit. The bullet usually performs well in testing. Velocity in the Glock 42 is 934 fps. Penetration is good at 14 inches, and expansion acceptable at 0.50 inch. What you see is greater expansion limiting penetration compared to loads using the XTP. We would have liked more penetration, but the bullet performed well overall.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Lehigh Defense 90-grain Xtreme Penetrator 07380090S 380 ACP (January 2021)
The 90-grain bullet is designed for maximum penetration. We have tested the common 95-grain FMJ previously, and penetration is usually 18 to 20 inches. At 952 fps, the 90-grain Lehigh all-copper bullet penetrated 24 inches. This bullet offers excellent penetration for the caliber. Penetration was greater than a standard FMJ bullet at the same velocity, and so was disruption in water, so there is something to it. Accuracy and function were good. We rated this loading high because it performed as advertised.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep 135-Grain PD9HS5H 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This new loading, introduced within the past few months, isn’t the same as the previous 135-grain Low Recoil Federal cartridge. The bullet design is optimized for penetration, and in our test, we got an average of 22 inches of penetration. The Hydra-Shok bullet features a fold-over crimp on the jacket, which we believe is designed to keep the bullet jacket from opening too soon. Velocity is higher than expected at 1035 fps. Total expansion was the greatest of any load tested at 0.79 inch; however, this was due to a part of the jacket extending from the 0.59-inch mushroom. That shard would still be effective regardless.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 147-grain JHP 24I 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This is a standard-pressure-rated load with plenty of momentum. Velocity is 998 fps. Accuracy is good. For some reason control was no more difficult than the slower loads, perhaps because of fast-burning powder, but most likely the 9mm’s general pleasant firing characteristics. While the Fiocchi and Winchester loads had less recoil, we did not find the Buffalo Bore load daunting at all. The question is, do you believe in one hard hit or two or three softer hits and use a +P load? Only the shooter may answer that question, and it depends upon personal ability. The Buffalo Bore load is controllable by those who practice, and it offers good penetration and expansion without +P pressure. Penetration was 21 inches of water. The jacket comprised part of the expanded diameter at an impressive 0.75 inch.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium HST 147-Grain P9HST2 9mm Luger (November 2018)
The 147-grain bullet features the popular HST design, which is intended as an improvement over the Hydra-Shok. The HST offers an advantage in barrier penetration. We do not test barrier penetration, but expansion in water was very good and so was penetration. This load proved accurate and exhibited a clean powder burn. We felt that the HST provided optimum performance. This is a load that would convince shooters to adopt the 147-grain load over the 124-grain JHP. At 1006 fps with 22 inches of penetration and 0.68-inch recovered diameter, this is a good choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal Premium HST +P 147-grain P9HST4 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This appears to be the same bullet used in the standard-pressure loading. The HST +P is an answer to those looking for increased velocity and performance in the 147-grain weight. However, the standard-pressure load is faster than almost all standard-pressure 147-grain loads anyway, which usually average 930 to 980 fps, so Federal did something there. On average, the 147-grain HST +P is 24 fps faster than the standard-pressure loading. This may not seem worthwhile, but we did not expect bullet performance to be as different as it was. Two inches less penetration was achieved with a bullet that expands to .70 versus .68. For civilian versus law-enforcement shooters, this performance might be a better choice, but when a non +P load offers good performance, there is little incentive to add pressure. No increase in recoil was noted.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady Critical Duty FlexLock +P 135-Grain 90226 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This load offers excellent barrier penetration, according to Hornady and agency testing. Our water test showed a bullet that drove to 24 inches in water testing and expanded consistently to 0.48 inch. (Bullet #2 made a dent in the fifth jug; #3 was stuck in the #4 jug’s outer jacket.) Every bullet looked exactly the same, with the most consistent expansion of the test. The Hornady bullet offered excellent accuracy as well, tying the Fiocchi loading for most accurate and only in second place for accuracy by splitting hairs. The Hornady bullet has plenty of penetration, and we feel that this load is a serious contender for law-enforcement use. If traveling in country inhabited by big cats and feral dogs, this is a good choice. The needs of law enforcement and the needs of home-defense shooters may be different, but this is an outstanding loading for either group.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Winchester PDX1 Defender 147-Grain S9MMPDB1 9mm Luger (November 2018)
The Winchester PDX Defender is a bonded-core design like the rest of the loads tested. The Winchester load breaks 940 fps and offers good control. Accuracy is good, and the powder burn is clean. Muzzle flash is limited. In other words, this is a service-grade loading. Penetration is optimal, and the bullet expands to 0.57 inch reliably. The Winchester load is a viable choice with good performance.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Remington HD Ultimate Defense 147-Grain Brass-Jacketed HP 28946 9mm Luger (November 2018)
The Golden Saber used a brass jacket over a lead bullet. The jacket is actually designed to be part of the wound mechanism. It is designed for the rigors of law enforcement, but non-LE shooters can buy it. The Golden Saber expanded to .70 inch, excellent results. Velocity was 940 fps and penetration a deep 24 inches. The Golden Saber is accurate and fired a total of 50 trouble-free rounds.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman Hard Cast Lead Flat Nose 147-Grain 24L/20 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This isn’t a jacketed-bullet load, but is rather a hard-cast flat-nose bullet intended for defensive use against larger animals. Many folks use the 9mm for personal defense, and rather than purchase a Magnum revolver for occasional use in the wild, they might find it handy to load the 9mm with high-penetration bullets. FMJ loads typically cut a small wound path, but the Flat Point should create more damage. We found the Buffalo Bore load is a strong choice at a solid 1060 fps average. We cannot tell you the true water penetration because we gave up at 48 inches. We tried to capture the bullet in 42 inches of water, or seven jugs, and it sailed through. Next, we tried eight jugs at 48 inches, the limit of the fixtures we use for holding the water jugs. It sailed through. The exit hole was more ragged than we have seen with FMJ loads. We felt that this is more than adequate penetration. We are not rating this loading compared to the others because it is unique, but it certainly fits in with the deep-penetrating 9mm line of this report. In an urban situation, it’s probably not the right choice because it might strike a person beyond your target. Penetration is at least in 357 Magnum territory.
Gun Tests Grade: A
DoubleTap +P 147-Grain JHP 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This is the fastest load tested at 1121 fps. That is 38 Super category. Yet, there were no adverse pressure signs in the spent cases. The 147-grain JHP penetrated 22 inches of water and expanded to 0.55 inch. We did not recognize the bullet used, but it appears to be a design intended to limit early penetration. We do not think it is a bonded design, although the jacket and bullet stayed together. This load certainly caused a ruckus in the water jugs. We think that a combination of careful powder selection and long-loading the bullet allowed the company to achieve this velocity. This load is worth considering, but it should be fired in a service pistol such as the Glock 19X, not a compact handgun, to maximize its effects.
Gun Tests Grade: A
SIG Sauer Elite V-Crown 147-Grain E9MMA3-20 9mm Luger (November 2018)
For a new company, SIG Elite has achieved a footprint in the market quickly. The V-Crown hollow point is one reason. The 147-grain V-Crown averaged 962 fps, right in the league with several other loads with practically identical velocity. The V-Crown was also a good performer, with penetration of 20 inches and expansion to 0.57 inch. The loading exhibited a clean powder burn and good accuracy.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady Custom XTP 147-Grain 90282 9mm Luger (November 2018)
The Extreme Terminal Performance (XTP) bullet features a good balance of expansion and penetration, with penetration considered the more vital component. The 147-grain XTP is well balanced and often shows good accuracy at long range. In this case, the XTP clocked 955 fps. Penetration in water was a very uniform 24 inches. Expansion was 0.52 inch. This loading is also accurate, and controlling it isn’t difficult.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Double Tap 115-grain JHP 38 Super (November 2017)
We had to shake our heads and double-check the chronograph on this one, but the figures were correct. The Double Tap load averaged 1419 fps, while the Buffalo Bore load averaged 1421 fps, very close, but with different bullet designs and performance. The DT load has plenty of power and accuracy. The bullet fragmented and did not penetrate as much as some of the other loads, but it depends on the mission and preference. We noted something with this bullet. While other bullets that fragmented left a shard of jacket hanging in the water when the jugs were examined, the Double Tap bullet fragmented and some of the jacket shards were stuck in the side of the water jug. Some claim to like a fragmenting bullet because secondary shards are created that do damage beyond the bullet path. If you want that kind of performance, then this is your round.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Double Tap 115-grain TAC JHP 38 Super (November 2017)
This TAC load breaks 1366 fps. The all-copper bullet, due to its design and less weight for the bullet length, rides a bit deeper in the cartridge case than the standard JHP bullets and cuts into powder capacity. A good strong 9mm +P may break 1300 fps with a standard 115-grain JHP and 1200 fps with a TAC-type bullet. The DT TAC load offers an excellent balance of expansion and penetration. This is a viable personal defense choice many will prefer.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Double Tap 125-grain Bonded JHP 38 Super (November 2017)
This load breaks an average of 1402 fps and offers the greatest energy of any load tested. Expansion of the recovered bullet was also greater. Recoil was greater than the other loads. Accuracy was good and penetration and expansion good as well. For those wanting the most from their 38 Super, this load cannot be faulted. The bullet stayed together and expanded to more than .80 caliber after penetrating 16 inches of water.
Gun Tests Grade: A
DDupleks Monolit 32 12-Gauge 2.75-in. 1.125-oz. Flat-Nose Solid Steel Slug AM1934 (August 2017)
This slug was designed in Latvia to give those limited to shotgun hunting good performance. The slug is all steel and is contained in a sabot. The Monolit 32 uses a 495-grain slug at 1357 fps recorded velocity. The Monolit 32 penetrated 36 inches of water. There was no deformation of the projectile. Accuracy is comparable to the other slugs. This slug is reliable, accurate, and, based on penetration without deformation, one of the two best choices tested for animal defense. It is far too penetrative for home defense, in our opinion. The DDupleks Monolit 32 incorporates steel and polymer in its construction. This steel slug is safe for use in all shotguns due to the construction and use of polymers to ensure minimal friction as the slug passes through the barrel and allows it to be used with a rifled, Improved, or Modified choke. Not recommended for use with Full choke. The lighter-weight construction gives this slug a higher muzzle velocity and less drop at 100 yards than traditional lead slugs. For more information, log on to DDupleks-USA.com.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Winchester PDX1 12-Gauge Defender 2.75-in. 1-oz. Segmented Rifled Slug Shotshells (August 2017)
This loading features a 1-ounce segmented slug. The slug is designed to break up on striking a soft target. For this reason, the slug is ideal for personal defense. The segmenting slug should do more damage than a hollow-point slug. Those favoring the greater accuracy potential of a single slug over buckshot will like the segmented slug. One of the shards exited the line of water jugs. One was found at about 16 inches of penetration, and the other bounced off the wall of a jug, denting it but not exiting, at 18 inches. The effect of this slug would be enough to stop a threat, we believe. This is a load for personal defense, but not for use against larger animals, such as bears. It is entirely possible the segments would miss a vital organ deep in an animal, even if you aim true.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady American Gunner 12-Gauge 2.75-in. 1-oz. Rifled Slug 86231 (August 2017)
This is a full-power slug rated at 1600 fps in a standard hunting shotgun. Surprisingly, our 18-inch-barrel riot gun exhibited 1480 fps. Like some of the other slugs, the Hornady broke up on impact. However, penetration was 18 inches. This is on the long end for personal defense, but ideal for facing felons who are heavily clad. Also, the shards were not found in the jugs but were thrown out of the water jugs, as evidenced by exit holes in the #2 and #3 jugs. We had to place the water jugs in a large plastic waste can to capture the fragments. We feel that this is an excellent load for personal defense in many situations. Despite the full-power velocity, recoil was not excessive. For those favoring 18 inches of penetration to be certain of reaching the vitals, this is the load. We would rate it an A for personal defense and a B for animal defense.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady Critical Defense 110-Grain FTX 81030 30 Carbine (July 2017)
This load is delivered in a 25-round box, placing it in line with the 20-round boxes for the price. Velocity is good and so is accuracy, at 1975 fps and a 1.25-inch group at 25 yards. This load has optimal penetration for tactical use, with the Critical Defense bullet penetrating a full 20 inches with good expansion and no trace of fragmentation. It is a different choice for a different scenario, and the scale favors penetration in this case. The Hornady Critical Defense would be the hunting load for small deer and feral hogs.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Speer Gold Dot 110-Grain Gold Dot Soft Point 24465 30 Carbine (July 2017)
This round was often difficult to find at the beginning of 2017. We delayed the test until we were able to find enough to conduct this shootout. The Gold Dot looks similar to the Federal 110-grain JSP, but it is a very different bullet with different performance. This load is the fastest tested, save for the Buffalo Bore loading, at 2011 fps. When the loads are souped up a bit, it tells by bumping up bullet performance. The Gold Dot was also accurate. It expanded to 0.58 inch while penetrating 18 inches of water. The Speer 110-grain Gold Dot offered optimal performance we like for personal defense. Because of the sold testing results we rated this round highly.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Federal 130-Grain Hydra-Shok 357H52PDH 357 Magnum (February 2017)
This is a heavy 357 Magnum load. Velocity was greater than advertised, and this loading produced some 632 foot-pounds of energy. A colleague tested the same load and found it produced 1482 fps from his personal 3-inch-barrel revolver, while another reported 1271 fps from a 2-inch barrel. The Hydra-Shok offers greater penetration than the lighter loads although by only an inch, but the impact is tremendous and scattered the water jugs. Obviously, this is the strongest load, and then recoil is right at the edge of control.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Hornady 357 Magnum 125-Grain FTX Critical Defense 90500 (February 2017)
Hornady has done its homework with this load. Expansion is a little different than conventional hollowpoint ammunition. The polymer tip really does seem to work, and in a number of tests in all calibers, the Critical Defense load has been very consistent. Accuracy has been good to excellent in all revolvers we have tested the load in, and the FTX bullet is very consistent in expansion. The Critical Defense load expands to a higher degree than some conventional bullets. Velocity was good, but not so much that it battered the shooter or the firearm. It should prove attractive for shooters who want a load that will expand even after meeting heavy clothing or bone.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore 357 Magnum 125-Grain Tactical Load (February 2017)
We need to stress that this is the Tactical, not the full-power, Buffalo Bore load. The Tactical line is designed to offer good personal-defense performance with control. The Buffalo Bore Tactical is well balanced with good control, low flash, and good accuracy. The solid-copper Barnes bullet has a shank even when fully expanded. This probably means that load density and bullet pull are more manageable than in the past with conventional cup-and-core-type bullets.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Cor-Bon 357 Magnum 110-Grain Jacketed Hollowpoint SD357110/20 (February 2017)
While pricier than the other lightweight loads and offered in a 20-round box, the Cor-Bon 110-grain JHP offered excellent performance. Recoil was modest and muzzle flash controlled. Accuracy was excellent. Cor-Bon wisely chose the Gold Dot bullet and loaded it for optimum performance and good control. Both penetration and expansion are ideal. Energy is a smashing 460 foot-pounds. All of the raters were enthusiastic about this loading. One rater who formerly did not trust lightweight bullets admitted that the 110-grain Cor-Bon loading offered better performance than the various 125-grain JHP loads he had previously deployed, but with less recoil and muzzle blast. This is a good choice for personal defense. Perhaps this is as close to an ideal loading for home and urban use as possible.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Winchester Silvertip 357 Magnum 145-Grain X357SHP (February 2017)
Accuracy was good, making the Silvertip a load that would serve well for all-around use, not only for personal defense, but also the occasional deer at moderate range as well. Accuracy cannot be faulted, and the balance of expansion and penetration favors penetration. This would be a good load for those facing attackers in heavy clothing. One of the raters has studied the issue extensively and noted that the heavier the opponent, the more the need for penetration and the greater the expansion that might be expected. The Silvertip is a hard kicker, but it’s right for those favoring penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore 357 Magnum140-Grain Tactical Load (February 2017)
It isn’t a misprint that the 140-grain load expanded to the same width as the 125-grain load, but also penetrated 2 inches deeper than the 125-grain load. The two loads produce about the same recoil, but most raters felt a bit more push with the heavy-bullet load. The heavier bullet is only about 50 fps slower than the 125-grain Buffalo Bore load. For personal defense, common wisdom tells us the 125-grain Tactical load would be the better choice, but here is a heavy-bullet load with excellent performance.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore Heavy 44 Special 190-Grain LSWC HP 14C 44 Special (January 2017)
According to the company’s website, “We developed this bullet to be soft (6 BHN) enough to mushroom at impact speeds around 750 fps, yet we wanted it hard enough (pure lead is 4 BHN) that it would not lead a normal revolver barrel. This bullet accomplishes both requirements. This bullet was also designed with a special crimp groove and the case mouth is heavily crimped, so this bullet will not jump crimp in the lightweight alloy revolvers, provided you rotate the unfired rounds and thus do not expose unfired rounds to the recoil of more than about 10 firings.” While Buffalo Bore also offers a heavy 255-grain semi-wadcutter for animal defense and a 180-grain JHP for hunting, we felt that the 190-grain SWC HP offered the best promise in personal defense.
This is a heavy load that was controllable in the Model 21-4 by experienced shooters, and we did not fire it in the Bulldog. In the bigger gun, the balance of penetration and expansion cannot be criticized. Buffalo Bore takes advantage of the expansion qualities of lead when cast fairly soft. Frankly, we were surprised by the performance. This load penetrated to 12 inches and exhibited the greatest expansion of any load tested at .79 inch. The total front area of the bullet was also the greatest of any load tested. This is the fastest load of the bunch at 1100 fps average, right on the money, with acceptable accuracy. By dropping bullet weight to up velocity and using a well-designed lead bullet, Buffalo Bore has produced a load with the best terminal ballistics in the test. Recoil was not a problem in the Smith & Wesson revolver. The best performer is pricey.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore Standard-Pressure 225-Grain Wadcutter No. 3L/20 45 Colt (March 2014)
This is an interesting personal-defense load — a full wadcutter that cuts a generous .454-inch hole in the target. It is just slightly faster than the 255-grain load. For some reason, this load kicks a bit less than the 255-grain load. It was noticeable. Because many revolvers shoot a bit high, this lighter load was more on target with the fixed-sight revolvers. For the big cats or personal defense, this bullet tracks straight and does not rely upon expansion for effect. Penetration is adequate, but for bears, we would recommend the heavier bullet. Just the same, this is a formidable loading. It gets an A grade rather than an A+ only because we prefer the heavier 255-grain load.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Buffalo Bore 230-Grain +P FMJ No. 45230 45 ACP (March 2014)
This powerful load was not pleasant to fire in the lighter CDP. Still, it would give us an edge over standard hardball in the light and portable CDP. In the R1, the Buffalo Bore load was much more pleasant to shoot, with no more push, subjectively, than most other +P loads. It sailed through the perquisite amount of water, and accuracy was good. Muzzle flash was subdued, which means good powder burn. Velocity was well over 900 fps, about 100 fps faster than most hardball loads.
According to the Buffalo Bore site, “45 ACP +P ammo is externally/dimensionally identical to 45 ACP ammo and can be fired in any 45 ACP firearm that is in normal operating condition. However, the greater pressures and power of the +P ammo will give you greater slide velocity, and if you are going to shoot more than a box or two of +P ammo, you should consider replacing your recoil spring with a Wolff Spring that gives roughly 4 to 6 pounds more spring weight than factory stock springs. A shock buffer might also be a good addition, although not necessary if you use the stronger spring.”
Gun Tests Grade: A
Fiocchi 115-grain Extrema Hornady XTP JHP 9XTP25 9mm Luger (October 2013)
This loading is the slowest of the 115- to 124-grain bullets, making it easily the most controllable load tested. Accuracy was best of the test, and considering the size of the pistol and the short sight radius, the light recoil has much to do with the practical accuracy. Expansion was modest, but penetration ideal at 12 inches. Looking at the whole picture – good control, accuracy, enough penetration, and a great price – puts this load at the top.
Gun Tests Grade: A (Best Buy)
Black Hills 223 Remington Remanufactured 77-grain Sierra MatchKing HPBT M223R9 (May 2013)
Of all of the loads tested, the Black Hills 77-grain Open Tip has the only undeniable world class record for unquestioned effect by our long-range military shooters and a top choice for special law-enforcement teams. Black Hills military contracts have proven this loads performance. The single most accurate load tested, the Black Hills Open Tip load is a winner on all counts. Slightly more expensive than the 75-grain load, this number remains a Best Buy when purchased in the blue 50-round box.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Fiocchi Reduced Recoil Ammunition 12 Gauge 2.75-In. 00 Buckshot No. 12LE00BK (November 2011)
These nine-pellet loads demonstrated a clean powder burn and low subjective recoil, as may be expected from a load generating a modest 1090 fps. This load has a lot going for it. First, the buckshot is plated. Some like plated shot; some do not, but the difference in recovered pellets and in penetration was not a consideration. The pattern was tight enough for a solid recommendation. As an experiment, we fired the Fiocchi load at 10 feet and measured a 2 by 3-inch pattern — there is still dispersion even at this close range. Plated shot doesn’t seem to offer any practical advantage, but here it is at a great price. The Fiocchi load is a certified Best Buy.
Gun Tests Grade: A
Black Hills Ammunition 38 Special 158-grain Cowboy Flat Point (March 2022)
This load is designed for light recoil and accuracy. Sure enough, it was the most accurate loading tested. At 699 fps, the load is controllable. This is as close as we could come to the standard 158-grain round nose load often referred to as the widow maker based on poor wound potential. Penetration is on the long side at 36 inches. This isn’t the type of performance needed for personal defense.
Gun Tests Grade: Not Graded
Buffalo Bore 158-grain Outdoorsman Heavy 38 Special +P Hard-Cast Keith Style 20H/20 (March 2022)
This heavy loading is intended to duplicate the original Keith-type loading that led to the 357 Magnum. Sometimes these choices were referred to as 38-44 loads and were intended for use in heavy-frame 38 Special revolvers. This is a true Keith-style semi-wadcutter with a long nose and well-defined cutting shoulder. Swaged lead bullets do not have this profile. It is hard cast, which means it will not lead the barrel much. With so much of the bullet forward, more powder may be used with less pressure. This is a heavy load, breaking 1120 fps, nearly as fast as many 158-grain 357 Magnum loads. Pressure signs were normal in the few rounds fired in a 4-inch-barrel Military & Police revolver as a side test. Accuracy and ballistic testing was accomplished with the Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum. We stopped testing when the load penetrated 48 inches of water and exited. This is an outstanding load for animal defense, nearly as strong as a 357 Magnum, but also controllable and accurate.
Gun Tests Grade: Not Graded
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy 38 Special (non +P) 158-grain Soft Cast LSWCHP-G 20C/20 (September 2024)
Rated for 850 fps/253 foot-pounds MV/ME by the manufacturer, this load uses a soft cast bullet, in contrast to Buffalo Bore’s hard-cast Outdoorsman line of heavy 38 Special loads. The bullet is gas checked to avoid leading. This is simply a small copper washer press fitted to the base of the bullet. Gas checks prevent leading and also prevent gas cutting off the bullet base. The hollow-point bullet is a semi-wadcutter style (SWC in the nomenclature) and cast with a slight rebated base to allow the use of a gas check. This makes for a more expensive projectile, partly because cast bullets are not lead. They are a harder alloy of lead. This load presents the greatest recoil of any load tested here due to the bullet’s weight and also velocity. As an example, most 38 Special 158-grain training loads break 780 fps or so in a snubnose 38. We like this load better than the more powerful +P version we tested a few months ago. The +P version will clock 1000 fps or very close in a snubnose 38 Special revolver. With this standard-pressure low-flash load, penetration is on the long side at 18 inches of water, but consistent. This is arguably the hardest-hitting load tested, and it’s the load with the most energy at 158 foot-pounds. Because it is a lead-bullet load, and there have been issues with lead bullets and crimp, we fired 20 cartridges in the Smith & Wesson 640. It was a chore by the last cylinder. To check the crimp strength, we did not fire the initial fifth cartridge, but instead saved it for the next cylinder, firing a total of 19 cartridges, all delivering recoil energy to the single test cartridge, then removing the cartridge and inspecting it for bullet movement. None noted. While we rated the load down a half grade on penetration, some will consider the 18 inches of penetration ideal. Velocity for us, 844 fps, was close to the manufacturer’s spec, and expansion was a healthy 0.65 inch.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy 38 Special (non +P) Lead Free 110-grain Barnes Tac XP 20G/20 (September 2024)
Rated for 1000 fps/244 foot-pounds by the manufacturer, this load is pricey, but it features an all-copper bullet, and all such types are more expensive. All-copper bullets are simply a pricey component. They are designed with a solid shank, ensuring penetration and bullet integrity, while the nose is softer to ensure expansion, which in this case was 0.56 inch. In the accompanying photo, note the modest hollow cavity in the nose, yet we had good results. This is a strong standard-pressure load clocking 960 fps in the Smith & Wesson 640. Curious, we clocked velocity from the 17⁄8-inch Smith & Wesson 642 at 940 fps and the 4-inch-barrel Smith & Wesson Model 66 at 1070 fps. This would make a good all-round 38 Special choice. While we are primarily concerned with snubnose loads, this would be well suited for home defense. We rated it down a half grade because penetration was on the long side at 18 inches, but it is better to have more rather than less penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Hornady Critical Duty 135-Grain FlexLock 9mm Luger +P 90226 (May 2023)
This is the load that won the FBI contract. Barrier penetration and reliability is unquestioned. The Hornady 135-grain load breaks 1055 fps out of the Walther PDP pistol. Penetration was a long 24 inches in water. The bullet expanded to 0.52 inch. Most civilian shooters do not need this level of penetration. If you do, this is a fine load and the most accurate of the test.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Buffalo Bore 158-grain Heavy 38 Special +P Soft-Case Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Gas Check 20A/20 (March 2022)
This load uses a cast rather than swaged lead bullet. The non-scientific thumbnail scratch test showed the lead is soft, but not as soft as the Winchester bullet, in comparison. The bullet is also gas checked to eliminate leading. The Buffalo Bore loading breaks an impressive 1003 fps from a 4-inch-barrel Smith & Wesson Model 66. Penetration was on the long side at 24 inches. Those facing heavily bundled attackers in winter will appreciate this load. This is among the few lead bullets we have tested that fragments. The nose blew off. Sometimes the nose was in one chunk, and other times it shattered into several pieces. When this bullet struck the water jugs, the jugs were flung about violently. This is an impressive load. In the K-frame revolver, recoil was modest compared to a Magnum, but it was heaviest of the test, save for the Outdoorsman load. In a 2-inch-barrel revolver, it would be more difficult to control. We rated it down a half grade based on its over penetration. Just the same, this is the top load for terminal ballistics in a 4-inch-barrel revolver.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Remington Express #00 Buckshot 20620 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This is a full-power load at 1270 fps. In the Benelli, recoil with this round was more manageable. Just the same, it isn’t severe in the 870. With more than 1700 foot-pounds of energy and a good pattern, this is a formidable loading. If animal defense is part of the mission, this is a load to consider. Patterns ranged from 5-by-6 to 6-by-7 inches.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Winchester Super-X #00 Buckshot XB1200 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This isn’t a reduced-recoil load, but at 1145 fps, it isn’t what is usually regarded as full power. There are nine buckshot balls rather than eight in this loading. The Winchester load isn’t difficult to control. It is reliable and burns cleanly and functions the Benelli. Patterns were not the worst or the best of the test at 5.8 by 8 inches. The Benelli was a bit better at 6 by 4.5 inches, with a 6-fps velocity increase. This is an acceptable choice for home defense, but it’s not the favorite. The patterns are good and the price was right at the time of purchase.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Hornady Varmint Express #4 Buckshot 86243 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The Varmint Express load is hotter than the other #4 loads at more than 1200 fps and also used 24 pellets, three more than the Remington #4 load and three fewer than the Winchester #4 buckshot loading. We had to look at the pattern in perspective. While considerably tighter than the Winchester, there are fewer pellets, but the density of the Varmint Express load is better, we thought. It also had good patterning in the Benelli at 6.8 by 3.6 inches. Patterns are larger than the Remington loading, but its velocity is higher and there is more shot. When you factor in greater velocity and penetration, this is the top #4 buckshot load. While we prefer heavier buckshot for personal defense, this load has much merit in the intended role of taking down coyotes and other predators.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Fiocchi Exacta #4 Buckshot 12HV4BK 12 Gauge (June 2021)
Function was good and recoil modest with this load. Velocity is 1193 fps. With more than 1200 fps in the Benelli and a 27-pellet payload of #4 buckshot, this has the greatest energy among the #4 buckshot choices. The pattern is decent and reliable. However, in one of the patterns, a pellet landed a full 4 inches away from the others. Because the other 26 pellets were in a 7.5-by-7.5-inch square, this isn’t a bad loading.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Remington Express #000 Buckshot 12B000 12 Gauge (June 2021)
If the 34-caliber 00 is a good choice for personal defense, we felt that the 36-caliber 000 might be even better. Moving the weight up from 53.8 grains to 68 grains per pellet with an eight-count payload seemed to have the potential to increase wound potential. This is certainly true on the basis of each individual pellet, but the whole picture isn’t as impressive as we wished for. At 1050 fps, the massive 000 buckshot pellets went into a pattern of 8 by 5 inches. The Benelli went 4.5 by 4.2 inches for one pattern, but it opened up to 4.5 by 7 in another, with a single pellet increasing the group size. Generally, seven pellets went into a 4.5 by 4.5 group on average, with a single pellet skewing the average bigger. This size buckshot hasn’t seen as much development as the others. It remains a heavyweight option some will prefer.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Federal 85-grain JHP Train + Protect TP380VHP1 380 ACP (January 2021)
This is a relatively new offering. It is designed to be affordable for training purposes but also be suitable for personal defense. As an example, 100 rounds would be just over $50, while 100 rounds of the HST would be $75. The 85-grain JHP is lighter than the 90-grain JHPs used in most loads and faster at 966 fps. Penetration is 14 inches. We liked the low recoil, accuracy, and expansion. All bullets expanded to 0.51 inch very consistently, some were at 0.58, counting the peeled jacket. This is another good buy.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Federal 99-grain HST JHP P380HST1S 380 ACP (January 2021)
The HST is a highly developed projectile used in law enforcement, and its design has earned a good reputation. The HST clocked 960 fps, fast compared to the other 90-grain bullets. Penetration was light at 12 inches. Expansion is excellent, a nice plump expanded mushroom. While we liked the function, accuracy, and expansion we like more penetration. We rated the load down a half grade on light penetration. With a consistent 0.61 inch expansion, this is impressive. A singular example penetrated 11 inches at 0.64 inch expansion.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Federal Premium Micro HST 150-Grain P9HST5S 9mm Luger (November 2018)
It is a specialty load intended for use in compact handguns. It is less difficult to get a heavy bullet to consistently perform well with cycle reliability at velocity below 1000 fps versus a low-recoil lower-energy 115-grain bullet. Federal managed to set the velocity at 870 fps and maintain good function, and this bullet is designed to open at modest velocity. Barrier penetration was not a consideration in the design. The bullet expands to 0.60-inch caliber while penetrating to 20 inches. The 150-grain HST cannot be faulted on the basis of expansion. Recoil is low. For personal-defense in smaller handguns, this load makes the grade. We rated it down a half grade because its energy is low compared to the other offerings.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Fiocchi 147-Grain JHP 9APDHP 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This is an affordable loading in a 50-round box and a fair price in the 20-round box. Even if you choose another load to wear out in public, this one strikes to the same point of impact as other 147-grain loads and offers a good price point for practice. The Fiocchi load at 952 fps average is pleasant to fire and is the most accurate loading tested. The Fiocchi JHP heavyweight offers what many are looking for, a balance of expansion and penetration that favors penetration. Penetration is a long 24 inches, stopping in the skin of the fourth water jug consistently. Expansion is 0.46 inch. If this load is your choice, you’ll have an emphasis on control, accuracy as well as penetration. While we prefer more expansion, this load does what a 147-grain JHP is designed to do. We rated it down a half grade based on expansion, but we can’t overlook that this loading costs less for 50 rounds than 20 of most of the competing loads.
Gun Tests Grade: A- (Best Buy)
Hornady Custom Ammunition 44 Special 180-Grain XTP Jacketed Hollow Point 9070 44 Special (January 2017)
This load was rivaled in accuracy only by the Fiocchi 200-grain JHP. We thought it offered good control of the firearms. The 180-grain XTP is loaded to 887 fps and seems well suited to all revolvers. If greater penetration than the FTX is needed, the XTP load is recommended in the Bulldog. If control is at a premium, then this load is worth your consideration.
Hornady Custom Ammunition 44 Special 180-Grain XTP Jacketed Hollow Point 9070
The 180-grain XTP penetrated a solid 18 inches of water and expanded to .52 inch diameter. For some, the superior penetration of the XTP will be more appealing than the expansion of the Critical Defense load. The XTP is accurate and affordable as well. We rated it down half a grade on expansion, which probably aided its greater penetration. This is the most accurate load tested. For use in either revolver, this load is a good all-round choice.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Federal Premium Vital-Shok 12-Gauge 2.75-in. 1-oz. TruBall Hollow Point Rifled Slug (August 2017)
This load is similar to the Hydra-Shok load tested. A low-recoil loading, the TruBall hollowpoint breaks 1175 fps with a 1-ounce slug. Control is good and so is accuracy. Compared to the Hydra-Shok, recoil is subjectively the same. In water testing expansion is less—not that 0.87-inch average is a poor result. The Vital Shock slug penetrates 18 inches of water. Some will like this performance. This is service grade, suitable for police use. The TruBall system was developed for superior accuracy.
Our tests cannot confirm this out beyond our test distance, but the slug is accurate. The slug kept its weight and drove straight, which some prefer to the Winchester segmented load. It isn’t as ideal for personal defense as those with less penetration, nor as good as the slugs with more penetration for animal defense, but it sits in the middle and is affordable.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
Lightfield Hybred EXP 12-Gauge 2.75-in. 1.25-oz. Sabot Slug LF-12 (August 2017)
This load breaks 1206 fps on average, but the slug weighs 547 grains. Recovered weight was 450 grains. The slug expanded and has plenty of energy. While advertised at higher velocity, we were using a riot gun with an 18-inch barrel. A 28-inch barrel would likely perform better in terms of fps and energy. Expansion was good, with actual expansion rather than flattening. Penetration was 14 inches.
Water is hard on soft lead slugs, as we have discovered. Recoil isn’t difficult to control and accuracy was good. While the load is heavier than most would care to manage for home defense, it isn’t out of the question. For hunting thin-skinned game, this is a credible loading. It would also serve for defense against all but the smaller bears.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
CCI Blazer Ammunition 44 Special 200-Grain Speer Gold Dot Jacketed Hollow Point 3556 44 Special (January 2017)
Speer Gold Dot Ammunition 44 Special 200-Grain Jacketed Hollow Point 23980 44 Special (January 2017)
Because they both used the same bullet, we considered them together, which left us in a quandary. The aluminum-case Blazer load is offered in 50-round boxes and is generally regarded as a practice load. Primer seal and cartridge integrity may not be the same as the brass case Speer loading. However, the Blazer load was a full 45 fps hotter than the Speer Gold Dot loading. Accuracy was acceptable to good, and the Blazer averaged 13 inches of penetration and expanded to .70 caliber when shot from the Model 21-4. Performance was slightly degraded in the Bulldog revolver. Still, this load is acceptable for personal defense. While none of the Blazer Gold Dot loads failed to expand, expansion was the least consistent of all loads tested. Some expanded well, some expanded, but not as well as the others. To our eyes, the Hornady FTX is nearly as affordable and expanded more, but Gold Dot fans will find much to love in the 44 Special Blazer load. The brass-cased Speer product looked to be a step behind the less-expensive Blazer version with a Gold Dot bullet — not what was expected. We knocked the Speer down another half grade below the Blazer because it cost more and deliver less, in our opinion.
Gun Tests Grade: A- (CCI BLAZER GOLD DOT)
Gun Tests Grade: B+ (SPEER GOLD DOT)
Remington Ultimate Defense Managed Recoil #4 Buckshot 12BRR4HD 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The Remington load uses 21 pellets, so recoil is the least of the #4 buckshot loads. Despite this lighter momentum, the load was reliable in the Benelli self-loading shotgun. In the open cylinder Remington 870, the pattern was 10 by 10 inches at 10 yards. The Benelli’s open choke tightened things considerably at 6 by 4.5 inches, the best pattern of the #4 buckshot loads. While we decided on 00 buckshot loads, the Remington #4 is a reasonable choice for home defense.
Gun Tests Grade: B+
Honor Defense 75-grain JHP HD380Auto 380 ACP (January 2021)
This loading uses a 75-grain bullet. The bullet is a composite material intended to break up on hitting the target, but some of the bullet — the base — will reach a greater depth. There were several good things about the load. First, it clocked 1099 fps, almost 150 fps over the rating. Yet recoil was modest.
While other loads had a lower power factor, none felt lighter. There was no muzzle flash and no unburned powder to speak of. Accuracy was very good. While we prefer more penetration, rating it down in this regard, it does exactly what it is intended to do. Those favoring a fragmenting bullet will find much to praise here.
Gun Tests Grade: B+
Remington HTP 230-Grain JHP No. 28562 45 Colt (October 2021)
This load uses a 230-grain jacketed hollowpoint. Velocity is 857 fps in the revolver and 1040 fps in the rifle. In this case, the modest increase in velocity made for wildly different performance. The Remington bullet penetrated 18 inches and expanded well from the revolver, plumping up to 0.72 inch in diameter. When fired from the Henry, gaining a 183 fps, the bullet fragmented. The core traveled to 24 inches in water, and the fragments were found at 18 inches. Accordingly, for personal defense and home defense, this is great all-round load.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): A
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): B
Fiocchi +P 110-Grain XTPHP 38XTP25 38 Special (July 2021)
This is the fastest hollowpoint tested, at almost 1100 fps average. The Hornady XTP bullet is used in this load. The 110-grain hollowpoint penetrates on the long side at 24 inches, with a 0.50-inch recovered diameter. This is a good choice for those facing attackers wearing heavy clothing or who crouch behind cover, or if animal defense is part of your threat profile. While it is a good load, we rated it down a grade based on too much penetration. We feel 18 to 20 inches is more desirable. We were also able to test this loading in a snubnose revolver. Almost 160 fps velocity was lost between the 4-inch S&W and the snubbie. Performance settled into decent category without overpenetration, with a 0.48-inch recovered diameter and 19 inches of penetration in water.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Gun Tests Grade: A (Snubnose)
Black Hills Factory New 125-Grain JHP +P D38N2 38 Special (July 2021)
The Black Hills Ammunition load clocked 930 fps. The overall impression of this loading is ease of control. The 125-grain JHP penetrates a long 24 inches, which some find desirable. Expansion is modest but reliable. The XTP bullet exhibited consistent expansion. We rated this load down a grade based on its long 24-inch penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Fiocchi Ammunition #00 Nickel-Plated Buckshot 12MW00BK BX 12 Gauge (June 2021)
Fiocchi also offers a reduced-recoil buckshot load; this is the full-power offering. The shell is transparent and holds nine 00 buckshot pellets. This is the only load that clocked more than its factory velocity rating. At 1340 fps, it is 15 fps over factory claims. Recoil was not severe, and the load patterned at 7.5 inches by 6 inches in the Remington. It was also unusual in that the pattern was larger, or at least lopsided, in the Benelli at 8 by 3.5 inches. We would have preferred a tighter group, but then, some of the raters felt this is ideal for home defense. At any rate, this is a great buy for 10 shells at a five-shell price. This is the load to use for practice (because it was affordable at the time of purchase), even if you choose another for front-line use. We rated it down on the pattern.
Gun Tests Grade: B (BEST BUY)
Winchester Super-X #4 Buckshot XB124 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The Winchester load burns cleanly and proved reliable in both shotguns. Recoil is in the middle of the road for the loads tested. At just over 1100 fps, this load pushes 27 pellets. While there was a cohesive center of a dozen pellets or so, there was one pellet off the man-sized silhouette out-line in the white, and the resulting pattern measured 19 inches wide by 17 inches tall, the largest pattern of the test. The Benelli gained 19 fps, and the pattern was smaller at 12 by 15 inches. The Winchester #4 load has a tight center and the largest number of pellets. It has some merit for home defense, but we rated the load down a full grade based on the large pattern. Winchester’s crimp seemed the tightest of the lot, which is important in storage and feeding in a magazine.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Winchester Super-X #1 Buckshot XB121 12 Gauge (June 2021)
There were 16 30-caliber #1 buckshot balls in this 2.75-inch shell. The shell didn’t kick worse than 00 buck, but the pattern was larger than we like at 13.5 by 13 inches. One of the raters liked this load as a compromise between the smallest and largest shot. Some feel a larger pattern is beneficial in hitting the target with at least some of the load. But two of the #1 buckshot balls were off the silhouette body outline and in the arm. In one of the shots fired for average, three were off the outline of the target. In the Benelli’s tighter choke, the load averaged 8 by 7.5 inches, looking better. This was the only load to gain significant velocity in the Benelli, rising from 1155 to 1201 fps. We rated it down for the larger pattern.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Remington Express #1 Buckshot 20624 12 Gauge (June 2021)
This is a lighter load than the Winchester, with 16 #1 buckshot pellets at 1082 fps on average. The pattern averaged 8 by 9 inches in the Remington and 8 by 7.5 inches in the Benelli. Usually two or three pellets were wider than the center spread, but none went into the white. This is a reasonable load for home defense, but it’s not our favorite.
Gun Tests Grade: B
RWS Copper-Matrix NTF #00 Buckshot 200040025 12 Gauge (June 2021)
The RWS Copper Matrix frangible buckshot load functioned most of the time but sometimes not. It is an interesting choice for training and practice. The sole malfunction in the Benelli was the RWS Copper Matrix. The load didn’t provide enough power to work the action completely.
We wanted to test a frangible, so we picked the RWS load using eight frangible balls. The first thing to remember is that while there are eight balls, the weight of the charge is very light at less than 290 grains. The copper balls are designed to be safe when firing at steel targets as close as 4 feet. We did not test this, but we fired for pattern. The pattern is surprisingly tight at 4 by 6 inches, with two pellets sometime opening up the group to 4 by 8 inches. At 1370 fps, there is plenty of velocity. The load is advertised to function in gas-operated shotguns, but it did not work in the Benelli, with about 20% failures. Penetration in water was shallow due to the pellets’ light individual weight. Just the same, the 00 caliber is there and so are multiple hits. This might be a good home-defense load for apartment dwellers, but more research on penetration in building materials is needed.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Sellier & Bellot #00 Buckshot SB12BSG 12 Gauge (June 2021)
We bought this load in a 25-shell box, which allows for cheap practice in controlling 12-gauge buckshot recoil. The Benelli ran well with this load. The pattern, at 9 by 8 inches on average, is larger than we like, and we rated it down on that score.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Buffalo Bore 90-grain JHP 27C/20 380 ACP (January 2021)
The Buffalo Bore JHP offers excellent performance. This loading is a unique offering. Buffalo Bore usually stresses penetration, and they offer deep-penetrating 380 ACP loads. This loading, however, is different. Penetration is only 10 inches. Velocity is a startling 1102 fps. This is a very fast loading that expanded to 0.54 inch. Recoil was there but not uncomfortable. Accuracy was good. While this seems an impressive loading, we also experienced several short cycles. We believe slide velocity outstripped the ability of the magazine to feed. The senior rater took over after a rater experienced several short cycles, usually on the last round. The rater took a death grip but also suffered a short cycle on the last round. The load is strong enough to outrun the Glock’s recoil springs. We ran the second box through a vintage Colt Government Model 380 to test function. The Colt ran 100%. While this is a strong and no doubt effective loading, it is not a good match for the Glock 42. We rated the load down a full grade on function.
Gun Tests Grade: B
DoubleTap 165-grain JHP 9mm Luger (November 2018)
This is an unusual load, a 115-grain JHP over a 50-grain solid disk. DoubleTap offers these in the Equalizer line. Velocity would necessarily be low due to the heavyweight combination, we thought. The 115-grain JHP isn’t going to expand as much at low velocity and should penetrate more deeply, we felt, and the testing bore some of this out. The load clocked 965 fps, which is plenty fast considering this is the heaviest bullet tested. The 115-grain JHP penetrated to 23 inches and expanded to 0.54 inch while losing the jacket. The 0.355-inch disk penetrated to 16, 16, and 18 inches in our testing. Multiple-projectile loads are not intended to be super-accurate, and we saw that is SOP for this design. The projectiles were a finger-width apart at 7 yards, and, surprisingly, at 10 yards, they were perhaps two finger widths apart. At 20 yards, the story was different, with the two projectiles 4 to 6 inches apart and neither striking to the point of aim. We wanted to be fair and consider the potential of this loading despite its drawbacks. With the slower velocity than usually posted with a 115-grain JHP, this bullet penetrated deeper, expanded less, and lost its jacket. The disk penetrated to 17 inches on average. The problem would be this isn’t a load for hostage rescue or precision shooting, but then personal defense or home defense seldom is. A multiple-projectile load would exhibit a five-shot group of perhaps 10 inches, which is outside our acceptable range, but then the load met its design parameter.
Gun Tests Grade: B
SIG Sauer Elite 124-grain V Crown JHP 38 Super (November 2017)
This loading features the SIG V Crown hollow point and nickel-plated cartridge cases. Feed reliability and accuracy were good. This was the most accurate personal-defense load tested. The V Crown load breaks 1213 fps from the 5-inch-barrel RIA pistol. This is a good load for most uses, but it is not as strong as some of the other loads. Along with the best accuracy laurels, the SIG Elite load was the most affordable loading tested. We rated it down based on what was really 9mm +P performance compared to the other loads.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Federal American Eagle 115-grain JHP 38 Super (November 2017)
This is a recent introduction offered in 50-round boxes at a fair price. This is a great all-round practice load. Accuracy and economy are good. While anyone would be well advised to get out of the way of a 115-grain JHP at 1200 fps, this load is really in 9mm territory. We rated it down a grade based on low velocity and energy. However, you can curve it back up to an A if you want a training load. It isn’t as expensive as some ball ammunition, but if pressed into service, it offers 9mm performance for personal defense.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Winchester 125-grain Silvertip 38 Super (November 2017)
The Winchester Silvertip is a standard 38 Super load that has been around a long time. Accuracy and feed reliability are good. Recoil is modest. This load uses a heavier bullet than the 9mm 115-grain Silvertip and velocity is perhaps 30 fps higher. It isn’t up to the full potential of the 38 Super, but some would prefer this load for control and accuracy.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Cor-Bon 115-grain JHP 38 Super (November 2017)
The Cor-Bon 115-grain JHP broke 1372 fps on average. The bullet fragmented in 13 inches of water. Accuracy and feed reliability were good. We would have preferred this load not fragment. Just the same, this is a powerful loading with plenty of energy. The Cor-Bon 115-grain JHP offers power to maximize the 38 Super for personal defense and is superior to the average 110-grain 357 Magnum loading.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Remington Express Managed Recoil 12 Gauge 2.75-in. 1-oz. Rifled Slug 20290 (August 2017)
We really liked the Remington Managed Recoil slug. As one of the raters noted, what is not to like? This was by far the easiest slug to shoot well. At 1113 fps average velocity, this slug still threw a ball with 1203 foot-pounds of energy and penetrated 33 inches of water. This load uses two fiber wads in the shell. Interestingly, the first fiber wad was found in the third jug at 18 inches and the second in the fourth jug at 24 inches very consistently.
This load isn’t fast and doesn’t deform, but it seems to have plenty of penetration for defense against most animals, save, perhaps, for the largest bears. It would be too much for home defense, we feel. We rated it down based on penetration. If considered for animal defense, it is short on energy compared to the other loads, but penetration is clearly there.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Lightfield Bucks, Boars and Bears 12-Gauge 2.75-in. 465-gr. Sabot (August 2017)
It penetrated 12 inches and fragmented. Velocity is 1320 fps. This is a fast load with too much recoil for home defense, we believe, although wound ballistics would be superior to the lighter loads for animal defense. The soft lead slug left large shards in the water jugs. Accuracy is good. We rated it down for animal defense based on penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Lightfield Hybred-Elite 12-Gauge 3-in. 1.25-oz. Sabot Slug (August 2017)
The Lightfield 3-inch saboted slug has “Maximum Expansion” as part of its box description. This is marked for use in rifled barrels, but it’s safe to use in smoothbores. We bought the shells for $12.99 at Brownells.com. This 547-grain load breaks 1550 fps. Recoil is certainly there in our 18-inch riot gun. Penetration was right at 18 inches, and the slug fragmented. Although there were some shards in the water, we could not find a piece of lead larger than a few grains. This is dynamic penetration and expansion and should prove deadly against thin-skinned game. Unless you’re looking for this kind of fragmentation, we think there are better choices above.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Lightfield Commander IDS Plus 12-Gauge 3-in. 1.375-oz. Sabot Slug LFCP3-12 (August 2017)
This is the heaviest Lightfield slug tested at 600 grains. Velocity was high at 1555 fps. Energy was the highest of any load tested at a surprising 3220 foot-pounds. There is a lot of power in that big slug. Penetration was 18 inches. The water jugs, including the ones backing the first four or five, were thrown about like nothing we have ever seen. The slug fragmented, with heavy shards of lead found in the third jug. It was consistent to find an average of 390 grains of lead in the third water jug. It is the strongest Lightfield slug and earned an A for penetration and energy. We rated it down a grade based on fragmentation.
Gun Tests Grade: B
DDupleks Broadhead Hexolit 32 12-Gauge 2.75-in. 495-gr. Expanding Steel Slug (August 2017)
This all-steel slug is designed to offer greatly improved wound potential and limit ricochet. The 495-grain Hexolit slug is similar to the Monolit in appearance but with the additional component of a ring of six shard-like projectiles sheathed in a polymer housing on the nose of the slug. The slug travels through the bore in this sabot-like carrier. Average velocity is 1472 fps. Accuracy is good, but not on the level of the other loads, with a three-shot 50-yard group of about 5 inches. (All slugs were tested at 25 yards for accuracy. If we had a sufficient supply, some were tested at 50 yards.) This is acceptable since the Hexolit is intended to be used at moderate range; one of the other slugs would be better suited to long-range use. When fired into water, the Hexolit slug demonstrates the loss of the nose section. The manufacturer, DDupleks of Latvia, claims that the six metal pieces of the nose will be pulled away from the main slug in a radial pattern with a hard impact, and radiate from the nose in other situations.
Per our testing, the nose of the slug did shed the petals in every instance. As an example, in the first test firing, there were holes in the second and third water jugs from the petals, but only one petal was actually found in the water jugs. Average penetration was 24 inches. The Hexolit slug demonstrates impressive wound ballistics. We feel that of all slugs tested, this slug offers excellent wound potential for personal defense and for use against light-skinned animals. We rated it down a grade on accuracy. It might not have the ideal penetration for home defense, as it is a little on the long side, and recoil is greater than the reduced-recoil slugs. However, this slug, for some reason, had less apparent recoil than the power factor would indicate.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Hornady Critical Defense Lite 38 Special 90-grain FTX 90300 (September 2024)
Rated by the manufacturer at 1200 fps muzzle velocity, the 90-grain FTX is intended to offer light recoil due to the lighter-than-normal 38 Special bullet weight. Velocity is upped without reaching +P pressure. The result is a reasonable choice and the lightest felt recoil of the test of standard-velocity 38 Special loads. Expansion is reliable at 0.43 inch. This is a reasonable choice for everyday use. We rated the 90-grain Critical Defense Lite down a grade because of its lower penetration, 12 inches in water. But if you’re recoil sensitive, it might be just the ticket.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Federal Train + Protect 38 Special 158-grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point TP38VHP1 (March 2022)
This is sold in 50-round boxes with a VHP “versatile hollow point” advertised. The load is intended to be useful for both training and defense use. Accuracy is in the normal standard-pressure range and was reliable. Velocity is 786 fps. Penetration is 24 inches of water. There was no expansion, with the recovered bullets averaged 0.36 inches in diameter. Penetration was less than a RNL load of similar velocity. Interestingly, the Winchester non-hollow-point SWC penetrated greater than this load. The open nose of the Federal bullet apparently slows penetration. There are better loads for personal defense, but there are worse as well. We rated this loading down a full grade based on a lack of expansion. For those looking for a low-recoil load, this may be a better choice than the target wadcutter.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Cor-Bon 100-Grain Pow’RBall PB357100 357 Magnum (February 2017)
Pow’RBall is a projectile designed to offer perfect feed reliability in self-loading pistols. However, the design also ensures expansion without the use of a hollow sump in the nose. Old-generation hollowpoint bullets would close up if they struck hard materials, while the Pow’RBall will always expand on impact. This was the lightest-recoiling load tested, was accurate enough, and had fragmentation that limited penetration. The performance profile is predictably very similar to a 9mm +P+, and those loads have excellent reputation.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Federal Power-Shok 110-Grain Soft Point Round Nose 30CA 30 Carbine (July 2017)
This loading averaged 1980 fps. The Federal Power Shock was the only load that fragmented; however, it traveled 18 inches in water while doing so. Perhaps having a separated core and jacket might be a better term. Penetration was greater than the Buffalo Bore load, which did not fragment. The jacket measured at 16 inches and the expanded core at 18 inches. If you like more penetration for the worst-case scenario, this is an affordable load with strong characteristics. When foraging for medium-sized game is part of the situation, a round that fragments in water may not be the best choice. Just the same, the loads may behave differently at a lower velocity at 25 to 50 yards. We rated this load down a grade because of the fragmentation.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Winchester 110-Grain JHP Q4204 357 Magnum (February 2017)
This is a traditional 110-grain jacketed hollowpoint that is loaded lighter than the 125-grain load for greater control. Though it is another light-recoiling load, muzzle blast was greater than the Cor-Bon 110, we thought. The 110-grain JHP fragments, which is something a number of shooters admire, but we would like more penetration. This load fills a niche in the scheme of things for the recoil shy and hits harder than any 38 Special. In a 50-round box, the price is appealing.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Hornady 140-Grain FTX 357 Magnum (February 2017)
This is really a long-barrel-handgun load, really better suited as a member of the LeveRevolution line. The 140-grain bullet demonstrated remarkable velocity for the weight, but we double-checked the chronograph, and we were getting a lot of horsepower out of this load. However, while penetration was on the long end, expansion wasn’t that great. The expanded nose was really just bulged, although it was bulged consistently. This load is designed for use in a lever-action 357 Magnum carbine, so it understandably demonstrates more recoil than we like. The 125-grain FTX is a better choice for personal defense, in our view.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Cor-Bon DPX 44 Special 200-Grain DPX Hollow Point Lead-Free 44 Special (January 2017)
This solid-copper DPX bullet expanded in the classic fashion. Penetration was deepest of all loads, save the Fiocchi load, which did not expand. The Cor-Bon DPX penetrated 18 inches of water and came to rest just inside a fourth jug. While the power factor of this load and the Buffalo Bore load were similar, the Cor-Bon kicked noticeably harder. This was the hardest-kicking load of the test. This load combines excellent penetration and expansion. We rated this load down on price and recoil.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 44 Special 200-Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point 44SA 44 Special (January 2017)
This mild-mannered load hedges the bets and is safe to use in any 44 Special revolver. Even in the Bulldog, this load was docile. Accuracy was excellent, and the load demonstrated a full, clean powder burn. However the 200-grain JHP appears to be the same bullet used in the 44 Magnum loads and will not expand at 803 fps. The bullet sailed through 24 inches of water without expanding. We finally caught a bullet in the berm. This load is affordable and accurate, but there are better choices for personal defense. At $32 for 50 rounds, we feel this is the best practice load and most economical. The lack of expansion pushed the load’s rating down. It is a best buy contender for practice use.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Winchester 255-Grain Lead Roundnose X45CP2 45 Colt (March 2014)
This is a classic 45 Colt lead-bullet load, although perhaps not as strong as it once was. We primarily tested this load to give us a basis for procedure in comparison. This load averaged about 805 fps from the Vaquero. Performance was impressive as a personal defense load, but not as a load for personal defense against bears. It isn’t designed or offered as such.
The fat 45 averaged about 18 to 24 inches in water for penetration. However, the bullet seemed to tumble, sometimes exiting one side or the other of the jugs. It did not track straight after the first 7 or 8 inches. Sometimes, we would fire low and the bullet exited high. All of this means the 255-grain bullet would do a lot of damage in a man-sized target. Such is the reputation of this cartridge with relatively soft bullets. Against large animals it would be less than ideal.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Remington Golden Sabre 185-grain GS45ACP 45 ACP (April 2010)
The Golden Saber has a reputation for perfect feed reliability in all handguns. This is a credible loading—loaded fast but not too hot.
Gun Tests Grade: B
Hornady Custom 38 Special 158-grain XTP JHP 90362 (March 2022)
This is a very accurate loading. It is also easy to control. This is an advantage for some shooters. Velocity is 780 fps in the 4-inch-barrel Model 66. The bullet core itself did not expand at all, not a shock at this velocity. Surprisingly, the copper jacket expanded off to one side or the other during testing. We measured the jacket and found that it sometimes expanded to 0.42 inch in diameter. This isn’t a top defense load, but we would use it over a 158-grain RNL or a lead semi-wadcutter bullet.
Gun Tests Grade: B-
SIG Sauer Elite V-Crown 230-Grain JHP E45LC1 45 Colt (October 2021)
The SIG Sauer 230-grain JHP exhibited wildly different performance in the revolver and carbine. With a more complete powder burn in the carbine’s longer barrel, expansion was excellent.
We have had good luck with the V-Crown design in 9mm and 45 ACP tests. In this case, the results were disappointing in the revolver. The 45 Colt load breaks 729 fps from the revolver. Muzzle blast and recoil, however, are as great as the other standard-pressure loads. This load penetrated 38 inches of water without expansion. When fired in the carbine, the results were dramatically different. At a modest 889 fps, the projectile penetrated 18 inches and expanded to a pretty plump mushroom of 0.82 inches. In the carbine, this is a mild, accurate and effective home-defense load. It way overpenetrates in the revolver and would not be a good choice for urban use because of that. For a home defense load in the carbine, this is an excellent choice.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): B-
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): B+
Handload, Hornady 250-Grain XTP 45 Colt (October 2021)
We wanted to test one standard handload that may prove useful in this time of tight ammo availability. The Hornady 250-grain XTP is an accurate bullet. At 798 fps in the revolver, there was no expansion. However, the bullet penetrated 42 inches of water. This would be a credible loading for defense against animals. In the carbine at 955 fps, penetration was 48 inches and the nose was beginning to open. While it is possible to load the XTP up much hotter in the carbine or a Ruger revolver, we feel that for use against animals this is a mild-recoiling load with great penetration. It is something of a wonder load, with excellent penetration at low velocity. We rated it down on overpenetration and a lack of expansion for personal defense, while stating it is a useful load for some uses.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): B-
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): B-
Winchester Super-X 255-Grain Lead Round Nose X45CP2 45 Colt (October 2021)
We tested the Super X swaged lead bullet load. Velocity in the revolver is 694 fps, 811 fps in the carbine. Penetration is 29 inches in the revolver and 38 inches in the carbine. For such a mild loading this is good penetration. While intended as a cowboy action load or a mild practice load you would be far from under gunned with this loading. A few words on penetration- standard swaged and cast cowboy loads track straight. This one tumbles midway, sometimes exiting the side of the water jug!
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): B-
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): B-
Buffalo Bore 255-Grain Hard-Cast Outdoorsman 3E/20 45 Colt (October 2021)
This is the most powerful load tested. In the handgun, velocity averaged 999 fps and in the carbine a strong 1160 fps. This is a standard-pressure loading that makes the most of the 45 Colt and offers real protection against dangerous animals. Our range fixtures and the “train” of water jugs we are able to set up are limited in depth. From either firearm the 255-grain bullet zipped through 54 inches of water. We feel very confident in this load. We rated it down based on overpenetration because home and personal defense are the primary criteria for this test. For big-animal defense against dangerous hogs or bears, nothing else comes close. As an all-round hunting load, this an excellent choice.
Gun Tests Grade: (REVOLVER): B-
Gun Tests Grade: (CARBINE): B-
Speer G2 40 S&W 180-Grain 23999 (August 2021)
The new generation Gold Dot is designed to increase penetration of the original Gold Dot for police/military/institutional use. This load does that, but we feel at the expense of expansion. This load is rated at 1000 fps. At 960 fps from the 3.6-inch-barrel Stoeger pistol, penetration was severely curtailed. At least that is our explanation for its poor expansion performance. Penetration averaged 36 inches. A single example reached 0.52 inch expansion, but others, and we tested this load more than the others to confirm that we had not had a singular expansion failure, expanded to around 0.46 inch. We rated this load down a full grade on expansion and another half grade on overpenetration.
Gun Tests Grade: B-
Hornady American Gunner 38 Special 125-grain XTP 90324 (September 2024)
This is a good price for a 25-round box of hollow-point ammunition. Rated by the manufacturer at 900 fps muzzle velocity, this is a reliable and accurate loading. The balance of expansion and penetration favors penetration. At 18 inches of penetration in water, the 125-grain XTP has much to offer, but expansion is modest at 0.40 inch. Some of the test bullets barely opened. At +P velocity, this bullet can plump up to 0.60 when driven to 1000 fps. At standard velocity, other loads designed to open at modest velocity performed better. We rated the Hornady down a notch on too much penetration and another half notch on too little expansion. Accuracy, however, cannot be faulted.
Gun Tests Grade: B-
Sierra Sports Master 115-Grain Jacketed Hollow Point 9mm Luger A81100120 (May 2023)
Felt recoil was light due to a velocity of only 1114 fps. Expansion was a modest 0.52 inch. This load was reliable and accurate, but it was below the curve in energy and expansion.
Gun Tests Grade: B-
Doubletap 38 Special 148-grain Full Wadcutter (September 2024)
Rated for 800 fps/210 foot-pounds MV/ME out of a 4-inch barrel by the manufacturer, one of our raters noted that for many years, the old hands recommended the 38 Special 148-grain wadcutter as an alternative for the recoil shy. This makes sense because the wadcutter, while no powerhouse, features a blunt nose profile that was likely more effective in tissue than a 130-grain FMJ or 158-grain RNL, common training loads. At 720 fps, recoil is mild. A few years ago, we tested a 148-grain wadcutter with a soft lead bullet at 703 fps. Despite the low velocity, that load sailed through 24 inches of water — four water jugs. The Doubletap load uses a hard cast bullet that will likely not leave leading in the bore until you have fired hundreds of rounds. Recoil is mild and accuracy excellent. However the bullet sailed through 24 inches of water in the jugs again, in true wadcutter fashion, leaving a well defined full-caliber hole in each. No need for further testing. This isn’t the arena this target load was meant for, and while it is a formidable loading in some ways, we cannot recommend a target wadcutter for personal defense unless you need greater-than-average penetration. Living in a true four-season climate where the bad guys may bundle up in the winter, you may be advised to leave the low-penetration 110-grain loads at home in favor of this load, but that is a limited scenario. We rated the load down a grade on penetration and a grade on wound channel, because we didn’t recover the bullet.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 38 Special 148-grain Lead Wadcutter GM38A (March 2022)
For many years, personal-defense experts have recommended the 38 Special wadcutter as a home-defense choice for those who cannot handle a heavier load, particularly in small-frame snubnose revolvers. For the occasional shooter, a heavy +P in a lightweight revolver is a big obstacle to proficiency. Accuracy isn’t a question with this load, and control is practically effortless. Velocity from a 4-inch barrel is 703 fps. The premise of recommending this load over the 158-grain RNL loading was that it really isn’t that much slower, and the blunt cookie-cutter nose would cut rather than push flesh aside. In this regard, the bullet profile should be equal to the long-nose semi-wadcutter. Surprisingly, the Federal load penetrated 24 inches of water, less than the 158-grain RNL or SWC loads. The broad nose slows down the bullet. If you cannot control heavier 38 Special loads, this is a viable choice. We would rate it superior to the 32s and 380 ACP in most cases. We rated it down a full grade on a lack of expansion and another grade based on too-deep penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Winchester Super-X 38 Special +P Lead Hollow Point Semi-Wadcutter X38WCPSV (March 2022)
This is a non-hollow-point load. While it is a +P choice, its 799-fps velocity isn’t appreciably greater than a standard-pressure load. Penetration is more than 42 inches. We did not waste more water jugs trying to capture a bullet from this load when the first shot exited the seventh water jug. We rated the 158-grain SWC +P down a grade on a lack of expansion and another grade based on its over penetration.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Sellier & Bellot 3-inch Magnum #00 Buckshot SB12BSA 12 Gauge (June 2021)
We felt we should test at least one 3-inch shell to give some scale to the 2.75-inch loads. The longer shell nearly doubled the payload of the eight-pellet loads to fifteen 00 buckshot pellets. That is more than 800 grains of buckshot. The pattern isn’t impressive, however. The total spread in the Remington 870 was 17 by 11 inches, with one pellet off the paper. The Benelli went 15 by 11. However, 10 of the 15 pellets went into a group of 8 by 2.5 inches including four in one hole! We are certain this 3-inch load would offer devastating potential at 5 to 10 yards. The real problem is recoil. The jolt was rugged in the Remington. Another drawback was inconsistent velocity. Although the 10 shells that were fired never failed to function the Benelli, velocities ran from 807 fps to 1107 fps.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Federal 12-gauge 1.75-inch Shorty Shotshell No. 4 Buckshot (August 2020)
The 12 gauge is a formidable shotgun, and shooters are constantly trying to achieve good performance with less recoil, as the lower-recoil law-enforcement shotgun shells attest. While #00 buckshot is proven as a personal-defense performer, even with lower-recoil loads, the consensus is that No. 4 is less proven. Federal Cartridge Company has introduced a line of mini-shells to compete with Aguila.
The Federals have an advantage in price at every outlet we checked. In common with the Aguila loading, they are designed with the premise that the lowered power level is adequate for personal defense.
During our shooting, the Federal shells failed to feed during the same test as the Aguila shorty shells. In common with the Aguila shells, the Federal short shells increased magazine capacity in the Remington riot gun from four shells to seven. However, one of the raters managed to fire a full tube in the Remington by aggressively racking the action and with concentration. The technique is to use a smooth, deliberate action and work the action as sharply as possible. After attempting to teach the other raters the same action, malfunctions were reduced but never completely eliminated, even in the hands of adept shotgunners. Moving to ballistic testing, the Federal shells were also fired at 10-yard distances. At 1145 fps (rated by the manufacturer at 1200 fps), the shells were low recoil compared to most buckshot loads. Velocity was very consistent, with a standard deviation of 20 fps. The load of No. 4 buckshot was 16 balls compared to a 24- to 27-ball payload in a standard 2.75-inch load. The patterns were good and tight in the center of our point of aim, but stragglers spread the pattern at an average of 6.5-by-5 inches with some at 7.5-by-4.5 inches.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Cor-Bon 100-grain Pow’RBall 38 Super (November 2017)
We were able to test three Cor-Bon loads. The first was the 100-grain Pow’RBall. This is a hollowpoint with a polymer ball in the nose. This bullet is designed to feed in any handgun that will feed ball ammo. The polymer ball is driven into the bullet to instigate expansion. Our senior rater has written three books on the 1911 and regards the 38 Super as more feed reliable than the 45 ACP or 9mm 1911, and the Pow’RBall load does not detract from that opinion. This load isn’t as fast as the last lot we tested. At 1336 fps, it is in 9mm territory. Control was good. Penetration was short at only 10 inches. We rated this load down based on poor penetration and because of its only fair accuracy. More penetration is needed for personal defense, in our opinion. For our shooters, there would have to be a particular need for frangible performance to choose this load.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Prvi Partizan 110-Grain Soft Point Round Nose 30 Carbine (July 2017)
As a personal-defense load, the primary shortcoming was reliability. In firing 50 cartridges, there were four failures to function adequately. In each case, the spent cartridge caught in the bolt and was not fully ejected from the chamber. This failure isn’t acceptable for personal-defense use. The cause seems to be the lower velocity exhibited by the Prvi load at 1944 fps, well below the others. Or it may be the powder used has a different pressure curve. In any case, that is an 8% failure to function rate when the rifle ran 100% with the other loads. When firing for accuracy, the results were okay, with an average 2-inch 25-yard group. The bullet penetrated 12 inches of water, the least of any loading tested, but it expanded the most of any loading, all the way out to 0.83 inch. However, the shot seemed to tumble and not track straight in the water, so expansion was uneven down one side of the bullet. On a positive note for personal-defense use, the first water jug exhibited slashes in the side wall, which indicated that fragments must have been thrown off the bullet in the first few inches of penetration. However, we were not able to recover any fragments. We rated the load down a grade based on penetration and bullet performance compared to the other loads. The real problem is reliability, and we cannot recommend this loading for any use save practice and training.
Gun Tests Grade: C
Aguila 12-Gauge 1.75-inch Minishell 5⁄8-Ounce No. 4 and No. 1 Buckshot (August 2020)
The Aguila loading consists of a payload of seven No. 4 buckshot and four No. 1 buck, an interesting mixed 5⁄8-ounce load. The logic behind the shells is twofold. First, the loading is intended for personal defense for those who have a difficult time controlling 12-gauge recoil. The second goal is to provide greater magazine capacity in shotguns that already have a limited payload. As an example, with standard 2.75-inch shells, the Remington 870 riot gun used for this test has a four-shell capacity. The mini shells increase capacity to seven, a significant upgrade. Also, senior citizens and younger shooters may handle the shotgun without bone-jarring recoil with this 1.75-inch-long 1200-fps load. This may allow a larger segment of the population to successfully use the shotgun for personal defense, providing the shell’s payload is adequate for the chore. Most of the time, if we worked the action vigorously we could convince the first shell to feed and fire. But after that, we seldom made it through a magazine without either the shell failing to completely eject or failing to feed.
Gun Tests Grade: D
