9x18 for Self Defense Revisited

[Turftech1]

When I posted the video comparing the 9x18 Hornady FTX against a 9-Luger JHP and a .38 Special JHP, many of you asked me to test more 9x18 rounds (as well as other .38 SPCL rounds - that test is coming).

You asked, I tested - ACCURACY, PENETRATION & WOUND CAVITY.

Buffalo Bore 95 gr +P JHP
PPU 95 gr JHP
Hornady 95 gr FTX
Hornady 95 gr XTP

I was amazed by the result. You don't always "get what you pay for."

If you use 9 Mak, or just love ballistics tests, check it out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KhfJ2DzeYE


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[Merle1]

I'd like to see a test of Buffalo Bore 115 gr hard cast. It's supposed to be a real perpetrator.

 

[Turftech1]

I'd like to see a test of Buffalo Bore 115 gr hard cast. It's supposed to be a real perpetrator.

I might give it a shot, but at $1.40/rnd for the 95 gr, and its poor performance, I'm not sure I want to spring for it. Of all the ammo I tested, I had the highest hopes for the Buffalo Bore, and was the most disappointed with it. It was totally outperformed by even the PPU JHP, which is less than 1/3 the price.

 

[BSA1]

I suggest you test Barnaul Silver Bear JHP. It is very affordable at .25 cents +/- depending on quantity purchased.

Other youtube videos show good penetration and expansion.

 

[walnut1704]

Do you really judge accuracy by a single, 5 shot, off-hand group? Or did I miss something?

 

[Panzerschwein]

I suggest you test Barnaul Silver Bear JHP. It is very affordable at .25 cents +/- depending on quantity purchased.

Other youtube videos show good penetration and expansion.

+1

No need for the buck a pop Buff Bore shells.

 

[rondog]

I have some of the Commie ball ammo, the surplus stuff. I'd be curious to see how it performs, that stuff is HOT!

 

[Turftech1]

I have some of the Commie ball ammo, the surplus stuff. I'd be curious to see how it performs, that stuff is HOT!

It IS hot. Our gelatin blocks back to back are over 25" deep, and a FMJ round from com-block rounds will go through the whole thing.

 

[WardenWolf]

I suggest you test Barnaul Silver Bear JHP. It is very affordable at .25 cents +/- depending on quantity purchased.

Other youtube videos show good penetration and expansion.

That stuff is sadly no longer imported. However, other people have tested it and found it to expand very well and penetrate in the 9-inch range. I used to carry it, but just swapped it out for PPU last week simply because it was getting too old.

Looks like I need to buy some Hornady XTP.

 

[joem1945]

I like the 9X18. What I've shot seems pretty hot and accurate. I would consider it for self defence.

 

[Turftech1]

That stuff is sadly no longer imported. However, other people have tested it and found it to expand very well and penetrate in the 9-inch range. I used to carry it, but just swapped it out for PPU last week simply because it was getting too old.

Looks like I need to buy some Hornady XTP.

I wish it was still imported. Every 9x18 pistol I own LOVES Brown Bear, Norinco and Silver Bear.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Might have to pick up some Prvi, all I have is old copper washed Norinco steel jacket no range will let me shoot.

 

[BSA1]

That stuff is sadly no longer imported. However, other people have tested it and found it to expand very well and penetrate in the 9-inch range. I used to carry it, but just swapped it out for PPU last week simply because it was getting too old.

What isn't being imported?

 

[Comrade Mike]

What isn't being imported?

Seconding this. Since when did it stop getting imported?

 

[DMK]

Thanks for doing this test! I wish there was some more 9x18 love out there.

It's a shame that none of the 9x18 rounds meet the FBI minimums though.

I'd love to find a round for my CZ-82s that can penetrate 12+" with decent expansion.

 

[Merle1]

Thanks for doing this test! I wish there was some more 9x18 love out there.

It's a shame that none of the 9x18 rounds meet the FBI minimums though.

I'd love to find a round for my CZ-82s that can penetrate 12+" with decent expansion.

The CZ-82 is still my summer time choice. The 9x18 is one of those marginal rounds - too much expansion will limit penetration. But it is still better than a 380. My vote is for something like the Hornady XTP that has minimal expansion, but still goes deep enough.

 

[BSA1]

What isn't being imported?

No reply since this question was asked on March 2nd.

Is this another unfounded Internet rumor?

 

[kBob]

Is any Russian made ammo still being imported?

-kBob

 

[jrdolall]

There is plenty of Wolf FMJ available as well as Tula.

I have 5 pistols in 9x18 and I generally buy ammo online. Right now I have a bunch of Fiocchi and PPU. The problem is that it all runs about the same in my guns so I don't worry about brand, especially for plinking. For SD that I keep in my car I have some Hornady I bought locally.