Federal Syntech ammunition, launched a couple of years ago, turned a few heads with its bright red polymer jackets. But those bright colors are not some marketing gimmick. In fact, there are good reasons for discarding copper jackets in favor of advanced polymer coatings. Until now, most of the benefits have been demonstrated through the […]
Putting Three Great 9mm Self-Defense Rounds to the Test
When choosing self-defense ammo, you can’t make blanket judgments like “Bad Dood Blaster Xtryllium” is the best!” Whether a particular round is effective or not depends on all sorts of factors. You have to consider the gun from which it’s fired – primarily its barrel length. Barrel length determines velocity and velocity impacts penetration and […]
Ammo Test: Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense 9mm and 45 ACP
Liberty Ammunition’s Civil Defense ammo subscribes to a different theory for rapid incapacitation. We tested two varieties, the 9mm and 45 ACP rounds to see how they stack up. Taking the idea of “light and fast” model to new levels, the Civil Defense projectiles weigh in at well under half that same caliber traditional bullets. For […]
Ammo Test: Remington HTP 185-grain .45 ACP
Premium defensive ammunition is crazy expensive. However, I suppose if you ever have to use it for its intended purpose, it’s worth every penny. While most premium self-defense ammo will cost you over a buck per round, Remington’s HTP line appeals to the more budget conscious crowd. Packed in boxes of 50, it sells for […]
Ammo Test: Sig Sauer Elite Performance .357 Sig V-Crown
I’ve always been a big fan of .357 Sig caliber. Yeah, I know, it’s got more recoil and muzzle blast than 9mm. On the other hand, it comes darn close, and sometimes matches, the performance of the classic 125-grain .357 Magnum round. It’s hard to argue with the effectiveness of that cartridge. The good news […]
Ammo Test: Sig Sauer 300 Blackout 125-grain Supersonic Match Grade
The Sig Sauer Ammunition folks have been somewhat busy the past couple of years. Entering the ammo business a couple of years ago, they started with a few assorted pistol calibers. Now, they offer dozens of loadings including .223, .308, 300 Win Mag, and yes, 300 AAC Blackout. Heck, they’re even making revolver ammo like […]
Ammo Test: Remington HTP 9mm
Premium self-defense ammo usually costs over a buck per round. You can look at that two ways, really. On one hand, a buck each for a product that could save your life, or that of a family member, is practically nothing. Heck, I’d have no problem spending a dollar to protect most of my family […]
Ammo Test: Federal Premium Personal Defense .45 ACP HST
For those who like .45ACP, the 230-grain bullet weight variety is the classic. Earlier this year, we took a look at another 230-grain self-defense load from Sig Sauer. This time, we’re testing Federal Premium’s offering in the heavyweight class. The Federal .45 ACP HST is a 230-grain load topped with a bullet designed to expand […]
Ammo Test: Barnes Barnes TAC-XPD 9mm +P
I’ve tested a variety of factory ammunition from Barnes and two things always stand out with their handgun rounds. They group closer together than a Range Rover-load of frat boys visiting San Quentin. They expand faster than Michael Moore’s midsection at a Krispy Kreme Grand Opening. This Barnes TAC-XPD 9mm +P load is no exception. […]
Ammo Test: Sig Sauer Elite Performance .45 ACP 230-grain V-Crown
There’s a lot to be said for finishing the job. When it comes to 45 ACP expansion performance, and I’m talking about the heavy and comparatively slow 230-grain varieties, reliable expansion can be an iffy thing. What starts as a projectile capable of leveling a city block often ends with some percentage of unexpanded slow […]