Testing the Hornady Critical Duty in 9mm 135 gr FTX VS .45 ACP 220 gr FTX in a 10% Clear Ballistics test with and without a windshield barrier. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.com/user?u=5828221
Every single suggestion a person can possibly make about what needs to "be changed" on my Glock...save yourself some time, I did it all. I tried different mainspring weights, changed magazines, changed extractors twice, changed magazine release 3 times, changed magazine release spring twice. Just like every other person with Glock 41 problems, the gun is 100% reliable with standard pressure ammo. The problem is the design, and that's just how it is. You can Google search for yourself and see this. Any comments about how to "fix" my Glock or comments that are only about my pistol's reliability will be deleted, because the video is not about my Glock 41, it is about the ammo. Not trying to be mean, but I would estimate I have gotten at least 2,000 comments over the past 3 years about my Glock and I am really sick of hearing it, and now hearing it again over 2 feed jams. It has a 5.3" barrel, that's why I use it, period.
The Critical Duty 9mm 135 gr+P in this same pistol averaged 1,094 FPS when I tested it a couple years ago, a mere 35 FPS more going up to a +P, and that's why I settled with the standard pressure version as I knew trying to find the +P to make things "fair" wouldn't make much difference. Also, I mentioned that the 135 gr+P would be about the same velocity in a 4" barrel as the standard pressure is in this 5" barrel. After I got home I looked back at a video I did nearly 5 years ago with the 135+P, and indeed I averaged 1,058 FPS in my 4" Ruger Security 9 with the +P version. Also, at 0:56 I don't mean to make it seem as if I get no channel support at all, as my Patreon supporters do cover about 15% of my purchased ammo as well as sending ammo from time to time. The other 85% is RU-vid ad revenue and my own money, which is getting a little tight lately. I may at some point be forced to put out just one video a week due to this. Thanks again for those who support me in some way, even if it's just a thumbs up.
Interesting the Critical Duty 135 grain +p isn’t as fast moving as other +ps and I don’t think the extra 10 grains over a 124 GD or HST accounts for 50-100 fps. The CD 45 ACP really impressed me, however.
Man between you and tools. We have 2 of the best testing platforms on the internet. Thank you for the work you put in man. It’s a huge help for those of us that cannot do the work you do. Bravo Zulu big dawg!
I appreciate your content. You do a great job with all of your videos! I was a LEO for two different departments over the years. At both places, back then, we had to buy our own weapons and could choose anything other than a rimfire to carry. I started out with a 357 mag revolver, which was and still is a great choice, imo. Later at the same department I went with a Colt 1911, series 70, 45 acp. I fell in love with the 45 acp caliber. Some years later I changed departments and decided to go with a Sig model 220, 45 acp, for the double action first shot and single action thereafter. I did love the 1911, but decided under stress, the cock & lock was not the best ideal and I liked not having an external safety on the Sig 220. Til this day, even though no longer in LE, I still give high respect to the 45 acp. I have and do carry other calibers now, but still believe the 45 acp and the 357 mag to be at the top as man stoppers, although other calibers have their place and some offer some good things you don’t get in a 45 or 357(more capacity, smaller frames, less recoil, ect). I am old school by my own admission and will probably die still believing that in most cases, bigger is better, when it comes to handgun calibers, at least for me personally. That being said, back in the day, my bug was a S&W 38 spl air weight and a 22 mag mini revolver as a get off of me gun. The only time I ever had to use a handgun to protect my self was from being robbed and probably beaten up. That was in my early years and I happen to be in the middle of no where with two people I had just meet and they decided they wanted to take what little I had, but they did not know I had a 22 derringer in my pocket. I used that 22 to change their minds. That being said, any caliber is better than not having a gun at all. BTW, back in the day, my duty ammo of choice was Black Talon ammo. We didn’t have then all the new ammo on the market today.
@@luistapia1942 Thankfully, I did not have to fire my weapon. I simply backed them down. Although I did not want to shoot them, I would have, if the threaten my life or proceeded to try try rob me. No doubt, having a firearm on me that day changed the out come. I have carried every since.
45acp really banging that steel around...and consistent penetration depths through all types of barriers..no substitute for a 200+ grain hunk of lead!!!
You amaze me! How you keep coming up with so many interesting comparison test one after another is just astounding. Thanks for your time, effort and contribution.
Gun Sam you’ve got the best and most interesting videos on U-tube. If anyone is complaining about what you’re doing in your videos then to hell with them. Like you said they can perform the tests themselves. Keep up the good work, best gun channel period, I look forward to your videos everyday.
Regarding the .45ACP: A few months ago, I fired this exact ammunition out of three pistols, a Beretta Px4, a Beretta 8000 (Cougar), and an HK USP Compact. For all three pistols, the recoil was only slightly greater than standard pressure ammunition, the reliability was 100%, and the accuracy was excellent (distance from the target was only about 15 meters). I wear a men's medium sized glove, and weigh about 75kg. Thank you for the video.
I like both the 45 & the 9mm but just personal preference I’ll take the 45 in most cases. I’m just more accurate and more comfortable shooting it. Both calibers absolutely get the job done.
I don’t understand why people hate .45 ACP so much. I can get loads for any situation I think I’m going to be in. Bear loads, xtreme penetrating rounds, fragmentation etc. It is nice to shoot suppressed as well. The people that hate .45 ACP, they tend to not be able to shoot it well or they only listen to the “JUST AS GOOD!” Crowd.
They feel insecure with their 9mms and feel the need to downplay the .45 to compensate. (Strangely enough, 10mm guys are often worse) It’s boils down to a maturity thing most of the time. I actually like the 9mm for what it is. But I have no illusions that it is “better” or even “justaspowerful” (swinging my fist) as the 9mm.
Honest review. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter as sometimes without commentary would be hard to evaluate. Kind of like watching Pro Football without commentary.
Great data. Very good comparison. I have carried the 45 in my Shield for a while & so did my daughters. We did switch to HST 230 +p. But it is an excellent offering in my opinion. Thank you.
Excellent video. Your tests are rock solid- Clear gel, obvious measurements, Clear thinking, and all the “ little” things like measurement of both bullets compared to each other & caliper accuracy. You do set the standard and it is very high! Thank you for the thought, planning, and demonstration.
Great vid, I usually handload a cast and PCd 230gr (LBT-LFN) and like them right at apx 1000fps. Alot of people scoff at a 45acp being too slow, but adding a little more horsepower with handloading really makes the big difference. Alot of book loads for +P show the 230gr at 950-990fps so its not too unusual at all. Shooting the 250gr at 1000fps is another step up....going 45 Super or 450SMC kind of puts a 10mm to shame in both velocity, bullet weight and bullet diameter. They are all great cartridges, but it bugs me when people put down the 45ACP - its about American as it gets!
I still remember taking Power Pistol powder and loading the 230 gr ball at the minimum charge and hitting something like 950 FPS. The max charge at the time was a lot higher than that.
@@GunSam Power Pistol is a great powder its amazing the start load was that hot off the bat lol. Kind of like CFE Pistol and the start load for a lead 200gr SWC (H&G#68 my guess from stated OAL) is like 1050FPS.Then the stated max is 1142fps, but I've hit about that with apx 7.8gr with no pressure signs, so my guess is max is probably 1200fps or so - not bad lol. A couple of other Alliant ones are Unique and Herco. Alot of old load data shows often highest velocities from Blue Dot though I've never tried it. I was trying to replicate the Buffalo Bore 255gr /920fps'woodsman' load for 45ACP+P but I wanted a bullet that would feed in all my 45s so I got there with Herco and the RCBS 45-250gr at 930-940fps.I hope to continue my testing soon, I havent had the time lately. Thanks for your vids I appreciate watching your detailed testing.
@@Kinetic.44 On the rowland, nah. It kicks even more and requires special built guns. The super is easier to convert and live with and probably is optimal in terms of tradeoff with recoil and power. It would also be easy for manufacturers of 45 pistols to make them 45 super ready out of the box. Why more don't, IDK.
@@nokoolaidif you handload you can get .460 performance from 45Super. There is no need to waste money on .460 conversions. Just a full support barrel, springs and a comp. .460 and 45 super are identical in every way except the case length is longer in the .460 which does nothing for performance whatsoever.
@@mikerobinson8734 I would prefer the 45 Super as it's easier to get brass, shoot 45 ACP and there's factory ammo for it. What's hard to discern is what are the easiest platforms to convert to 45 super(require the least modifications) and are there any 45 ACP pistols that can handle 45 Super out of the box? I love the 1911, but it's heavy for EDC and needs to the most love to go to 45 Super. The plastic fantastics are easier, but I hate the triggers on them. Anyway, thanks for the reply.
Thanks for doing this one! I load CD in my .45’s. This was a very surprising result, 9mm usually does quite well through auto glass and .45 struggles. Thanks again.
Fast projectiles penetrate well and dissipate slowly. Heavy objects also penetrate well due to momentum, but in bullets, they tend to be short and fat, lacking the shape to penetrate anything.
Having just bought a 41 mos your shooting with yours incredible. I grew up with a 1911 and the Glock is nothing like a 1911. It takes all my concentration just to have one good hit
Great job,Great Video Sir. I shoot this ammo using a Xdm .45 and a Ruger Sr .45 with no trouble. In the Ruger Sr .45 i installed a 22 lb. Recoil spring and in the Xdm .45 i installed a 24 lb wolf recoil spring and the both are perfect. Good work !!!
Hey Sam, I think you get a lot of those annoying comments not to belittle you, but because we like the stuff you do. I've quibbled on a few points because your stuff is interesting and engaging. Guys I don't appreciate, I don't even comment. So, thanks and sorry if I was one of your annoyances.
It's impressive how that automotive glass mangles up bullets. That's a tough target. As far as the angle goes, I'm not sure it matters just so long as you have one. The angle forces the bullet to go through a bit more glass than a straight on hit. Other than that, it shouldn't make a difference. It's not something I can test though. Hornady continues to impress with the FTX projectiles. I really wish they were available as hand loading components.
The HK USP .45 will handle just about anything without a hitch. I just shot several brands and loads with one I just picked up, and there was not a single malfunction. The accuracy was almost perfect, and this was my first time shooting a .45acp. It's frame is polymer, like the Glock, but it's way more sturdy.
Your videos are just fine brother, forget about the trolls. 99% of the times the 9mm in almost every load out penetrates the 45, but this was a learning experience for me. I think the 9mm critical duty might just be the ticket for my taurus g3
Love your videos. I think you need a heavier return spring in your 45 for defensive ammo that are hotter loads. If I was thinking I might need to shoot through hard barriers like windshields, that 45 round might be what I'd pick for my CZ 97B. But I don't think that round would perform very good out of my 45 shield performance center with such a short barrel. I normally carry 45 hst in my guns, for the best performance in expansion. Great video! 😎👍
I have carried a 9 for decades, but the 45 ACP is superior. It is also heavier, more costly, and has less capacity. But, having said that, it’s still superior to a 9mm shot for shot. There is no doubt about it.
@@JohnPublic-dk7zdyou're right, it's an endless argument. I used to carry and love a 45 and then I started getting into 9mm and I fell in love with it and now own several and carry a 9mm. Put the bullet where it needs to be and it's game over no matter what caliber.
Not to be touchy feeley here, but there’s a lot of history behind the 45 stretching even before ACP, the Colt 45 was a legend too. Plus, I grew up on Jeff Cooper articles. For home defense imho 45 is king, and larger magazines help a lot. Can’t help but agree that lighter rounds an higher capacity carry the day for CCW holders. We are really lucky to have both.
@@GunSam Hitting and hitting straight on are different. If you were having to bend over or kneel down to aim at your blocks, or water jugs, you'd see a difference in capture rate(lower). Same with shooting from the bench. If the target is higher or lower, the bullet will have a different attitude toward the target. Your "range" is also a very nice spot, seems one could go down there and just sit and relax, if nothing else. I really enjoy your works.
My former agency issues Federal Premium LE 147 grain HST as a duty round. I shot a mag full at our LEOSA quals in June and it was fairly tame in my S&W 2.0 Compact four inch. I’ve been retired since ‘97 and no longer know how or who makes these decisions.
Also a lot of pistol rounds are shooting a bit slower than just 3-4 yrs ago. Unique and Bullseye powders are no longer available, and I think there is a 3rd one as well. I suspect that has something to do with it. That does seem strange they would select 147gr subsonic 9mm tho as well. I know Hornady won the federal ammo competition with their 9mm 135gr +P in this Critical Duty because of it superior barrier defeating capabilities. It shot better thru the auto glass and still hit 12-18" deep in gel over the others I read. I like HST 's better personally but both are great ammo I am sure. The HST did great thru all the other barriers but that auto safety glass is a tough barrier to get thru and still achieve 12-18" depth in gel.
Nice test on the shelf this looks like nice ammo but after the performance on the gel I wouldn't carry this. Doesn't seem like much disruption in the gel however it does seems to cut a straight line though. Thanks again be safe
Outside a single action, it's hard to find a good 4" small/medium frame that runs it, most everything else is a snub or a few 3" barrel. Being a borderline "super magnum" it does really well with longer barrels.
@@Kinetic.44 I did a search in an online aggregate site and right now, .327 is slightly more expensive per round, HOWEVER, if you do a search for brand-vs-brand (Federal for instance), .44magnum is 35 cents more per round, before shipping.
The test probably needs to be redone without the G-41, and instead with a proper G-21. Very good video, both highly informative and entertaining, thank you!
I guess I do not get that comment. G41 is 5.3" barrel, G21 is 4.6". Not sure how that is "proper". If we went by average barrel length, by far the most popular guns in .45 ACP throughout history and even now are the 5" 1911. That puts the G41 closer to the average .45 ACP pistol.
@@GunSam if the G-41 CONSISTENTLY fails then a G-21 that is not known for failing like this G-41 will be better, not because any barrel length; get it now or is that still to too hard for you to understand? ... I'm beginning to think that you're kinda lacking in brainpower too buddy.
I run this in my scandium s&w 1911 commander. I haven't had long or shot autos much at all. It is, however, not difficult to dump 9, center of mass, into a bad guy at 7 hards in a couple seconds.
@ShutterManAce That's usually true... but I'd still want to test it. A few years ago, (during an ammo shortage) some slightly out spec Golden Sabers were choking USPs.
Your Glock puzzles me! I have a Glock 30s I have shot light loads defensive loads and hot hand loads. Reliability has been amazing even when trying to limp wrist it. It’s a bummer Glock 41 is cool on paper 🤷🏻♂️. Keep up the awesome content. Thank you for doing what you do 👍🏼👍🏼
I had a Glock 36 like your Glock 30. I shot everything through it, tried to limp wrist it, never jammed. It's why I would get so annoyed when people would start yelling limp wristing, when obviously if the little 36 never jammed with my baby wrists, the heavier 41 definitely should not have.
I recall the TYM saying 45s bounce off windshields. Paul Harrell did some windshield tests and the 45 didn't bounce off, as you found out. He did 357 and 44 mag too and the 44 mag was best. The critical duty in 45 did what it was supposed to do, which is penetrate hard surfaces better. I wonder how the +P SD ammo would do, like from Underwood or the Federal HST. I have a box of CD in 45. Haven't used it yet. If you lived close I'd give it to you.
Awesome video. If you could...could you do the same test with .38, 357, 40, 10mm and 22 LR? These are common rounds used too. I understand it's a big ask, thanks for all that you do!
Your intro song is such a banger. Also what Glock is that? I have a 460 Rowland kit I'd like to see stacked up against the 44 Magnum. I can send you the barrel and magazines and some ammo if you're interested in testing it.
Your doing just fine Sam. What I’m seeing is critical duty is not as soft as critical defense granted I don’t have a duty size pistol in 9mm but I do have a Glock 21 that will eat that stuff.
The 45 made a much bigger diameter expansion wave behind it to my eyes in the initial gel bock test. It collapsed then to a similar size as the 9mm end result after it collapsed. Just my view. You see more than I do though.
They keep touting the wonder nine, but it still pales in comparison to the 357Sig, 40Cal, and 45ACP. I wouldn't want to be shot with a 22 or 9, but I like something a little more for carry.
accuracy and recoil i can manage makes the 135 gr ftx standard pressure my top carry load for 9 mm pistols, i am a accuracy snob so i pick my loads for best accuracy first then perfomance second, less bullet performance hitting a vital is better then more performance and not hitting a vital, mike tyson ''its not the power of the punch but where your punch hits''
1911s are not a +P platform. I wore out a couple 1911s from shooting +P in them before I realized that issue. So I stick to standard pressure in all of my 1911s, regardless of barrel length.
Thanks. I’m a 1911 fan due to history and by no means an expert. Since they are heavier than a Glock I was assuming the gun performance might be better. I’ve actually only shot range ammo in my commander. Appreciate your help and saving my gun!
@@alanlerner2354 I love the 1911 platform and carried one (of three) for 40+ years. They are a wonderful weapon, but they are based on a design prior to 1911, and specially for the GI .45ACP cartridge. You can shoot +P, but the parts and springs aren't meant for that added pressure, unless it is a modern copy and the manufacturer put that +P on the slide. Enjoy that Commander.
My new .45 HST vs Critical Duty "Modern Meat Target" test with both short and medium barrels ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RxTSGWJ-xKQ.html
I have a possible solution to your Glock issue. I had a 9mm doing the same thing and it turned out to be caused by the extractor, not enough clearance and binding on the rim as it cycled a new round in. If you can, I'd start by changing that out. Thanks for the test!
Just bought a XDs Mod 2 .45 3.3. It has no more recoil than a 9mm. (subjective)I used 230 gr HP and ball. Gonna carry this for a while. The only downside is it has 5+1 and 6+1. Ps. I did put some Ameriglo sights on it. Even though it is OSP, i took it off. I cannot get used to it. It would take thousands on ammo and hours upon hours at the range. AND it’s not good for pocket carry. Fits great in a DeSantis V 5 holster.
When i owned a Glock 21, i had feed jams with many different ammo types quite often. I like the double stack Rock island much, much better, great gun. A glock is a expensive Hi Point anyway, yet the Hi Point is more reliable Go figure.
Good video, just have a question for you, I saw one of your videos about 3 years ago and at that time you said the .38 special was the best cartridge, so my question is: after shooting all these different handguns, do you still think the .38 special is the best cartridge???
It wasn't really meant to be totally in context of a realistic list of better than something else. BTW it was over 6 years ago I made that video. I would still say, it's one of the best choices out there. I carry .327 Federal but it was coincidental that I have that revolver as someone gifted it to the channel, but if I didn't have that I would still probably be carrying some form of .38 Special+P in some sort of snub nose.
@@GunSam I think you gotta shoot what works best for you. The more comfortable you are the better your accuracy too. There are a lot of great caliber choices and ammo /bullet types today.
Thank you for the superb work. Less than 500 ft-lbs is sadly what many ammo producers are delivering with 10mm labeling. That's 40 S&W spec. Actual Best mm is over 640 and even into the 700s in some cases. I'm a little disappointed in this example of Glock perfection. My G21 has been reliable but the long version seems to have a rep for this. Do you think a mag and/or recoil spring change would help?
There is the cartridge itself and then there is the unreasonable stuff they do because they can. The 10mm you can buy preforms better in real world than the 10mm you pretend you would use in self defense.
@@bobjohnson1633 Wrong. Your premises are ridiculous. First, "the 10mm you can buy" varies widely. Second, I don't pretend I'd use any in self defense. Third, you have no idea what I'd select vs what to compare it to. Suffice it to say I'd select something better than the failings you've seen tested right here on YT. There's a reason Mr. Cooper and others arrived at their conclusions.
Isn't it great that we can have caliber wars? Based on my experience shooting animals with many different calibers, arguing 9mm vs .45 acp for self defense is about like deer hunters arguing .308 vs .243. Hint, with identical shot placement the deer will be just as dead in the same amount of time with either one. Shot placement is #1, bullet selection #2 and caliber #3. Even the .223 is more than sufficient, though I'm sure those with magnumitus will disagree.
My colt 1911 is more accurate at 200 yards and is not hard for me to shoot. However I am sort of smaller frame and it is hard to hide so I carry a .357 snubby. I really like your videos so dont take what I said as criticism. Each person shoots differently.
If you look at just the plain gel test, you can see why people claim that there is no reason to use anything other than 9mm. However, real world and windshield testing show why the .45 is still a superior round.
Because it's not a 21. The 41 is 2.65 OZ lighter, only in the slide. Then it rides differently on the frame because it's for all intents and purposes, a 9mm slide. So it's faster cycling, less muzzle weight. No surprise and no surprise my local store had several of these as LE trade in and no surprise all the cops and other people tell me their 41's were no more reliable than mine.
