Another test from Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado, this time testing some different calibers of Federal Punch ammo against each other: .22 Magnum and .380 ACP. Because the .22 Magnum didn't really see any expansion, even against bare gelatin, it had much deeper penetration. The .380 had good expansion in both the bare gel and the test with denim covered gel and a thin layer of MDF board (to mimic bone). However, as I've noted before, an expanded bullet acts much like a drag 'chute and can slow a bullet enough to negatively impact penetration. Such was the case here. Against bare gel, the .380 had very good expansion, but inadequate penetration; with the denim and board, however, it lost some expansion (although still pretty good in my opinion) but acceptable penetration.
According to the presenter, he didn't see that the .22 Mag Punch gave any advantage over less expensive FMJ (at least from a handgun--he didn't test it in a rifle which might make a different--but the round was intended for a handgun). He thought that the .380 Punch was better than .380 HST, so it might be worth looking at if you carry a .380 for self-defense.
If you're gonna carry .22 Mag, at least get a Kel-tec PMR30. Lot's of holes.
ReplyDeleteIf one is going to carry a .22 caliber...make it a 5.7x28. Lot's of holes and a lot more power behind them. I'd never trust my life to a Kel-Tec.
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