Gel test Results
As you hunt for the best self-defense 380 Auto (ACP) ammo, we thought you might enjoy seeing the results of some testing we recently conducted with calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin.
We shot five of these Speer rounds through a four-layer cloth barrier using a Ruger LCPII. The results are detailed in the video you see above as well as the photographs. Through the charts, you should get a great idea how this Speer ammo stacked up relative to other 380 Auto (ACP) ammo products available to American shooters.
To get a better sense of our tests, be sure to check out all the protocols we followed when conducting our tests to determine the best self-defense ammo.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
20rds - 380 Auto Speer Gold Dot 90gr. JHP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 11 | 11.3 | 11.5 | 11.7 | 12.4 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.42 | 0.47 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 89.7 | 89.8 | 89.8 | 89.9 | 90.2 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 821 | 827 | 830 | 830 | 847 |
The Reviews
Why Shooters and Hunters love or hate 20rds - 380 Auto Speer Gold Dot 90gr. JHP Ammo
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Personally tested this round from the Glock 42 using 10% ClearBallistic gel following the protocols set forth by Marshall and Sanow in their book, Handgun Stopping Power. Test distance 10 feet temperature 44 F. The bare gel test was a failure. The bullet expanded, but only penetrated a distance of 9.35 inches. Well short of the minimum of 11 required by Marshall and Sanow. 11 inches is the minimum because rounds will penetrate on average 15-20 % further in living tissue than in 10% gel, and comparing with the autopsy reports, Marshall and Sanow figured 11 inches is the minimum required to help assure a hit to the vitals, especially if the bullet must first pass through an arm from an angled shot. Thus, this round was not tested in denim due to bare gel test failure. Not recommended.
