Introduction
The CorBon DPX 9mm 115-grain +P round was tested using the full PAC-T protocol — Precision, Accuracy, Consistency, and Terminal performance. The test used an H&K VP9 pistol and included a 15-yard precision test, chronograph velocity tracking, and a terminal shot into a 16-inch 20-NATO ballistic gelatin block after passing through soft clothing.
This setup shows how the solid-copper, deep-penetrating, and expanding DPX bullet performs in real defensive conditions. Each stage of the test provides clear insight into its accuracy, power, and reliability.
Test Setup and Methodology
The H&K VP9 used in this test features polygonal rifling, known for producing tight groups and slightly higher velocities than conventional barrels. Precision was measured by a five-shot group at 15 yards, while accuracy came from the bullseye score on that same target.
A LabRadar chronograph tracked average muzzle velocity and standard deviation to show how consistent the ammunition performs shot to shot. For terminal performance, a single round was fired from 7 yards through soft fabric into the gelatin block. The recovered bullet was then measured for expansion, penetration, and weight retention.
Precision and Accuracy
The CorBon DPX showed excellent precision on the bench. The five-shot group at 15 yards measured just 0.467 inch, well below one inch. That tight group shows how stable and predictable the round is in flight.
The bullseye score was 35 out of 50, with no hits in the X-ring. However, this was due to sight alignment rather than inconsistency. A simple zero adjustment would easily center the shots. With such tight grouping, the DPX is clearly a load that rewards proper sighting for defensive use.
Velocity and Consistency
The factory box lists the DPX at 1,250 feet per second (fps). During testing, the average recorded speed was 1,277 fps, slightly faster than advertised. This result is typical for H&K’s polygonal barrels, which often deliver a small boost in velocity.
Consistency was also impressive. The standard deviation measured 10.2 fps, showing uniform powder charge and tight quality control. This level of consistency ensures predictable recoil, stable point of impact, and repeatable accuracy from shot to shot.
Terminal Performance in Gelatin
When fired through the soft-clothing barrier, the DPX showed exactly what a defensive round should do. The bullet penetrated 11.75 inches into the 20-NATO gelatin block — right within the ideal range for defensive performance. Expansion was dramatic at 230 percent, reaching about 0.444 inch across the petals.
Even more impressive, the recovered bullet retained 100 percent of its weight, staying at 115 grains. The DPX expanded perfectly and showed no signs of clogging, a common issue for traditional hollow-points when passing through fabric.
These combined results — deep penetration, wide expansion, and complete weight retention — explain the DPX’s top-tier PAC-T score. It ranks among the best-performing 9mm defensive rounds tested under similar conditions.
Comparison with Other Top 9mm Loads
In direct comparison, the CorBon DPX tied for the highest PAC-T score recorded so far. Other premium rounds, such as the Federal HST, have achieved similar scores, but the DPX’s performance through fabric gives it an edge.
Because the DPX uses a solid-copper design, it avoids the clogging problem that often reduces expansion in jacketed hollow points. This makes it especially effective in real-world environments where clothing or barriers can influence bullet behavior.
Defensive Use and Practical Insights
The DPX offers a balanced mix of traits that matter most in a defensive handgun load. Its tight precision makes sighting simple, while its consistent velocities deliver repeatable accuracy. In ballistic gelatin, the round combined controlled penetration with large, reliable expansion.
Its ability to expand even after passing through fabric adds confidence for concealed-carry or home-defense scenarios. Because most defensive situations involve barriers like clothing, this performance is a significant advantage.
However, actual results can vary depending on firearm, barrel length, and conditions. The VP9’s polygonal rifling likely boosted velocity in this test. Anyone switching to DPX for carry should re-zero their sights to take full advantage of the round’s precision.
Conclusion
The CorBon DPX 9mm 115-grain +P round delivered outstanding results in all PAC-T categories. It produced exceptional precision, minimal velocity variation, and superb terminal performance through soft clothing and 20-NATO gelatin.
Its solid-copper design ensured full expansion, deep penetration, and total weight retention. These results confirm the DPX as a reliable, high-performance choice for both personal and home defense.
In short, the CorBon DPX combines accuracy, consistency, and power in a defensive load that performs exactly as advertised — and then some.
John Doe
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