Federal's 9mm Syntech Defense has solved what has plagued frangible ammo in the past...lack of reliable penetration.
Along with this testing, I've also personally tested it in calibrated, 10% gel (bare and clothed).
-I've yet to have a failure.
-The base always goes 18-20."
-The three pieces that separate always uniformly "starburst" and achieve approx 8-9."
Each round fired gives the shooter four separate wound tracks that achieve significant depth, with the base meeting any standard and a bit more.
How this wouldn't be considered at the very top of personal defense ammo performance (glass aside) is beyond me.
This ammo has been perfectly flawless in my wife's S&W Shield 380 EZ, a Ruger Security 380 & a Walther PD380. The 9mm has also been perfect in my 36 year old Sig P226.