Complete Review of 9mm R.I.P. Ammo

Background on G2 Research and the R.I.P. Round

G2 Research, based in Winder, Georgia, launched in 2013 with the mission to push the boundaries of self-defense bullet technology. The company became widely known (and controversial) following the 2014 release of its R.I.P. (Radically Invasive Projectile) 9mm round. This round is a highly engineered defense load designed to fragment and create maximum internal damage upon impact. Unlike traditional hollow points, R.I.P. rounds use a machined copper bullet with multiple trocars (petals) that break off in soft tissue, while the central core drives deeper.

Marketed as “the last round you’ll ever need,” R.I.P. ammunition is aimed squarely at civilian self-defense and home protection applications. Please, these are not for general range use.

How R.I.P. 9mm Compares to Other Defensive Rounds

The R.I.P. round is unlike conventional jacketed hollow points (JHP) such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, or Hornady Critical Duty. Instead of controlled expansion, it prioritizes fragmenting energy transfer. In terms of innovation, it resembles Lehigh Defense’s Extreme Defense or PolyCase Inceptor ARX. The R.I.P. projectiles are niche rounds designed to exceed standard FBI protocol performance in certain areas while sacrificing others (notably penetration through barriers).

R.I.P. ammo is priced significantly higher than mainstream JHP options, reflecting its boutique manufacturing and CNC-machined projectile design. It’s best compared to other cutting-edge personal defense rounds, and not more conventional duty JHP rounds.

R.I.P. 9mm Ammo Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
  
  
• Bullet Weight: 96 grains
  
  
• Bullet Type: CNC-machined solid copper with fracturing trocars
  
  
• Muzzle Velocity: ~1,265 fps
  
  
• Muzzle Energy: ~341 ft-lbs
  
  
• Case Type: Nickel-plated brass
  
  
• Primer Type: Boxer, non-corrosive
  
  
• Reloadable: Yes (though not commonly done due to bullet design)
  
  

Defensive Performance and Terminal Behavior

R.I.P. is engineered for close-quarters defensive encounters. Its design prioritizes maximum disruption of soft tissue and rapid energy transfer — ideal for center-mass defensive scenarios.

• Wound Channel Creation: Upon impact, the 8 trocars break off, creating a starburst of shallow wound paths while the base penetrates more deeply (~12” in ballistic gel).
  
  
• Barrier Penetration: Limited performance against heavy clothing, auto glass, or plywood — a tradeoff for rapid fragmentation.
  
  
• Accuracy: Accuracy is more than adequate for defensive distances (1.5–2″ at 10 yards), with consistent point-of-impact from most compact carry pistols.
  
  
• Recoil: Slightly snappier than 124-grain standard-pressure JHP due to higher velocity and lighter projectile.
  
  

Price and Value

• Price per box (20 rounds): $32–$38
  
  
• Cost per round: $1.60–$1.90
  
  

This places R.I.P. 9mm among the most expensive self-defense rounds on the market. These rounds are priced significantly higher than mainstream JHPs, but competitive with other boutique options like Underwood, Fort Scott Munitions, or Lehigh Defense.

Best Uses for R.I.P. 9mm Ammo

R.I.P. 9mm is purpose-built for civilian personal defense. It’s especially suitable for:

• Home defense in close-quarters settings where overpenetration is a concern
  
  
• Backup gun loads for compact carry pistols
  
  
• Specialty concealed carry for users seeking maximum tissue disruption
  
  
• Novelty or demonstration purposes — the design attracts attention in training or education
  

R.I.P. 9mm: Reliability and Function

While it’s a specialized round, R.I.P. 9mm runs reliably in most modern handguns:

• Feeding: The rounded ogive profile and nickel-plated case promote smooth chambering
  
  
• Extraction: No issues noted across multiple pistols (Glock 19, SIG P365, Springfield Hellcat)
  
  
• Ammo Shelf Life: Nickel cases and sealed primers offer excellent long-term storage stability
  
  

Minor considerations:

• Compatibility: Some PCCs and ported barrels may not cycle the lightweight 96-grain round properly
  
  
• Cost for Practice: Due to price, very few users can afford meaningful reps, limiting one to function testing and carry rotation
  
  

Quick Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique design creates devastating wound channels
  
  
• Excellent terminal fragmentation in soft tissue
  
  
• Reliable feeding and cycling in compact pistols
  
  
• Nickel-plated brass resists corrosion for long-term storage
  
  

Cons

• Extremely expensive per round
  
  
• Limited barrier penetration
  
  
• Not widely tested or adopted by law enforcement
  
  
• Difficult to train with due to high cost
  
  

How R.I.P. 9mm Ammo Scores

Category	Rating (out of 5)	Reason
Price	2.5/5	High cost per round limits value
Reliability	4.5/5	Strong feeding and cycling in most pistols
Effectiveness	4/5	Excellent wound creation; limited barrier pass
Cleanliness	4/5	Clean-burning powder and sealed cases
Packaging	5/5	High-end presentation and secure fit
Innovation	5/5	Unmatched CNC-machined bullet design

Gabriel’s Overall Rating:
Score: 4.1/5
Verdict: Buy This!

Rating Breakdown: (Poor: 0–1.6), (Not Bad: 1.6–2.6), (Decent: 2.7–3.5), (Reasonable Purchase: 3.6–4.1), (Buy This!: 4.1–5.0)

Should You Buy R.I.P. 9mm Ammo?

If you’re looking for something radically different from conventional hollow points and aren’t deterred by a premium price, R.I.P. 9mm is worth considering. It’s reliable, visually distinctive, and devastating in soft tissue, though it sacrifices barrier penetration and affordability to get there.

This isn’t an everyday carry round for everyone. But for those who prioritize innovative design and terminal effectiveness in close-quarters defense, it could be the edge you’re looking for.

R.I.P. 9mm: Real-World Feedback

Positive Reports

• Unique wounding profile and fragmentation
  
  
• Reliable feeding in subcompacts
  
  
• Strong shelf presence and case sealing
  
  

Mixed Feedback

• Limited penetration raises questions on effectiveness against threats behind cover
  
  
• Some say performance doesn’t justify the premium cost
  
  

Negative Reports

• Viewed by some professionals as “overhyped” and “tacticool” rather than tactical
  
  
• Rare cases of under penetration in denim-covered gel blocks
  
  

Summary:
A polarizing round praised by some for innovation, criticized by others for deviating from FBI test protocol standards.

Best Practices for Carrying Exotic Defense Ammo

• Function test in your carry gun (verify feeding and cycling)
  
  
• Limit carry to short-barreled pistols where fragmentation shines
  
  
• Store in a dry, temperature-controlled location to protect the nickel finish
  
  
• Pair with traditional JHP in alternate mags if worried about barrier performance
  
  
• Be prepared to explain your ammo choice in a legal aftermath scenario
  
  

Final Verdict on R.I.P. 9mm Ammo

G2’s R.I.P. 9mm is not your typical carry round. It’s engineered to fragment and destroy, not just expand — and it does so in a visually dramatic and functionally effective way within soft targets.

It’s expensive, niche, and not for everyone. In the right scenario, though, with the right mindset and the right firearm, R.I.P. could be the exact kind of radical innovation that makes a difference.

Shoot smart, carry confidently, and always know what’s in your magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is R.I.P. 9mm ammo legal for civilian use?

Yes, R.I.P. 9mm ammunition is legal for civilian purchase and use in most U.S. states. However, due to its aggressive marketing and design, some jurisdictions may regulate or restrict its sale. Always check your local and state laws before purchasing or carrying it.

2. How does R.I.P. 9mm compare to traditional hollow points for self-defense?

R.I.P. ammo uses a radically different approach. Instead of controlled expansion like Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot, it relies on fragmentation through trocars that break off in soft tissue. This creates multiple wound paths but sacrifices deep penetration and barrier performance, making it effective in soft-target scenarios but less versatile than traditional hollow points.

3. Is R.I.P. 9mm overkill for home defense?

Not necessarily. Its shallow penetration and wide wound channel can be advantageous in close-quarters home defense, where overpenetration could pose a risk to others in the household. That said, it’s a niche option and may not perform well against intruders behind cover or barriers.

4. Can I train with R.I.P. ammo?

Technically, yes, but realistically, no. With a per-round cost of $1.60–$1.90, it's far too expensive for regular range use. Most users will fire a few rounds to verify function, then reserve the rest for carry. Consider training with standard 115- or 124-grain FMJ and matching point-of-impact when possible.

5. Will R.I.P. 9mm function in all 9mm handguns?

It runs reliably in most modern semi-automatics, including compact and subcompact pistols like the Glock 19, SIG P365, and Springfield Hellcat. However, its lightweight 96-grain design may not cycle properly in some pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) or ported barrels. Always test in your specific firearm.

6. Why do some people criticize R.I.P. ammo?

Critics argue that R.I.P. rounds prioritize marketing flair over real-world performance, especially because they don’t meet standard FBI penetration benchmarks. Some view it as "tacticool" rather than tactically sound. However, supporters praise its innovation and devastating performance in soft tissue, so it depends on your personal defense philosophy.