G2 Research announced two new self defense rounds that are designed to be affordable alternatives to the company’s more expensive loads.

The new Telos line offers two different loadings: on for .38 Special and the other for 9mm. Both loads use a hollow point bullet that is CNC machined from a solid copper slug. The bullets are segmented so that the projectile will break apart into six separate wound channels when it strikes flesh.

According to the company, the .38 and 9mm calibers have been “underrated over the last decade.” According to Chris Nix, the vice president of sales and marketing for G2 Research, “That will change with these new G2 Research +P Telos rounds. These new rounds are specifically designed and loaded to stop fights–quickly!”

The .38 Special +P uses a 105 grain bullet and it loaded to 1,170 fps (barrel length/gun information for testing not provided.) The 9mm uses a lighter 92 grain bullet loaded to a slower 1,120 fps. The company is asking $28.99 for a box of 20 in .38 Special. For the 9mm, the price is a buck cheaper.

While these new G2 Research rounds may be excellent self defense loads, I do question the company’s position that the 9mm has been underrated for personal protection during the past 10 years. I don’t think there has been a more popular handgun round in the past 10 years than the 9mm. With premium ammunition lines like HST and Gold Dot supporting the 9mm, G2 Research will have a lot of work to do to show me the Telos rounds are more effective than the existing (and street proven) options.