38 Special and 357 Magnum Ballistic Test Data and Images
Posted onJanuary 6, 2023byadminComments Off on 38 Special and 357 Magnum Ballistic Test Data and Images
Ammo used in Testing
Tom from Northfield Township completed the testing about two months ago and I have finally completed the photography that will convey the results of his testing.
19 of the most popular 38 Special and 357 Magnum Self Defense rounds available today were tested using the same protocol that was used with the .380 ACP, 40 S&W, 9mm 22LR. and 22 Magnum test that went before them.
What became very clear is that performance of any given brand and projectile design is not the only or even them major factor in a successful positive terminal performance result.
Many of the projectiles are the same design that were found in their other caliber cousins, yet the performance was radically different.
Projectile Sample Plaque110 gr. 588 Feet per Second @ 3 yardsTissue Test Expansion= None, Penetration=8.5 inchesBone test Expansion = None, Penetration = None, (bullet stuck in Bone)130 gr. 768 Feet per Second @ 3 yardsTissue test Expansion = .690 inches, Penetration = 9.5 inchesBone test Expansion = .404 inches, Penetration = 11.0 inches120 gr. 858 Feet per Second @3 yards (Advertised as 1000 F.P.S.)Tissue Test Expansion = .524 inches, Penetration = 10 inchesBone test Expansion = None, Penetration = 10.0 inches110 gr. 902 Feet per Second @ 3 yards (Advertised as 1099 F.P.S.)Tissue test Expansion = .562 inches, Penetration = 9.5 inchesBone test Exspansion = .423 inches, Penetration = 10.5 inches158 gr., 733 Feet per Second @3 yards (advertised at 968 F.P.S.)Tissue test Expansion = None, Penetration = 13 inchesBone test Expansion = None. Penetration = 12.5 inches125 gr. 838 Feet per Second @ 3 yards, Tissue test Expansion = .588 inches, Penetration = 12.0 inchesBone test Expansion = .388 inches, Penetration = 12.5 inches110 GR. 824 Feet per Second at 3 yardsTisse test Expansion = None, Penetration = 12.5 inchesBone Test Expansion = .454 inches, Penetration = 11.0 inches125 gr. , 848 Feet per Second @ 3 yards (Advertised as 965 F.P.S.)Tissue Test Expansion = .435 inches, Penetration = 12.75 inchesBone Test Expansion = None, Penetration = 14.0 inches130 gr. 843 Feet per Second, (Advertised at 950 F.P.S.)Tissue Test Expansion = .672 inches, Penetration = 11.5 inchesBone test Expansion = None, Penetration = 13.75 inches
