Repeat or Redemption?...Federal PUNCH .38 Special +P Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on February 22, 2026
Duration: 14:44

This expert analysis from Tools&Targets details a ballistic gel test of Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammunition. The instructor, demonstrating experienced authority, highlights critical performance differences between short-barreled (2-inch Taurus 856) and slightly longer-barreled (3-inch S&W 686 Plus) revolvers. Key findings indicate that the Punch .38 Special +P struggles to achieve adequate velocity and expansion through short barrels when encountering heavy clothing barriers, leading to over-penetration and a failure to expand.

Quick Summary

Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammunition tested from a 2-inch barrel averaged 996 fps and failed to expand through a clothing barrier, penetrating 19 inches. From a 3-inch barrel, it averaged 1048 fps with slight expansion and 17.25" penetration, indicating short barrels may lack sufficient velocity for optimal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Conditions
  2. 00:23Test Setup and Barrier Details
  3. 00:45Ammunition Specs and Previous Results
  4. 01:48Test Firearms Overview
  5. 02:17Velocity Testing: 2-inch Barrel
  6. 03:52Velocity Testing: 3-inch Barrel
  7. 05:08Gel Test: 2-inch Barrel Results
  8. 06:43Gel Test: 3-inch Barrel Results
  9. 14:14Final Analysis and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammo perform from a 2-inch barrel?

From a 2-inch Taurus 856, Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain averaged 996 fps. In ballistic gel with a clothing barrier, it failed to expand, clogged with fabric, and penetrated 19 inches, indicating insufficient velocity for optimal performance from short barrels.

What is the recommended barrel length for Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammunition?

Based on ballistic gel tests, Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammunition requires more velocity than short barrels (like 2-inch revolvers) can provide to reliably expand through clothing barriers. A 3-inch barrel showed improved, though still limited, expansion and penetration.

Does Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain expand through heavy clothing?

Testing showed that Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120 grain ammunition struggled to expand when fired from a 2-inch barrel through a heavy clothing barrier. The bullet clogged with fabric and penetrated deeply without expanding. A 3-inch barrel yielded slightly better results but still limited expansion.

What are the key differences in Federal Punch .38 Special +P performance between a 2-inch and 3-inch barrel?

A 2-inch barrel yielded lower velocity (996 fps avg) and no expansion, with 19" penetration. A 3-inch barrel provided higher velocity (1048 fps avg) and slight expansion, with 17.25" penetration. The longer barrel offers a performance advantage for this ammunition type.

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