357 Magnum Federal 158gr SP vs CCI Blazer 158gr JHP Ballistic Gel Test & Review 3" Barrel

Published on February 1, 2025
Duration: 12:59

This video presents a ballistic gel test comparing Federal 158gr Soft Point and CCI Blazer 158gr Jacketed Hollow Point ammunition fired from a 3-inch barrel Taurus 605 Defender. The test reveals significant differences in performance, particularly regarding expansion and penetration, with the Federal load achieving deep penetration with minimal expansion and the CCI Blazer JHP showing moderate expansion and less penetration. The presenter highlights the surprising effectiveness of both rounds from a short barrel, suggesting potential for even greater performance from longer barrels.

Quick Summary

From a 3-inch barrel, the CCI Blazer 158gr JHP averaged 1208 ft/s (371 ft-lbs) and penetrated 18 inches with moderate expansion to .542 inches. The Federal 158gr SP averaged 1165 ft/s (476.6 ft-lbs) and penetrated 24 inches with minimal expansion. Neither expanded through denim.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 01:03Advertised vs. Actual Velocities (3" Barrel)
  3. 02:03Ballistic Gelatin & Calibration
  4. 02:53CCI Blazer JHP Gel Test
  5. 03:17Federal Soft Point Gel Test
  6. 04:12CCI Blazer Results & Analysis
  7. 05:11Federal Soft Point Results & Analysis
  8. 06:33Penetration Depth Comparison
  9. 07:23Denim Barrier Test Setup
  10. 07:36Federal Soft Point Through Denim
  11. 07:53CCI Blazer JHP Through Denim
  12. 09:30CCI JHP Through Denim Results
  13. 10:38CCI JHP Retained Weight & Expansion
  14. 11:04Denim Test Conclusions
  15. 12:14Final Thoughts & Future Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the velocities and energies of the tested 357 Magnum rounds from a 3-inch barrel?

From a 3-inch barrel, the CCI Blazer 158gr JHP averaged 1208 ft/s with 371 ft-lbs of energy. The Federal 158gr SP averaged 1165 ft/s with 476.6 ft-lbs of energy. These are lower than advertised velocities, which are typically tested from longer barrels.

How did the Federal 158gr SP and CCI Blazer 158gr JHP perform in ballistic gelatin from a 3-inch barrel?

The Federal 158gr SP penetrated approximately 24 inches with minimal expansion, creating a significant wound channel. The CCI Blazer 158gr JHP penetrated just under 18 inches, showing moderate expansion to .542 inches and retaining nearly all its weight.

Did the tested 357 Magnum ammunition expand through four layers of denim?

No, the CCI Blazer 158gr JHP did not expand when fired through four layers of denim from the 3-inch barrel. The Federal 158gr SP also showed signs of tumbling and shedding material after passing through the denim.

What are the implications of using a 3-inch barrel for 357 Magnum ammunition testing?

Using a 3-inch barrel results in lower velocities than advertised, which can affect bullet expansion. However, even at these reduced velocities, both the Federal SP and CCI JHP demonstrated effective terminal ballistics, suggesting potential for greater performance from longer barrels.

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