38 Special Federal Punch 120gr +P | Clear Ballistics Gel Test | J Frame and 4” Barrel

Published on July 22, 2023
Duration: 9:01

This video tests Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special ammunition through a J-frame revolver and a 4-inch barrel, evaluating penetration and expansion in Clear Ballistics gel. The instructor notes inconsistent performance from the J-frame, with one round failing to expand and penetrating 22 inches, while rounds from the 4-inch barrel showed better expansion and penetration around 14 inches. The instructor concludes that this ammunition may not be ideal for J-frame carry due to velocity limitations but could be suitable for a 4-inch barrel, particularly for woods carry.

Quick Summary

Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special ammunition was tested in Clear Ballistics gel from both a J-frame and a 4-inch barrel. While the 4-inch barrel yielded better expansion and 14-inch penetration, the J-frame showed inconsistent results, including one instance of no expansion and 22-inch penetration, leading the instructor to recommend other loads for snub-nosed carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:33Introduction to Federal Punch 38 Special
  2. 00:42Ammunition Specs: 120gr +P
  3. 00:70Test Firearms: J Frame & 4" Barrel
  4. 00:99Gel Test Setup: Denim & Chronograph
  5. 01:48J Frame Test Results & Chronograph Issues
  6. 02:01Second J Frame Test: No Expansion
  7. 02:42Third J Frame Test: Bullet Recovery & No Bloom
  8. 02:834-inch Barrel Test: Velocity & Penetration
  9. 03:14Bullet Performance Analysis (4-inch)
  10. 03:35Comparing Expanded vs. Non-Expanded Bullets
  11. 03:58Bullet Dig-Out & Expansion Observations
  12. 04:15Observation: Missing '+P' Marking
  13. 04:38Instructor's Conclusion: J Frame vs. 4" Barrel
  14. 04:66Preferred J Frame Carry Ammunition
  15. 04:85Future Ammunition Testing Plans
  16. 05:04Outro & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special perform in ballistic gel from a J-frame revolver?

From a J-frame revolver, Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special showed inconsistent results. In one test, a bullet failed to expand and penetrated 22 inches, while another showed minimal expansion. This suggests potential velocity limitations from short barrels affecting terminal performance.

What was the ballistic performance of Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special from a 4-inch barrel?

When fired from a 4-inch barrel, the Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special demonstrated better expansion and achieved a penetration depth of approximately 14 inches in Clear Ballistics gel, indicating more reliable terminal ballistics with increased barrel length.

Is Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special recommended for J-frame carry?

The instructor does not recommend Federal Punch 120gr +P 38 Special for J-frame carry due to perceived insufficient velocities for reliable expansion. They suggest alternative loads like 110-grain +P flex-tip ammunition for snub-nosed revolvers.

What are the key differences in 38 Special performance between J-frames and 4-inch barrels?

The primary difference observed is velocity, which directly impacts bullet expansion. Longer barrels like a 4-inch typically achieve higher velocities, leading to more consistent and effective expansion compared to shorter J-frame barrels, which may struggle to reach optimal speeds.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from The Gun Dungeon

View all →