38 special snub ballistics gel test

Published on December 18, 2020
Duration: 14:23

This .38 Special ballistics gel test evaluated five different loads fired from a Smith & Wesson 642 snub-nose revolver. Only the Federal HST Micro and Hornady Critical Defense demonstrated reliable expansion, with the HST Micro showing a significant wound track despite shallower penetration. Lighter, expanding bullets appear more effective in short-barreled revolvers.

Quick Summary

In a .38 Special ballistics gel test with a snub-nose revolver, the Federal HST Micro and Hornady Critical Defense (110gr FTX +P) showed reliable expansion. The HST Micro created a significant wound track, while Critical Defense met FBI standards. Heavier XTP loads failed to expand.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .38 Special Snub Ballistics Test
  2. 00:37Ammunition Overview: 5 Test Rounds
  3. 02:16Federal HST Micro & Reloading Safety Warning
  4. 05:17Range Setup: Gel, Denim Barrier
  5. 05:52158gr XTP & 125gr XTP Test Results
  6. 07:42Magtech Guardian Gold Deep Penetration Test
  7. 08:51Federal HST Micro Expansion & Wound Track
  8. 09:57Hornady Critical Defense Meets FBI Protocol
  9. 11:26Conclusion: Best .38 Special Snub Loads

Frequently Asked Questions

Which .38 Special loads expanded reliably in the snub-nose ballistics gel test?

In the test using a Smith & Wesson 642, the Federal HST Micro and Hornady Critical Defense (110gr FTX +P) demonstrated reliable expansion. The HST Micro showed excellent expansion and wound track, while the Critical Defense met FBI protocol standards.

What were the penetration depths for the tested .38 Special rounds?

Penetration depths varied: Magtech Guardian Gold reached 17.375 inches (no expansion), 158gr XTP hit 16.5 inches (no expansion), Hornady Critical Defense reached 15 inches (expanded), 125gr XTP hit 14.5 inches (no expansion), and Federal HST Micro penetrated 11.25 inches (expanded).

Are heavier or lighter bullets better for expansion in .38 Special snub-nose revolvers?

The test suggests lighter bullets are generally more reliable for expansion from short-barreled snub-nose revolvers. The 110gr Hornady Critical Defense expanded well, while heavier XTP loads failed to expand.

What safety precautions should be taken when handloading .38 Special ammunition?

When handloading .38 Special, especially with bullets that seat deeply like the Federal HST Micro, avoid using standard load data. Reduced case capacity can lead to dangerous pressure spikes, so use specific data for those bullet types.

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