CLOSE Quarters or MILES Apart?....Remington HTP .357 Magnum vs .38 Special +P AMMO Test!

This review details a ballistic gel test of Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P 110 grain ammunition fired from 2-inch and 3-inch barrels. The testing instructor, demonstrating significant expertise, found the +P rounds produced mild recoil comparable to standard pressure .38 Special, with the primary difference being a louder report. Performance in gel showed good expansion and penetration within expected self-defense parameters.

This expert-level analysis details a ballistic gel test of Federal Punch .38 Special +P 120-grain ammunition, comparing performance from 2-inch and 3-inch barrel revolvers. The test highlights how barrel length significantly impacts velocity and the ability of the projectile to overcome clothing barriers and achieve proper expansion. The Federal Punch demonstrated insufficient performance from shorter barrels, failing to expand and clogging with fabric.

This video review focuses on selecting the best concealed carry revolvers for seniors in 2026, emphasizing safety, lightweight design, and manageable recoil. It highlights ten specific models, detailing their features, weight, capacity, and suitability for users with physical limitations like arthritis or weaker wrists. The expert instructor provides insights into recoil management, trigger pull, and overall ergonomics, guiding viewers toward firearms that balance effectiveness with ease of use for mature individuals.

This video from Kentucky Ballistics pits the 10mm Auto against the .357 Magnum in a ballistic gel test. Both calibers, using 180-grain JHP (10mm) and 125-grain JHP (.357 Magnum) respectively, demonstrated full penetration through a 16-inch Clear Ballistics gel block. The comparison highlights the raw power of both cartridges, leaving the age-old debate unsettled.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Winchester Defender .357 Magnum 125 Grain Bonded JHP ammunition. The test highlights how barrel length significantly impacts performance, with a 3-inch barrel achieving proper expansion and penetration, while a 2-inch barrel failed to expand reliably through a heavy clothing barrier. The analysis emphasizes the importance of velocity for effective self-defense ammunition performance.

This expert review from NRA Publications' 'Gun of the Week' series provides a comprehensive look at the Taurus 66 Combat revolver. Executive Editor Jay Grazio highlights its robust all-steel construction, 7-round .357 Magnum capacity, and practical features like a fiber optic front sight and optics-ready frame. The review emphasizes its suitability as a defensive firearm, noting its excellent trigger and comfortable Hogue grips, making it a strong contender for revolver enthusiasts.

This review covers the Mossberg Maverick 88, a budget-friendly 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, highlighting its simplicity and reliability for home defense. It details a comparison with the Mossberg 500/590, a full field strip, and the use of the Opsol Mini-Clip adapter with Aguila Minishells to increase capacity and ensure reliable cycling. Range tests confirm the adapter's necessity for 100% Minishell reliability.

This test evaluates Federal Syntech Defense 9mm SJHP ammunition using a Canik Mete MC9 and Glock 17. The ammo consistently segmented into three petals and a core, with the core penetrating 18-18.5 inches and segments stopping around 9 inches. Velocity averaged 1033 fps from the MC9 and 1094 fps from the G17, demonstrating high consistency.

The Taurus Model 856 in .38 Special is a capable snub-nose revolver, offering a smooth trigger and good accuracy for its class. It performs well in both single and double-action at typical defensive ranges, with comfortable grips aiding recoil management. The 856 proves to be a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for concealed carry or self-defense.

This review tests three .380 ACP ammunition types in a Ruger LCP Max with a heavy clothing barrier over ballistic gel. The Winchester 95gr FMJ, Underwood 90gr Xtreme Penetrator, and Federal 99gr Hydra-Shok Deep were evaluated for penetration and expansion. Despite being FMJ, the Winchester proved to be the most effective due to superior penetration, outperforming premium defensive rounds that failed to expand.