Penetration Test - .38 special vs .357 magnum - TheFireArmGuy

Published on October 25, 2014
Duration: 3:18

This video conducts a penetration test comparing .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition fired from an SP 101 revolver into OSB board. It details the performance of various loads, including standard pressure, +P, jacketed soft point, and jacketed hollow point rounds, noting differences in penetration depth and bullet expansion. The test highlights how bullet construction and velocity impact terminal ballistics against a common barrier material.

Quick Summary

A penetration test compared .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition fired from an SP 101 into OSB board. .357 Magnum loads generally penetrated deeper than .38 Special. The .38 Special +P semi-wadcutter expanded but penetrated less, stopping in the third board.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Test Setup: .38 Special vs .357 Magnum
  2. 00:10.38 Special Ammunition Details
  3. 00:22.357 Magnum Ammunition Details
  4. 00:33Test Medium and Distance
  5. 00:44Initial Firing Sequence
  6. 01:14First Round Results & Observations
  7. 01:31Bullet Recovery (First Pass)
  8. 01:50Second Test Setup for .38 Special
  9. 01:53Second Test Firing Sequence
  10. 02:08Second Round Results
  11. 02:25Bullet Recovery (Second Pass)
  12. 02:31Overall Test Conclusion
  13. 02:51Bullet Appearance Analysis
  14. 03:00Call to Action & Safety Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary objective of this firearm test?

The primary objective was to conduct a penetration test comparing the performance of .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition when fired into OSB board, observing differences in penetration depth and bullet expansion.

Which ammunition types were tested in the penetration test?

The test included .38 Special American Eagle 158 grain round nose, .38 Special +P 158 grain semi-wadcutter, .357 Magnum Remington UMC 125 grain jacketed soft point, and Federal jacketed hollow point ammunition.

How did the .357 Magnum ammunition perform compared to the .38 Special?

.357 Magnum loads generally demonstrated greater penetration through the OSB board than the .38 Special loads, with both soft point and hollow point variants showing significant penetration.

Did any of the tested ammunition fail to penetrate the OSB boards?

All tested loads penetrated at least four boards of OSB. The .38 Special +P semi-wadcutter showed expansion but penetrated less, stopping in the third board, while others went further.

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