Repeat or Redemption?...Federal PUNCH .38 Special +P Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel 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 review details a ballistic gel test of Fort Scott Munitions TUI .38 Special ammunition, evaluating its terminal performance and velocity consistency. The test, conducted by an expert using standardized protocols, revealed that while the TUI projectiles successfully tumbled as designed, achieving significant penetration and disruption, the ammunition exhibited extreme velocity inconsistency across different firearms. This inconsistency led to a negative overall assessment despite meeting terminal ballistic goals.

This video features a ballistic gel test and review of the new Fiocchi Covert X .38 Special +P self-defense ammunition. The test utilizes two popular revolvers, a Taurus 856 and a Ruger GP100, and assesses the ammunition's performance through heavy clothing barriers. The reviewer emphasizes that no firearms or ammunition are for sale through the video or its description, and all shooting is conducted responsibly on a private range.

This comprehensive review by Tools&Targets details a ballistic gel test of Federal Punch 180-grain .44 Special ammunition. The host, demonstrating high expertise, tested the ammo through both a Charter Arms Boomer (2-inch barrel) and a Taurus Tracker (4-inch barrel) with a heavy clothing barrier. The results show impressive performance for a .44 Special round, with good expansion and penetration, making it a viable self-defense option, particularly for short-barreled revolvers.

This YouTube video features a ballistic gel test of the PMC Ultramag Tubular .38 Special +P ammunition. The test aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this unique round as a self-defense option. The video utilizes heavy clothing in the ballistic gel to simulate real-world conditions and showcases the performance in two different firearms: a Taurus 856 and a Ruger GP100. The creator emphasizes that this is a historical test of an older ammunition design, not a promotion of current products, and adheres to strict safety protocols on a private range.

This review from USCCA compares the Smith & Wesson Model 642 (.38 Special +P) and the Model 432 (.32 H&R Magnum), both J-frame revolvers with shrouded hammers. The comparison focuses on capacity and caliber choice for concealed carry, with the 432 offering one extra round of .32 H&R Magnum versus the 642's five rounds of .38 Special +P. Both demonstrated good grouping, with slight leftward drift attributed to shooter error.

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.