The ORIGINAL "Treasury Load"...Winchester .38 Special +P+ 110 Grain Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on May 11, 2025
Duration: 14:45

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test of the original Winchester .38 Special +P+ 110 Grain Treasury Load. The instructor, with apparent expertise in firearms testing, compares its performance from 2-inch and 4-inch revolvers against heavy clothing barriers. The test includes velocity measurements, penetration depth analysis, and projectile expansion, offering insights into the historical effectiveness of this specialized ammunition.

Quick Summary

The original Winchester Treasury Load (.38 Special +P+) with a 110-grain projectile averaged 1046 ft/s from a 2-inch barrel and 1158 ft/s from a 4-inch barrel. It penetrated 12.5 inches in gel from the 2-inch and 10.25 inches from the 4-inch, with significant expansion, demonstrating robust performance for its era.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:53Original Winchester Treasury Load Details
  3. 01:53Historical Context & Super Vel Comparison
  4. 04:232-Inch Barrel Velocity Test
  5. 06:224-Inch Barrel Velocity Test
  6. 07:57Ballistic Gel Test: 2-Inch & 4-Inch
  7. 08:50Gel Test Results Analysis
  8. 10:05Penetration & Expansion Comparison
  9. 11:05Projectile Recovery & Measurements
  10. 12:21Conclusion & Modern Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key performance metrics for the original Winchester Treasury Load .38 Special +P+?

The original Winchester Treasury Load, featuring a 110-grain projectile, achieved velocities of 1046 ft/s from a 2-inch barrel and 1158 ft/s from a 4-inch barrel. It penetrated 12.5 inches in gel from the 2-inch and 10.25 inches from the 4-inch, with corresponding expansions.

How did the Winchester Treasury Load perform in ballistic gel compared to the Super Vel ammunition?

The Winchester Treasury Load demonstrated comparable or slightly superior performance to Super Vel. While penetration varied by barrel length, the Treasury Load showed good expansion and was considered a strong performer, potentially edging out Super Vel slightly.

What is the significance of the '+P+' designation on this .38 Special ammunition?

The '+P+' designation indicates that this .38 Special ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard loads, signifying increased power and velocity. Despite this, the instructor found the recoil surprisingly manageable.

Can I still find the original Winchester Treasury Load ammunition today?

While the original contract load may be rare, Winchester continued this performance level in their Ranger line. Ammunition with the same part number as the original Treasury Load can likely be found in the Winchester Ranger line.

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