This +P AMMO is Hot....HOT Garbage! Underwood .38 Special +P Self-Defense Ammo Test!

Published on January 12, 2024
Duration: 17:29

This video presents a detailed test of Underwood .38 Special +P 125-grain XTP ammunition. The instructor found significant inconsistencies in velocity readings from both a 2-inch Taurus 856 and a 4-inch Ruger GP100, with actual speeds falling far short of the advertised 1250 fps. Gel testing revealed a complete lack of expansion and significant tumbling, with projectiles penetrating to 24 inches in the first block. The instructor concludes this ammunition performs poorly and is not recommended.

Quick Summary

Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP ammunition demonstrated poor performance in tests, with average velocities of 964 fps from a 2-inch barrel and 1131 fps from a 4-inch barrel, far below the advertised 1250 fps. Ballistic gel tests showed no expansion and significant tumbling, leading the instructor to deem it unsuitable for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 01:30Taurus 856 Velocity Test
  3. 04:00Ruger GP100 Velocity Test
  4. 06:20PMC Bronze FMJ Velocity Test
  5. 08:45Gel Test: 2-inch Barrel
  6. 10:15Gel Test: 4-inch Barrel
  7. 13:00Projectile Analysis and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the velocity results for Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP ammunition?

The Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP ammunition showed inconsistent velocities. From a 2-inch Taurus 856, the average was 964 fps with an extreme spread of 80 fps. From a 4-inch Ruger GP100, the average was 1131 fps with an extreme spread of 184 fps, both significantly below the advertised 1250 fps.

How did Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP perform in ballistic gel tests?

In ballistic gel, the Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP failed to expand from both a 2-inch and a 4-inch barrel. The projectiles exhibited significant tumbling, causing disruption, and penetrated approximately 24 inches into the gel, reaching the second block without any signs of expansion.

Is Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP ammunition recommended for self-defense?

Based on the tests, the instructor does not recommend Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP ammunition for self-defense. The ammunition displayed severe velocity inconsistencies and a complete lack of expansion in gel tests, indicating poor terminal performance.

How does Underwood .38 Special +P 125gr XTP compare to PMC Bronze 38 Special FMJ?

The instructor tested PMC Bronze 38 Special FMJ and found it to be significantly more consistent in velocity than the Underwood .38 Special +P XTP, despite being a standard velocity round. The PMC ammo had a much smaller extreme spread, suggesting better manufacturing consistency.

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