357 MAGNUM VS 38 SPECIAL VS SHEET METAL

Published on May 7, 2017
Duration: 3:31

This guide details a ballistic penetration test comparing the .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges against 24-gauge sheet metal targets. The demonstration, led by firearms influencer Edwin Sarkissian, highlights the significant difference in penetration power between the two calibers when fired from the same firearm. The .357 Magnum achieved nearly double the penetration of the .38 Special, offering valuable insights into the performance characteristics of each round.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic test comparing .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds on 24-gauge sheet metal, the .357 Magnum demonstrated superior penetration. Fired from a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver, the .357 Magnum penetrated 11 plates, while the .38 Special penetrated 6 plates, highlighting the significant power difference between the two calibers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Firearm Selection
  2. 00:54Ammunition Specifications
  3. 01:38.357 Magnum Penetration Test
  4. 02:29.38 Special Penetration Test
  5. 03:14Final Comparison and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does .357 Magnum compare to .38 Special in terms of penetration?

.357 Magnum rounds generally offer significantly greater penetration power than .38 Special rounds. In a test against 24-gauge sheet metal, .357 Magnum penetrated 11 plates, while .38 Special penetrated 6 plates, demonstrating nearly double the effectiveness.

What is 'grain' when referring to ammunition?

'Grain' (gr) is a unit of weight used for bullets. A higher grain number means a heavier bullet. For example, the .357 Magnum tested used a 125-grain bullet, while the .38 Special used a 130-grain bullet, showing that bullet weight is a key factor in performance.

What firearm was used to test .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds?

A Taurus .357 Magnum revolver was used for the test. Using the same firearm for both calibers helps eliminate variables like barrel length and firearm weight, providing a more accurate comparison of the ammunition's performance.

What were the results of the sheet metal penetration test?

The .357 Magnum round successfully penetrated 11 plates of 24-gauge sheet metal and dented the 12th. In contrast, the .38 Special round penetrated 6 plates and was stopped by the 7th plate, indicating a substantial difference in penetration capability.

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