History Repeats...Federal Hydra-Shok .38 Special +P 129 Grain Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P 110gr FTX ammunition, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor. The test details muzzle velocity measurements from 2-inch and 3-inch revolvers, projectile expansion, and penetration depths through a heavy clothing barrier and ballistic gel. The instructor offers insights into the ammunition's performance and suitability for self-defense scenarios.

This video provides an in-depth look at the .38 Special cartridge, debunking myths about its perceived weakness. It highlights the cartridge's historical significance, its continued relevance in concealed carry with snub-nose revolvers, and the performance gains achievable with +P ammunition. The instructor emphasizes the importance of shot placement and proper fundamentals when using revolvers, while also touching on the benefits of handloading the .38 Special.

This video from TheYankeeMarshal compares .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P for self-defense, with an expert instructor's perspective. It delves into specific ammunition performance metrics like muzzle velocity and energy, highlighting that while .357 Magnum generally offers more power, certain high-performance .38 Special +P loads can rival its energy output. The analysis emphasizes that practical self-defense choices depend heavily on shooter proficiency, recoil tolerance, and the specific ammunition selected, with an extra round in a .38 Special +P revolver potentially outweighing a marginal power difference for some users.

Former CIA Officer Jason Hanson provides a practical evaluation of chest holsters, highlighting significant safety concerns regarding muzzle discipline during the draw. He demonstrates the potential for self-mutilation and contrasts the utility of chest holsters for specific activities like hiking versus everyday concealed carry. Hanson emphasizes the importance of quality gear and extensive training, recommending against chest holsters for general civilian use due to inherent risks.

This video conducts a ballistic gel test comparing Remington HTP .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition. The test reveals a significant performance disparity, with the .357 Magnum demonstrating superior velocity, expansion, and penetration compared to the .38 Special +P, which showed minimal expansion and significant cloth clogging.

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details two Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers used by Japanese police: the 37-2 and 360J. He highlights specific Japanese market modifications, such as the removal of the 'nuclear atom' logo on the 360J due to cultural insensitivity and the addition of extended three-finger grips with lanyard loops for enhanced control and retention. The 360J is chambered in .38 Special +P, while the 37-2 is in .38 Special.

This guide details the field strip and reassembly process for the Mossberg Maverick 88 shotgun, as demonstrated by the Tools&Targets host. It covers the removal and reinstallation of key internal components, emphasizing the platform's simplicity for maintenance. The host, possessing high authority and hands-on experience, provides practical insights into the shotgun's design and operation.

This video details a comprehensive terminal ballistics test of Federal Syntech Defense 9mm ammunition. The host, demonstrating high authority and expertise, uses professional equipment like LabRadar and standardized protocols to evaluate projectile performance in ballistic gel through a clothing barrier. The test compares results from a Canik Mete MC9 and a Glock 17 Gen 4, providing objective data on velocity, segmentation, and penetration depth.

This video provides an expert-level unboxing and range test of the Taurus Model 856 .38 Special revolver. The host, an experienced firearms enthusiast, conducts empirical trigger weight testing and side-by-side comparisons. He demonstrates proficiency in both single and double-action shooting, achieving tight groups at various distances and with different ammunition types. The review highlights the revolver's accuracy, reliability, and comfortable handling, recommending it as a solid choice for a .38 Special snub-nose.

This comprehensive review from Tools&Targets analyzes the performance of three top .380 ACP ammunition loads: Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep, Underwood Xtreme Penetrator, and Winchester 95-grain FMJ. Using a Ruger LCP Max and standardized ballistic gel testing through a heavy clothing barrier, the analysis provides objective data on velocity, penetration, and expansion. The expert assessment highlights the practical implications for concealed carry and self-defense scenarios.