Is It Actually GOOD?...Sellier & Bellot .357 Sig Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test & Review!

Published on February 2, 2025
Duration: 14:40

This video details a ballistic gel test of Sellier & Bellot 124-grain .357 Sig JHP ammunition, comparing performance across two different barrel lengths (4.5-inch and 3.4-inch). The instructor meticulously records muzzle velocity using a Labradar chronograph and analyzes projectile expansion, penetration, and weight retention within the gel. The results surprisingly indicate good performance from the S&B ammunition, exceeding expectations based on previous tests with the brand.

Quick Summary

Sellier & Bellot 124-grain .357 Sig JHP ammunition, tested from a 4.5-inch barrel, averaged 1429 fps with excellent expansion and 16.25 inches of penetration in ballistic gel. From a 3.4-inch barrel, it averaged 1344 fps, penetrating 18 inches. Despite a higher cost, its performance was surprisingly effective.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Conditions
  2. 00:29Setting Up the .357 Sig Test
  3. 00:48Clothing Barrier Setup
  4. 00:55Ammunition: S&B 124gr .357 Sig JHP
  5. 01:25Cartridge Overview and Claimed Velocity
  6. 01:59Comparison: Federal HST .357 Sig
  7. 02:42Test Barrels: 4.5" vs 3.4"
  8. 03:24Velocity Testing: 4.5" Barrel (G31)
  9. 04:284.5" Barrel Average Velocity and Analysis
  10. 05:14Velocity Testing: 3.4" Barrel (G33)
  11. 06:033.4" Barrel Average Velocity and Analysis
  12. 06:47Initial Thoughts on Velocity and Performance
  13. 07:02Ballistic Gel Test: First Shot (4.5" Barrel)
  14. 07:33Ballistic Gel Test: Second Shot (3.4" Barrel)
  15. 08:23Examining Gel Results: 4.5" Barrel
  16. 08:57Examining Gel Results: 3.4" Barrel
  17. 10:00Close-up Gel and Projectile Analysis
  18. 10:47Projectile Examination: Expansion and Weight Loss
  19. 11:20Weight Retention Data
  20. 11:46Expanded Projectile Size Measurements
  21. 12:14Overall Performance Summary: S&B .357 Sig
  22. 12:43Cost vs. Performance Analysis
  23. 13:00Final Thoughts and Surprise Performance
  24. 13:13Energy Levels and Comparison to Other Loads
  25. 13:49Viewer Engagement and Future Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the average velocity of Sellier & Bellot 124-grain .357 Sig JHP ammunition from a 4.5-inch barrel?

From a 4.5-inch barrel, the Sellier & Bellot 124-grain .357 Sig JHP ammunition achieved a five-round average velocity of 1429 feet per second. This was recorded using a Labradar chronograph during ballistic gel testing.

How did the 3.4-inch barrel affect the velocity of the S&B .357 Sig 124gr JHP ammunition?

Using a shorter 3.4-inch barrel, the S&B 124gr .357 Sig JHP ammunition averaged 1344 feet per second over five rounds. This shows a noticeable velocity reduction compared to the 4.5-inch barrel, with a wider spread in readings.

What was the penetration depth and expansion of the S&B 124gr .357 Sig JHP in ballistic gel?

The S&B 124gr .357 Sig JHP from a 4.5-inch barrel penetrated 16.25 inches with good expansion. From a 3.4-inch barrel, it penetrated 18 inches, also showing good expansion, with projectiles retaining approximately 90-96% of their original weight.

Is Sellier & Bellot 124-grain .357 Sig JHP ammunition a good value for self-defense?

While costing around $33 per box, the S&B 124gr .357 Sig JHP demonstrated surprisingly good performance in ballistic gel tests, comparable to or exceeding more expensive options like Federal HST. Its effectiveness in expansion and penetration makes it a viable, albeit pricier, self-defense choice.

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