Is There REALLY Any Difference? .357 Magnum vs .38 Special +P Ballistic Gel Testing!

Published on October 12, 2021
Duration: 14:09

This video provides an expert-level comparison of .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition through ballistic gel testing. The experienced host, demonstrating deep knowledge of projectile performance and velocity analysis, reveals that the .38 Special +P achieved greater penetration while the .357 Magnum fragmented more violently. The analysis highlights the nuanced differences in terminal ballistics between these popular handgun calibers.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P (both Remington 125gr SJHP), the .38 Special +P achieved greater penetration (16 inches, intact) despite a lower muzzle velocity (931 fps) compared to the .357 Magnum (1410 fps), which fragmented around 13 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:11Ammunition Comparison
  3. 01:35Velocity Testing - .38 Special +P
  4. 02:20Velocity Testing - .357 Magnum
  5. 03:58Ballistic Gel Testing - .38 Special +P
  6. 05:04Ballistic Gel Testing - .357 Magnum
  7. 06:06Gel Test Analysis - .38 Special +P
  8. 06:28Gel Test Analysis - .357 Magnum
  9. 09:21Projectile Examination
  10. 10:07Shrapnel Analysis
  11. 11:06Conclusion and Discussion
  12. 11:25Outro and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key differences in ballistic gel performance between .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P?

The .357 Magnum (Remington 125gr SJHP) fragmented violently upon impact, stopping around 13 inches, while the .38 Special +P (Remington 125gr SJHP) penetrated deeper at 16 inches and remained intact with minimal expansion.

What were the average muzzle velocities for the tested .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P rounds?

The .357 Magnum averaged 1410 fps, significantly higher than the .38 Special +P, which averaged 931 fps. Both were Remington 125gr SJHP loads fired from a Taurus 608.

Which caliber demonstrated better penetration in the ballistic gel test?

The .38 Special +P ammunition demonstrated better penetration, reaching approximately 16 inches into the ballistic gel while remaining intact. The .357 Magnum fragmented earlier, with its main pieces stopping around 13 inches.

What firearm was used for the ballistic gel testing of .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P?

A Taurus 608 revolver with a 4-inch barrel and an 8-shot cylinder was used for the ballistic gel testing. This ensured a consistent platform for comparing the two calibers.

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