Magnum POWER!....158 Grain Underwood .357 Magnum AMMO Test! Is This Some of The BEST?

Published on January 7, 2024
Duration: 13:30

This expert-level guide details a comprehensive ballistic gel testing procedure for .357 Magnum ammunition, specifically focusing on Underwood's 158-grain XTP load. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, evaluates velocity, penetration, and expansion through a realistic clothing barrier using both a 2-inch Taurus 605 and a 4-inch Ruger GP100. The results highlight the impressive performance of this ammunition, particularly its expansion and energy transfer, even from shorter-barreled handguns.

Quick Summary

Underwood 158gr XTP .357 Magnum ammunition provides excellent performance for self-defense, delivering high velocities (up to 1461 fps from a 4" barrel) and significant expansion (up to 0.544"). It penetrates deeply through barriers and retains most of its weight, making it a top choice.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:19Ballistic Gel Setup
  3. 00:35Clothing Barrier Application
  4. 00:43Underwood 158gr XTP Ammo Details
  5. 01:12Firearm Selection: Taurus 605 & Ruger GP100
  6. 01:39Chronograph Setup & Expectations
  7. 02:22Taurus 605 Velocity Test
  8. 03:11Ruger GP100 Velocity Test
  9. 04:37Taurus 605 Ballistic Gel Test
  10. 05:20Ruger GP100 Ballistic Gel Test
  11. 06:31Gel Performance Analysis (2" 605)
  12. 07:02Gel Performance Analysis (4" GP100)
  13. 08:06Penetration Measurements
  14. 09:15Recovered Projectile Examination
  15. 10:11Projectile Weight Retention
  16. 10:46Projectile Expansion Measurements
  17. 11:15Overall Conclusion & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Underwood 158gr .357 Magnum XTP perform in ballistic gel tests?

The Underwood 158gr XTP .357 Magnum demonstrated excellent performance, achieving high velocities and significant expansion. It penetrated deeply through a clothing barrier and ballistic gel, retaining most of its weight and showing impressive disruption.

What are the key differences in performance between a 2-inch and 4-inch .357 Magnum?

A 4-inch barrel (Ruger GP100) yielded higher muzzle velocities (avg. 1430 fps) and energy (717 ft-lb) compared to a 2-inch barrel (Taurus 605, avg. 1260 fps, 557 ft-lb) with the same Underwood 158gr XTP ammunition.

Is Underwood 158gr XTP .357 Magnum suitable for self-defense?

Based on expert testing, Underwood 158gr XTP .357 Magnum is highly recommended for self-defense due to its superior velocity, penetration, and expansion characteristics, even from shorter-barreled firearms.

What is the typical expansion and weight retention of Underwood 158gr XTP .357 Magnum?

Recovered projectiles from this load typically expand to diameters around 0.500-0.544 inches and retain 95-98% of their original 158-grain weight, indicating robust construction.

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