S&W 357 Magnum vs 38 Special โ€” Ice Test ๐ŸงŠ

Published on December 21, 2025
Duration: 0:54

This video demonstrates a practical, albeit informal, comparison of .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition performance by testing their penetration capabilities in a frozen lake. The host, Mr. Madness, uses a Smith & Wesson Model 66 to fire both Federal American Eagle loads, highlighting the significant difference in impact and penetration depth, with the .357 Magnum proving far more potent. The test also touches on projectile recovery, with the JSP bullet from the .357 Magnum being successfully retrieved.

Quick Summary

.357 Magnum rounds exhibit substantially greater penetration and impact energy than .38 Special rounds, as demonstrated in an ice test using a Smith & Wesson Model 66. The .357 Magnum 158gr JSP created a much larger ice crater and deeper penetration compared to the .38 Special 158gr LRN, with the JSP bullet successfully recovered.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Gear Overview
  2. 00:13Ice Test: .38 Special
  3. 00:25Ice Test: .357 Magnum
  4. 00:35Results and Bullet Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

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

.357 Magnum rounds, particularly heavier loads like the 158gr JSP tested, demonstrate significantly greater penetration power than .38 Special rounds, creating larger impact craters and deeper holes in mediums like ice.

What types of ammunition were used in the ice test?

The test utilized Federal American Eagle ammunition. Specifically, a .38 Special load with a 158-grain Lead Round Nose (LRN) bullet and a .357 Magnum load with a 158-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullet were compared.

What firearm was used for the .357 Magnum vs .38 Special ice test?

The firearm used for this comparison was a Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver, chambered in both .357 Magnum and .38 Special calibers, allowing for direct comparison of the ammunition performance from the same platform.

Can you recover bullets after firing them into ice?

Recovering bullets fired into ice is possible, especially with more robust bullet designs like the Jacketed Soft Point (.357 Magnum in this case). However, lighter or less durable bullets, like the Lead Round Nose (.38 Special), may fragment or deform significantly, making recovery more difficult or impossible.

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