SUPER DUPER!...Wilson Combat 115 VS 124 .38 Super +P Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on March 21, 2026
Duration: 13:54

This expert-level analysis details a ballistic gel test comparing Wilson Combat's 115gr and 124gr .38 Super +P XTP ammunition fired from a Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911. The test, conducted by Tools&Targets, provides comprehensive data on velocity, penetration, weight retention, and expansion, offering insights into the self-defense capabilities of these loads. The speaker, demonstrating expert authority, breaks down the performance metrics and compares them to advertised specifications.

Quick Summary

In ballistic gel tests, Wilson Combat's 115gr .38 Super +P XTP penetrated 17.75 inches, retaining 94.8% weight (109.0 grains) and expanding to 0.463 inches. The 124gr load achieved 18.75 inches penetration, retained 97.4% weight (120.8 grains), and expanded to 0.491 inches, indicating slightly better performance in depth and integrity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:32.38 Super Caliber Introduction
  3. 00:54Ammunition Details and Claims
  4. 01:58Ammunition Visual Inspection
  5. 02:24Firearm Introduction
  6. 02:36115gr Chronograph Test
  7. 04:15115gr Velocity Results
  8. 04:58124gr Chronograph Test
  9. 05:59124gr Velocity Results & Energy Summary
  10. 06:50115gr Ballistic Gel Test
  11. 07:48124gr Ballistic Gel Test
  12. 08:26Ballistic Gel Penetration Analysis
  13. 10:33Projectiles: Weight Retention
  14. 11:22Projectiles: Expanded Diameter
  15. 12:30Conclusion and Future Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Wilson Combat's 115gr and 124gr .38 Super +P XTP ammunition perform in ballistic gel tests?

The 115gr load penetrated 17.75 inches, retained 94.8% weight (109.0 grains), and expanded to 0.463 inches. The 124gr load penetrated 18.75 inches, retained 97.4% weight (120.8 grains), and expanded to 0.491 inches, showing slightly better performance in penetration and weight retention.

What were the average velocities for Wilson Combat's .38 Super +P ammunition tested?

The Wilson Combat 115gr .38 Super +P XTP averaged 1377 fps, exceeding its advertised 1360 fps. The 124gr load averaged 1325 fps, closely matching its advertised 1335 fps, when fired from a 5-inch barrel.

Which .38 Super +P load from Wilson Combat offered better penetration and weight retention?

The 124gr Wilson Combat .38 Super +P XTP demonstrated superior performance with 18.75 inches of penetration and 97.4% weight retention (120.8 grains), compared to the 115gr load's 17.75 inches penetration and 94.8% weight retention (109.0 grains).

What firearm was used for the .38 Super +P ballistic gel test?

The ballistic gel tests were conducted using a 5-inch barrel Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 pistol, chambered in .38 Super.

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