🤔What About from a Rifle?🤔

Published on October 22, 2022
Duration: 14:56

This expert-level analysis from Tools&Targets details a ballistic gel test comparing .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, and .44 Magnum ammunition fired from 20-inch rifle barrels. The test reveals significantly different performance characteristics compared to shorter revolver barrels, particularly for the .44 Magnum which fragmented excessively. The .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P demonstrated excellent expansion and penetration, validating the instructor's deep understanding of terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

Firing ammunition from a 20-inch rifle barrel significantly increases velocity compared to handguns, leading to altered ballistic performance. For example, .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P showed excellent expansion and penetration, while .44 Magnum fragmented excessively.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:31Ammunition Selection for Rifle Retest
  3. 01:44Firearms for Testing
  4. 01:55Pre-Test Predictions
  5. 02:27Chronograph Testing - .357 Magnum
  6. 03:47Chronograph Testing - .38 Special +P
  7. 04:49Chronograph Testing - .44 Magnum
  8. 05:58Average Velocities & Energy
  9. 06:36Ballistic Gel Test Shots
  10. 07:06.357 Magnum Slow Motion & Results
  11. 07:35.38 Special +P Slow Motion & Results
  12. 08:04.44 Magnum Slow Motion & Results
  13. 08:16Wound Channel Analysis
  14. 10:07Penetration Measurements
  15. 10:35Recovered Projectile Examination
  16. 12:43Conclusion & Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ammunition perform differently from a rifle barrel compared to a handgun barrel?

Ammunition fired from a 20-inch rifle barrel generally achieves significantly higher velocities than from shorter handgun barrels. This increased velocity can lead to more dramatic expansion or, in some cases, excessive fragmentation, altering terminal ballistics and penetration characteristics.

What were the key findings of the .357 Magnum ballistic gel test from a rifle?

The .357 Magnum (158gr JSP) from a 20-inch rifle barrel showed excellent performance, achieving 1593 fps, penetrating 18 inches, and exhibiting perfect mushroom expansion with 100% weight retention, making it suitable for hunting.

How did the .44 Magnum perform in the rifle ballistic gel test?

The .44 Magnum (180gr JHP) achieved high velocity (1942 fps) but fragmented excessively upon impact, creating a wide wound channel but penetrating only 6.75 inches. This suggests over-expansion for this specific load from a rifle.

Is .38 Special +P effective from a rifle barrel?

Yes, the .38 Special +P (158gr LHP) performed well from a 20-inch rifle barrel, averaging 1081 fps, penetrating 17.5 inches, and showing maximum expansion with 100% weight retention, comparable to the .357 Magnum in this test.

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