357 magnum Ballistics Gel Test

Published on February 13, 2021
Duration: 6:24

This video details a ballistics gel test of various .357 Magnum factory loads fired from a 3-inch Smith & Wesson 686 Plus. The instructor, with apparent experience in firearms testing, evaluates bullet performance based on penetration depth and expansion. The test includes Federal 158gr Hydro-Shok, Federal 158gr JHP, Speer 135gr Gold Dot, and Hornady 125gr Critical Defense FTX, providing insights into their terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

A .357 Magnum ballistics gel test evaluated four factory loads: 135gr Speer Gold Dot, 158gr Federal Hydro-Shok, 158gr Federal JHP, and 125gr Hornady FTX Critical Defense, fired from a 3-inch S&W 686 Plus. The Hornady FTX achieved 16.75 inches of penetration, while the Speer Gold Dot expanded perfectly and penetrated 13 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to .357 Magnum Gel Test
  2. 00:30Ammunition Tested: Factory Loads
  3. 00:36Speer 135gr Gold Dot
  4. 00:40Federal 158gr Hydro-Shok
  5. 00:44Federal 158gr JHP
  6. 00:51Hornady 125gr Critical Defense FTX
  7. 01:26Firearm Used: S&W 686 Plus (3-inch)
  8. 01:36Test Procedure: Heavy to Light
  9. 01:53Federal 158gr Hydro-Shok Results
  10. 02:20Federal 158gr JHP Results
  11. 03:10Speer 135gr Gold Dot Results
  12. 03:54Hornady 125gr Critical Defense FTX Results
  13. 04:59Bullet Recovery and Analysis
  14. 05:54Conclusion and Viewer Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What .357 Magnum loads were tested in the ballistics gel?

The test included the 135 grain Speer Gold Dot, 158 grain Federal Hydro-Shok, a 158 grain Federal jacketed hollow point, and the 125 grain Hornady FTX Critical Defense. All were factory loads.

What firearm was used for the .357 Magnum ballistics gel test?

The ballistics gel test was conducted using a Smith & Wesson 686 Plus revolver, specifically a model with a 3-inch barrel. This barrel length is noted as a factor influencing performance.

How did the Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum round perform in ballistic gel?

The 135 grain Speer Gold Dot showed good expansion and created a solid wound tract, settling around the 8-inch mark. The recovered bullet was found at approximately 13 inches of penetration.

What was the penetration depth of the Federal 158gr Hydro-Shok in the gel test?

The Federal 158 grain Hydro-Shok round achieved a penetration depth of 14.75 inches in the ballistic gel, exhibiting what the instructor described as typical performance for this ammunition type.

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