Hard Cast vs Hollow Point AMMO!....Snub Nose Self Defense!

Published on January 17, 2023
Duration: 13:21

This guide details a comprehensive ballistic gel testing procedure for .38 Special +P ammunition, as demonstrated by an experienced instructor. It covers test setup, ammunition selection, velocity and energy measurements, gel impact observation, projectile recovery, and detailed analysis of expansion, penetration, and retained weight. The testing is crucial for understanding self-defense ammunition performance from short-barreled revolvers.

Quick Summary

Expert ballistic testing reveals significant differences between Hard Cast and Hollow Point .38 Special +P ammunition from snub nose revolvers. The 125gr Gold Dot offers controlled expansion and 14.25" penetration, ideal for self-defense. The 158gr Hard Cast provides extreme penetration (32+") but minimal expansion, making it potentially excessive for civilian threats due to over-penetration risks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:42Ammunition Overview
  3. 01:34Firearm Used
  4. 02:00Gold Dot Velocity Test
  5. 03:17Hard Cast Velocity Test
  6. 04:29Velocity & Energy Comparison
  7. 05:00Ballistic Gel Test Prep
  8. 05:17Gold Dot Gel Impact
  9. 05:41Hard Cast Gel Impact
  10. 06:27Hard Cast Penetration & Wound Channel
  11. 07:02Gold Dot Penetration & Wound Channel
  12. 09:04Projectile Comparison
  13. 09:44Projectile Measurements (Weight)
  14. 10:16Projectile Measurements (Dimensions)
  15. 10:48Conclusion & Recommendations
  16. 11:24Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the performance difference between Hard Cast and Hollow Point .38 Special +P ammunition from a snub nose revolver?

From a 2-inch barrel, 125gr Gold Dot averaged 1021 fps, expanding to ~0.595" and penetrating 14.25". The 158gr Hard Cast averaged 1114 fps, with minimal expansion but penetrating over 32" through multiple barriers.

Which .38 Special +P ammunition is better for self-defense from a snub nose revolver?

For typical self-defense, the 125gr Gold Dot offers a better balance of expansion and penetration. The 158gr Hard Cast's extreme penetration may be excessive for civilian encounters, posing over-penetration risks.

What are the key ballistic differences between Underwood's 125gr Gold Dot and 158gr Hard Cast .38 Special +P loads?

The Gold Dot prioritizes expansion and controlled penetration (14.25"), while the Hard Cast prioritizes deep penetration (32+") with minimal expansion, resulting in significantly higher muzzle energy (435 ft-lb vs 289 ft-lb) for the Hard Cast load.

How does ammunition performance vary between different bullet types in .38 Special +P from a 2-inch barrel?

Testing showed the heavier 158gr Hard Cast bullet achieved higher average velocity (1114 fps) and energy (435 ft-lb) than the 125gr Gold Dot (1021 fps, 289 ft-lb), demonstrating that bullet construction significantly impacts performance from short barrels.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →