I finally got around to getting some work done for my own projects, and had some Magtech 38 Special +p 158 grain SJHP laying around, had my gel blocks ready to test my cast bullet deer rifle round, and decided to do a test on these at the same time.


In my test, bullets failed to expand beyond the diameter of the jacket, and all tumbled. I was hoping more from the jacketed heavy weight bullet, but I'm guessing Magtech's load was too light and the jacket to hard. I've got some for reloading, and might do a high power 357 Magnum test at some point.

I have a picture of three different SJHP bullets from a gel test.

Just the lead on the bullets tips was removed or missing.
A third of the lead was still intact above the copper jacket.

One reason loads are tested.

Time warp back to the 70's & 80's.

158gr JHP .38 Spl's pushed at velocities commonly seen in standard pressure and +P loads weren't exactly the cat's meow back then, either. (Although, Remington's scalloped SJHP did seem to offer more potential for some expansion.)

That's one of the reasons the LSWCHP +P load started to make the rounds and achieved a good reputation when fired from service length revolver barrels (and upon occasion, even when fired from 2" snubs).

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer