Hello
Most of the 38 Special reviews that I did were shot with two guns.
A Taurus 85 Ulta Lite 2 inch barrel and a Smith & Wesson model 15 with a 4 inch barrel.
First I do forensic exam of the ammunition. Next I shoot a group while chronographing with each gun. 10 yards with the 2 inch Taurus 85 and 25 yards with the 4 inch Model 15. Chronograph is a Oehler 35P
Then the ammunition is shot out of each gun into a 55 gallon plastic barrel of water. The bullets are then recovered, photographed and then measured for expansion. In cases where the bullet fragments and loses its jacket, a weight is taken with all the recovered material and also a weight taken with just the lead core.
Here is the link to all the photos of the review;

38 SPL Sell & Bell 110gr XRG — Postimages

Data Sheet



Here is another example of partial and/or no expansion in water. The bullet shot out of the 2 inch gun expanded somewhat, however the bullet shot out of the 4 inch gun didn't expand at all. That was unexpected. Velocity was more than adequate for some acceptable expansion. The ammunition is not labeled as +P yet, velocity is within that range.
Ammoseek.com cost range for these are $0.72 to $1.16 per round.

Big surprise.
Most all copper bullets work at lower fps to expand.

I was looking for a much better outcome, even with the lower fps ammo.

Maybe copper is like lead and comes in diffeent "Softness to hardness" ,
by the companies that make these 100% copper bullets?

An eye opener , for sure.

Same old same old. Trying to get both bullet expansion and penetration from jacketed bullets out of snubby .38 spl revolvers. Not likely to happen. And of course the relentless thought that bullets MUST expand or they are useless for SD.