RDub
Member
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 WIN Defense 125gr JHP +P — Postimages
Data Sheet
I was very pleased with the accuracy with this round especially at 25 yards with the 4 inch 15.
Expansion with the 2 inch was very minimal. It was trying but couldn't quite get there. With an average velocity of just 807 fps it wasn't going to happen. I should note here that this was the slowest average velocity recorded from ALL the ammunition, 110 thru 135gr, I tested out of the 2 inch gun.
However expansion and velocity with the 4 inch was decent. From a service revolver standpoint not too bad.
This ammunition could really use a velocity boost. But then if that were the case it would cost more, I would imagine.. As it is, I found a box of 50 at Midway for $0.66 per round.
