Does A Short Barrel Equal Poor Performance? .38 Special 158 vs 125 Grain Ballistic Gel Test!

[@mattjaxdad8693]

Tools, I would just like to point out to the rest of your viewers how patient you must be with cleaning, melting, and setting up these gel blocks. Just take a look at some of the other channels how they knock it off the table and lose patience and burn it, turning it yellow/brown. Your testing, measurements, camera work, editing, and thoroughness is very similar to (tnoutdoors) which is a helluva compliment. Thanks.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Really appreciate that brother. It's definitely a lot of work. Thanks for noticing!😎👊

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Where did that one come from 🎥? Love those 38 Specials….that’s a long way in…nice…nice…great video mate. 🇺🇸🏁

[@carlosgutierrezjimenez200]

Super helpful video, especially because the vast majority of .38 Special tools that people own & carry nowadays have either a 1 & 7/8ths inch barrel or a 2 inch barrel.. Test your carry ammo folks- or at least watch tools&targets test it- great video

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you again. Lots more .38 still to test.👍

[@demetriusnelson2392]

Dang TOOLS I’m so glad you did this test. I also picked up some of that exact AMMO Inc. 125gr Hollowpoints, so your video is performing a real service for me personally. I had a feeling that under standard pressures for 38 special, they might not expand well; however I’m glad to see that the AMMO Inc. round at least sorta tried to do something haha. This test provided information I needed to know. (My revolver barrel being 4 inches) I’m curious whether the added barrel length will increase velocity enough to see noticeable effective performance. Huge thank you for this test TOOLS. This is some seriously valuable practical data that is personally beneficial to my life, protection, and safety in my shooting endeavors. Blessings from AZ 🌵

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate you brother. I'm definitely gonna be testing it out of a 4" barrel soon.👍

[@yuvgotubekidding]

Apparently these rounds didn’t enter the gel with enough energy to do what they’re designed to do. Testimony to testing your carry ammo. Thanks. 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Absolutely. They were moving super slow out of this shorty.👍

[@ronaldperkins4222]

Surprising results. BTW, your screen display of the chrono face is superb! NO ONE on KZbin shows their chrono display so clearly. Kudos to you. 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir! I was definitely surprised at this one.

[@HamiltonOutdoors]

They are just moving too slow to expand, it would be interesting to see what a 158 grain lead wodcutter would do in comparison to them

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I'm gonna have to test a lot more stuff from this shorty after seeing this for sure. Appreciate you checkin it out, brother👍

[@josephthomas439]

@@ToolsandTargets tool's, I'll second that request, see if you can't get some wad cutters and or semi wad cutters. Or semi jacketed soft points or hollow points?

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@josephthomas439 Definitely gonna see what I can come up with.👍

[@joehelvey5794]

I can offer some insight from my testing out of a Colt detective. The wadcutters and semi wadcutters cut even deeper exiting 2 blocks of clear ballistics blocks. The lighter loads did way better, from +p 120 grain punch and Underwood loaded +p gold dots. The accuracy was much much better too with the lightest load I tested 110 standard and +p Critical Defense round which expanded as intended. I’m no expert, just enjoyed myself one day shootin gel.

[@mrmann44]

I'm all about the Wadcutters! Can't find any these days though

[@markapril0206]

Nice video thanks for the 38 special. I glad I carry the underwood extreme defenders. Be cool to see what they would do but I pray I'll never have to find out. Thanks again Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Those defenders are some fantastic rounds. Need to see if I can round up some in .38 special.👍

[@TARandFEATHERS]

Looking forward to the slightly longer barrel test. I believe those rds were designed for 4"-6" barrels.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Did the test with these rounds from a 4" today. Stay tuned.👍

[@LuckyDog350X]

I kind of expected this with standard velocity out of a 2" It's amazing what an extra 1/2" length of barrel will do for velocity. I remember you did a test before in .38 with your rock river snub with the federal punch 120 gr. +P I think that is supposed to be right at 1,000 fps and that test was real good. That test is what made me grab a few boxes of the .38 punch. Have a good one my brother and I will see you on the next one.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep, that Punch did fantastic. This standard velocity stuff just didn't cut it.

[@shadowwolf2524]

@@ToolsandTargets After I watched your test with the Federal Punch 38 plus P, I loaded my S&W 642 snub with those. My local shop had the 38 Punch for sale a few months back. They were selling them for $20 for a box of 20- one box limit. I laid down my $ and took my meager ration lol.

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@shadowwolf2524 Nice. It's crazy how much better those Punch perform than both of these rounds.

[@shadowwolf2524]

@@ToolsandTargets Roger that. I had been thinking about loading up my 642 with the Punch. Your test helped me make up my mind. They did really good from your Rock Island.

[@leederby136]

I always use the 158 grain .38 since I get the best accuracy from it. I’m surprised by the lack of expansion for both of those rounds. 🤔 Thanks for the experiment!

[@ToolsandTargets]

I was a little surprised by this myself. Definitely gonna be doing some more testing.

[@sergiogiron3659]

My wife use to carry a Taurus model 85 38 special. With a 158 grain ppu brand hollow point. I’m glad she never had to use it. She now carries a Shield plus 9mm. I feel better that she switched now. I would really like if you revisited this again with other Ammo and the 4 inch gun. Thanks tools. You never disappoint.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that brother. Definitely gonna be doing some more testing on this.👍

[@thystaff742]

The federal 124 grain standard pressure will do the job from the short barrel. An old channel called Shootingthebull410 shot that round from a 3 inch barrel into gel and it got consistent penetration and expansion.

[@mikewhite8490]

I think that you need right around 1,000 fps for reliable expansion on most projectiles

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah these things were movin like a snail out of the 2".

[@cdlund2840]

I only use hardcast wadcutters in snubbies because there are no JHP that function reliably. They either do not open or open too soon for good penetration. Hardcast wadcutters go deep and straight and leave a full caliber sized hole that does not close behind the bullet like a FMJ.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Probably the best option.👍

[@adamr9215]

A test of these rounds from several different barrel lengths would be interesting. Also, I wonder what kind of change you would get if there were different obstructions before the jell. Something like 1/8 or 1/4” plywood. Something solid to simulate hitting bone. Maybe that would get them to mushroom out a little more. Or even an old cell phone. I know that if I have to defend myself, I’m gonna do my best to make sure the aggressor doesn’t get off easy. If they have a cell phone in their pocket, I’m gonna try to get some battery juice into them to make things as bad for them as I can.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Juice em up!💥📳📳📳💥

[@jimmymurley4563]

I just bought the Taurus 856 Defender with a 3" barrel. Hoping to get some range time as well but with limited ammo out there, it'll be a short visit. Stay safe and thanks for the video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. Appreciate you checkin out the vid!

[@fabionegri4855]

these jelly tests are like forrest gump's chocolates, you never know what' s going to happen, maybe this is why i like it so much in any case decent stopping power

[@ToolsandTargets]

LOL, yeah they definitely give ya some surprises.😎

[@charlene2400]

the only 38 I do carry, on occasion, is a 2" Charter Arms Undercover, regular 1lb version. I find the older style cheapie HP's seem to work the best. Similar results in my 380, with plain old UMC green box, giving great results.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep, some of the basic stuff is the best.

[@charlene2400]

@@ToolsandTargets your testing medium is more scientific than mine, lol. I use a water jug full of jell-o, in front of 4x4 posts. Does me little good, if the round has to travel further than that gallon jug, to expand. Makes hella mess though, lol

[@toneyholcombe7088]

When I carry a .38 I still carry solid wadcutters or a 158 gr semiwadcutter. Today you can get jhp's that will reliably expand out of a snubby but I'd rather not choose between expansion and penetration and I want reliable bone breaking if needed. Wadcutters make a skinny subcaliber path through ballistic gel but not through critters. I'll accept the old school compromise.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I've got several more rounds to test still so hopefully there will be some gems in the bunch.👍

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

My husband and I agree with you on this one. 148gr wadcutter or 158gr swc. Standard velocity.

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

I ise 148 grain full wadcutters from my 2 inch. Ammo is minuteman 148 grain from a local loader, box velocity of 860 from their test barrel.

[@bjagfan9452]

Awesome test, learned something I would have thought but not proved myself.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Gonna run these same rounds through the 4 inch barrel at the range tomorrow.👍

[@haroldhatcher1239]

They both performed about as I expected. I believe you need at least 1,000fps for expansion. When I reload for 357mag I load it down to 38 special velocity and use 158gr hard cast lead semi-wadcutter. Hollow points usually won’t expand at that speed so save some money and use lead. Another great video !!! Keep em coming.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Definitely curious to see what these do from the 4" now.👍

[@JJ_SDWR]

This is why I practice with standard pressure but when it comes to carrying my Rossi M88 2 inch... I load 5 Speer 135gr +Ps, despite the gun not being rated for +P. I've shot 2 or 3 +P out of it and when my life is on the line, I'll take the extra wear on the gun and possible damage over not stopping the threat.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Amen!

[@ratagris21]

The heavy grain rounds are good for up close and personal encounters. The HSTs are the best ones for expansion along with Critical Defense and Critical Duty rounds. Good test for making holes,but like you said FMJs will do the same. The old school semi wadcutter HP will still do the job because of the soft lead for expansion.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, the Critical Defense i've tested out of this so far have done pretty good.👍

[@ratagris21]

@@ToolsandTargets love those rounds

[@frankbrowning328]

Most (NOT ALL) standard vel 38 Sp do not expand in gel through a 2'' barrel. Much (NOT ALL) of the +P ammo will not expand in gel fired from a 2'' barrel. However, some loads such as the FBI load (158 gr. HP Lead SWC) normally will offer good expansion fired from a 2'' barrel. Some of the High energy offerings from manufacturers like Underwood and Buffalo Bore will work very well in a 2'' barrel. If you want to use a 38 snubby for defense its best to research what load will meet your performance expectations.

[@ToolsandTargets]

100%👍

[@robertharing7031]

I have to agree with the lack of expansion on the two rounds but the penetration was another story they just wanted to keep going!!! I’m a little bit surprised that they didn’t open up better! I haven’t owned a 38 since about 95 when I had two Rossi revolvers I wish I still had one of them.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, they pretty much were FMJ's with the lack of expansion. I have a bunch more to test so hopefully I'll find some that expand nicely.

[@fabionegri4855]

Usually lighter bullets suffer much velocity loss, heaviers are more difficult to stabilize, seen 223 holes not 100% circolars from heavy rounds in long twist barrel

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir.👍

[@clutchcargo1239]

I shot 125, and 130gr +P ammo out of my alloy 1.8" barrel .38, but I don't think recoil wise, very much more powerful than the 158gr ball Armscor ammo. I think the 125gr HP ammo I had was Ammo Inc, don't recall the 130gr brand. Ammo Inc was all I could find in .38, I did find some Federal 130gr, but haven't shot any of it yet. I can honesty say that I wouldn't want to be shot by any .38, from any barrel, because I believe it to be capable enough to make for a really bad day. 🙂

[@ToolsandTargets]

It will definitely get the bad guy off of you.👍

[@billdye3530]

You know first thing I did was check to see what I had in Taurus Poly Protector. Lol. Was 124 gr sjhp but I may change that. Will wait for testing in 608 before I switch in my 627 4in. Glad you did this video. Rossi 92 will be using the Monarch now. 👍 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

It definitely gives ya something to think about.👍

[@billdye3530]

@@ToolsandTargets Have to use standard 38 special in the Poly because of Arthritis & it's lightweight. Lol. Lead roundhouse or flatnose fmj is looking better now for it. Appreciate the learning experience.

[@keithmaxwell2169]

That's why the 357 was developed, Good Test Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. The .357 kicks it up a few notches.👍

[@valkyriect3919]

Very interesting Tools...keep it coming. All your tests are food for thought. Thank you 😊

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you ma'am.😎

[@brucecoleman7412]

Hey TOOLS! My best friend is a wheel gun guy and carries a small 38. Not me. I would rather carry a 9mm. End of story.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'm gonna test some more .38 but I'm with ya on that.👍

[@nickmccarthy5115]

Love the grip on your taurus. I have the same revolver

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Really like the feel of the G10 grips.😎👍

[@jamespollard1670]

I liked this one . I normally run a 158 gr +p in my snubby .

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I'm definitely gonna be testing some more stuff including a few different +P's I have.😎

[@PetuniaIii-pd1ww]

We have hornady 125gr ftx loaded in our 856...and now i'm wondering about it...we have plenty of 158gr fmj for practice, in a pinch that would definitely penetrate...hmm...

[@ToolsandTargets]

It definitely gives ya something to think about.👍

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

If I do carry a revolver it will be my 3” Ruger LCRX with my own hand loads w/ 125 cast RNFP powder coated bullets at 900 FPS (+or -) so I’m interested in your reviews on anything related in .38 Special (it’s sorta fallen to the wayside after the wonder 9s and 40 S&W…my EDC is a Glock G27) but from to time I will carry my Ruger, mostly for nostalgia, but I do love me some light weight revolvers…Tools, thank you for your content my friend 👍👍👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely gonna do a lot more .38 special testing after these results.👍

[@thystaff742]

Interesting with that 125 grain, didn't expect that. Paul Harrell did a good .38 special comparison a few years back. His meat target test proved that the old school Remington 158 grain lead nose did the most damage compared to the other Remington loads he had.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, this short barrel just doesn't get em moving fast enough for good expansion.

[@MitchC357]

I always carry the 605 with critical defense .357 rounds. I know they will work. Any .38 rounds I use are +p rounds. Need higher velocity in snubby as your tests indicate. Keep up the great videos.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I got a bunch more rounds to test. Hopefully we find some that will expand outta this stubby.👍

[@Pointblank2U]

Top brand 38 Specials like Gold Dot and PDX1, sometimes expand out of snubbie. Lesser brands never do.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'm definitely gonna be testing some more stuff in .38 after seeing this.👍

[@randlerichardson5826]

Like you said and I agree that most people carry a stub nosed 38 maybe the bullet companies will take the hint.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, these definitely didn't do good from this shorty.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Yep ! What you said. If I had a gun santa I would get a 357 mag so I could shoot 38 also . Good stuff

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎

[@wesleycameron1034]

I have a bunch of 38spl I’m glad I watched this. I will definitely use them in my Henry to get that higher velocities.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I have several more kinds of .38 including a few +P so I'm curious to see if I find some that will expand from this shorty.

[@wesleycameron1034]

I love that grip you got on there.. I have been looking for a local Taurus dealer cuz I want to try a few of there guns but can’t find one. I guess I’m going to have to check online. They sure seem like they are worth the money.

[@ClearWater7.62]

I stocked up a few .38 specials and 357 mag while searching for a colt python and Henry side gate. But no luck and priced jumped so much on the Python. I recently found a Citadel Levtac-92 in stock, also highly sought after. I live in Commifornia and gotta wait my 10 days before I can bring it home. Lol can't wait to hit the range.

[@scottduross2891]

158 grain lead round nose. My carry load for charter arms undercover 38 special. Watch Paul Harrell's 38 special ammunition selection video. Thanks for the video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@buzsalmon]

I've always used .158 never had to use it but I find these tests really interesting! I carried a Colt Detective for more years than I can remember! 1.5/8ths inch I think.

[@ToolsandTargets]

This was kinda surprising. I have a lot more types to test so maybe I'll run across some that expand well.👍

[@buzsalmon]

@@ToolsandTargets promise you I'll be watching Tools!

[@Dwayne7834]

I was expecting much more expansion from both. Definitely wouldn’t want be shot with either. Thanks for the video

[@ToolsandTargets]

Same here.👍

[@terrell48]

Not surprising I would not expect a expansion at those bullet speeds, I think there are some bullets designed for short barrels, Federal makes a HST round that is a inverted wad cutter and a +P that’s what I carry but the ammo is impossible to find, I just bought a box of 158 gr LRN box of Monarch but it was $30 plus tax that’s first box 38 soc I have bought in over a year

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I have several more 38's that Im curious to see now.

[@joshjones6805]

In my 38 sp I carry the Winchester ranger and the super vel... Both great rounds in a snub nose revolver

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'm definitely gonna be testing some more .38 rounds after seeing this.👍

[@davidhamilton9106]

Wow did not see that comming!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely not good from either one.

[@markmalone279]

It'll be very interesting to see how those perform out of the 4". It's a shame about short barreled .38s and .380s, and .45s for that matter.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. I just tested these out of a 4" barrel today. Video will be coming soon.👍

[@stead750]

The ideal barrel length for full performance out of a .38 or .357 is 4 inches and up. Modern 3 inchers aren't terrible, better than 2, but it really starts with 4".

[@ToolsandTargets]

👍

[@tedberwick3186]

Ty

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎

[@themainmanchannel]

I like some 38, a lot of 38 won't expand though.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah it's been hit or miss with what I've tried so far.👍

[@joeltowle2737]

That Ammo Inc. looked like a Hornady XTP!

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎💥

[@TheColdDark25]

Test the 38+p federal punch in the snub 👍🏻

[@ToolsandTargets]

I can definitely do that.👍

[@randyadams03]

I missed this on my Daughter's wedding . Here now BL. ON the 17th , Bad guy done with both. Thanks

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya checkin it out. They would definitely cause a leak.👍

[@n.b.2164]

I figured they are jacketed rounds and you're shooting from a 2" barrel which would effect the velocity. You probably would have had better results using a 4" barrel with these rounds. Use wadcutters on the snubs.

[@dman2043]

Can you do a short barrel 45acp gel test

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have a couple of tests with a 3.5" .45 1911 but I'm definitely gonna be doing some more. The next upload is actually gonna be .45acp from the 3.5" and full size 5"👍

[@bruceliggett8036]

Great video sir!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir!

[@shadowwolf2524]

Has anyone here ever tested the Aguila 38 special 158gr semi-jacketed Hollow points? They are advertisied at 900fps- and are a non- plus P load. I've got almost a full box I got with a used 38 Rossi 88 snub. I do question how they can be a standard load being rated at 900 fps. I thought about putting them in my Rock island 4" barrel M200 38. Anybody have any experience or opinions on this round?

[@ToolsandTargets]

I think the only Aguilas I have are 130 grain FMJ. I'll have to dig through my stash and see if I have those.

[@shadowwolf2524]

@@ToolsandTargets I've shot some of my Aguila 158's. I didnt have any jelly, so I shot the mud bank at a creek I was at. I know that's not a true scientific test- but they did throw alot of mud and made some big holes. Lol.

[@Prepare2Survive]

Federal HST is the only 38 spc ammo that penetrates 12-18" AND expands over 150% from a 2" barrel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have some HST's so I'll find out for sure.👍

[@pufntrees718]

"that extra inch and a half would make a difference"--thats what she said lmao..good vid

[@ToolsandTargets]

Im surprised it took somebody this long!😂😂😂

[@patrickrossetti7109]

Good vid. I agree they'll do the job👍!

[@ToolsandTargets]

They would definitely ventilate a bad guy.👍

[@scottodonahoe9505]

I find my short barrels are good within 10 yards and then they start to tumble . 9mm derringer with a 2 inch barrel is just terrible . Not enough barrel to give it enough spin !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I've thought about picking up a little derringer or two just for testing purposes.

[@JohnLloydScharf]

The long twist rate in .38 Specials makes weak 158 rounds tumble because of the RPM at low speed.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah at 2" there aint much stabilization of anything goin on.

[@choppermike3329]

Thanks for this interesting video Tools. Yeah it was kinda a letdown. Glad you did it though! Looking forward to the future tests of .38 special.👍🎃

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I'm definitely curious to see more 38 now.👍

[@mattjaxdad8693]

I wouldn't call it a complete letdown, to get over 16 inches of penetration from a snubnose 38 is impressive. If it didn't expand AND fell short like less than 11 inches of penetration then I wouldn't even consider purchasing it. If you were hiking or fishing and ran into a bear or alligator that extra penetration would mean a lot more to you than expansion!

[@gatorred157]

9 mm pistol is 1050v federal carbine 1350 V same ammo

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah barrel length makes a big difference.

[@jeffreyrobertson7652]

They definitely did not perform like they should have out of the short barrel Tools Stay Safe Stay 2A Strong 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, just weren't moving fast enough.👍

[@ilovetrump1252]

I have s&w 642 air weight. 1 inch barrel. Detroit cop I know carries same gun. Told me to shoot wad cutters in the short barrel 38 have since. He says it will hit perpetrator harder if he's on you it will knock perpetrator on there butt.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Makes sense for sure.👍

[@frank6029]

Maybe the longer barrel will be enough power to make them expand but very disappointed with the results great video Be Safe and God Bless 🙏🙏

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Going to the range tomorrow and I'll be running these same rounds through a 4" barrel.👍

[@randlerichardson5826]

Be safe Tools and GOD BLESS y’all buddy Amen 🙏

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you brother.😎👊

[@Tom-cp6yj]

the 110s probably would expand but I'm a +p guy for sure in .38!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Gonna be testing a lot more for sure.👍

[@johnnymccann5607]

with over 42 years of reloading experience and knowledge testing shooting. designer of self defense ammunition. i speak honestly with my findings but outhers will definitely differ in opinions in which I respect. i own 3 38 specials . a love them . my wife and family greatly enjoy shooting them but there not the greatest weapon for self defense. don’t get mad please hear me out. 38 special is a wonderful cartridge but 357 magnum is a greater choice. . in 2 inch barrel 357 according to which factory ammunition you use you can have up to 556 pounds of energy doubling that of 38 special shot in same gun , I have seen printed slames of 9 mm 400 pounds of energy but I don’t put any trust in it with out testing it myself. I don’t remember if it was a + p+ load that i would not shoot in my semi automatics . plus 357 magnum with 2 inch barrel is well over 100 pounds of energy more than 9 mm with a 4 inch barrel. the records by the FBI and outher medical examiner’s records show and prove that 357 magnum and 45 acp have the most highest percentage of one shot stops. and all outher calibers way behind or way below. now be totally fair these reports are one shot stops records. i am sure many people were killed by the one shot eather DOA or maybe could possibly have lived a few days. any caliber from 22 long rifle to 50 browning is capable of stopping a immediate threat. many more effectively. the point is to stop the immediate danger. if the criminals die good they earned that privilege and right to depart from this world. I would think every state would say self defense only to stop the threat. remember if no more threat and you keep shooting you can in some states be charged with murder. use your preferred weapons but your responsesble for every bullet you fire . Nana and papa wishing you well, be safe, shoot safe, pray sometime every day.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely agree with this.👍

[@GingerAleDude]

Hey T&T, if you you find the actual FBI test list, you’ll find out the ballistic jell test is only one of seven, I think. One you wrap your head around the scoring you’ll realize that this test is to weed out over penetration. Whichever test they underperform, they may make it up elsewhere. I agree, neither rounds inspire confidence.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I made sure I read up on the FBI tests before I started doing any of this. It's actually six; bare gel, "heavy clothing", steel. wallboard, plywood, and automobile glass. That's why all I can do is shake my head when people talk about the "FBI 4 layers of denim test." 😆

[@davidjernigan8161]

It would be interesting to see what a 148 gr. Wadcutter would do in gel. Probably impossible to find though.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Either that or priced crazy high.😆

[@randlerichardson5826]

It shouldn’t matter what they’re shot out of Tools they need a thinner jacket on them it would be better to shoot a fmj out of that pistol now. The bullet companies need a better bullet in my opinion. I deal with a lot of different bullets mostly rifle bullets I like thin jacket bullets like Nosler ballistic tips for my rifle rounds.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep.👍

[@Donald_R_DeCicco]

Sucks they didnt fully expand. Ill check, but it'd be cool if federal made a 38 punch.👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

They do in +P. It was one of the first tests I did on that gel you sent me. It performed great.😎

[@Donald_R_DeCicco]

@@ToolsandTargets oh thats right lol i was thinkn it was the silvertips. Ima have to go back watch it again tonight👊

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@Donald_R_DeCicco I'm thinking about giving em another test in the clear gel to see what kinda difference there is, if any.👍

[@Donald_R_DeCicco]

@@ToolsandTargets nice

[@prepping2survive615]

Sure not what I expected but I still love a 38

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I have a lot more different 38 rounds still to test👍

[@gunningforsurvival6568]

In the house 🏡. Tools 🛠!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Gunning!💥👊💥

[@nickmccarthy5115]

Are these +P?

[@ToolsandTargets]

Standard

[@semichiganandy2127]

A comparison with the 4" barrel should be interesting.

[@ToolsandTargets]

For sure!👍

[@dontaylor3039]

Another great video tools even though it didnt expand

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Definitely gonna have to do some more testing with .38.👍

[@donsettie4739]

When you buy .38 HP, go with win, fed or horn.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I've got plenty more to test. I'd be willing to bet all but the highest end stuff such as Punch or HST will suffer the same slow speeds and lack of expansion out of this shorty.👍

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

👋

[@davegreene2031]

Good veido I enjoyed it as always salute

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate you watching as always!😎👊

[@ctsnider88]

I am disappointed. I was going to get a short barrel 38sp.. I'll wait for further testing. Thanks

[@ToolsandTargets]

This stuff definitely didn't like a short barrel. Plenty more to test through it though.👍

[@azazelakira12]

Hey, good to know that I should buy me a 6" revolver

[@ToolsandTargets]

Get a 2 footer!😜

[@azazelakira12]

Hahahaha, I mean If I could drive my car with that I would. LOOOL

[@tedberwick3186]

Wadcutter are recommended.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Gonna see what I can come up with.😎👍

[@HyksosKhamudi]

Not enough velocity to expand LoL and fully agree with you neither performed very well

[@ToolsandTargets]

They were pathetic.😆

[@scottierunsick5061]

Gonna stick with my .357s

[@ToolsandTargets]

👍

[@Jerry-dk8se]

2.5" barrel??? I've always had pretty good results with PPU ammo... maybe just not enough velocity to open them up? Either that, or your jelly contraption is broken? 😂🤣 You do things about like I do... record several videos on the same range visit. I have one coming in a couple of weeks... need to do the primer testing, and a couple other projects

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. I try to do at least 5 videos per trip so I can film once per week.👍

[@Jerry-dk8se]

@@ToolsandTargets that's usually all the time I have off each week... one day. So if I can get 3-5 video's worth of content, that gives me a few weeks to do honey-do's 😂💩

[@Jerry-dk8se]

OOPS! Meant to drop 😂🤣, NOT 💩!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@Jerry-dk8se 🤣🤣🤣

[@lbmullinax9387]

Kinda disappointed same gun only difference is i got lucky found one box of 50 hornady 147 jhp the rest is solid hard tip...that shocks me.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely gives ya something to think about. I have plenty more rounds to test including some Hornady.👍

[@timrobertson299]

surprised at the speeds of these rounds, comparable to 45 acp rounds speeds

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, they were definitely taking their time.🐌🐌🐌

[@rickrigsby7620]

HCWC for a snubby

[@chrisgabbert658]

See if something hard would make them expand 🤷‍♂️ probably not.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'll probably do some hard barrier stuff sometime soon.👍

[@TheCrewChief374]

Since I have been told from people I worked with that I somehow look like Elton John. I am going to change things up and give you some summoned Elton John😁 Don't let the sun go down on me, since the ammo under preformed. Because Tools has a Cold heart, towards the .38 special ammo🤣 But Don't go breaking my heart, because the ammo under preformed out of a short barrel gun😂 Well if you want Rocket Man, than you will need to get a longer barrel gun😁😂 Now for my inner Randy Marsh, Get off the streets, all the old people are driving. What? "I mean, this is something that I made. It is something that came fromm me. That was once a part of me. It is the only thing, I ever made that was any good." 😁 "Hunger games, yah, yah, yah, yah Hunger games." What, last time I checked, this was Merica, What'ca want to do huh? All I am doing is misinterpreting naggers😁🤣😂

[@ToolsandTargets]

You have officially lost your mind.😆

[@TheCrewChief374]

@@ToolsandTargets What mind? Don't be a "tiny dancer" around the topic. Because I am NOT gay, I am metrosexual. 🤣

[@jaypee389]

Gotta be loaded hot in .38.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I've got several more factory rounds to test. We'll see how many of them actually do what they should.👍

[@G1FREAKZ]

How do you expect to neutralize the threat if it doesnt expand 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

😆😆😆

[@guardianminifarm8005]

"Pitiful" thank you for data

[@ToolsandTargets]

Very.👍

[@williamray3101]

Rounds pop you.that gun little.,rounds slow

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤨

[@allenbolen9705]

🤦🏼

[@ToolsandTargets]

😱