Snub Nose Ballistic Test .38 Special VS .38 Special+P VS .357 Magnum

[@GunSam]

The .38 Special and .38 Special+P is the same ammo that I used in my 4" barrel test. So to compare barrel lengths, the standard Pressure .38 Special average was 1,032 FPS/260 FPE in the 4" barrel and 912 FPS/203 FPE in the 2" barrel. The .38 Special+P average was 1,179 FPS/339 FPE in the 4" barrel and 1,018 FPS/253 FPE in the 2" barrel. To put into simple perspective, the standard pressure ammo in the 4" barrel is roughly the same muzzle velocity as the +P ammo in the 2" barrel. For .357 Magnum, the industry standard for *110 gr JHP* ammunition is to have a *muzzle velocity/energy* of *1,295 FPS/410 FPE* . In comparison the industry standard for *125 gr JHP* is a *muzzle velocity/energy* of *1,450 FPS/583 FPE* and *158 gr JHP* is a *muzzle velocity/energy* of *1,235/535 FPS/FPE* . As I was saying, a 110 gr loaded at full power is not the industry standard, and I would avoid 110 gr loaded to full power the way Corbon loads a 110 gr JHP at 1,500 FPS. The exception to the "rule" is that solid copper 110 gr ammo such as Super-Vel SCHP and other similar ammunition is fine, because copper being less dense than a traditional cup and core JHP bullet makes the 110 gr SCHP bullet about as long as a 125 gr JHP bullet, thus reducing powder charge and sealing the forcing cone long enough to prevent flame cutting. I also wanted to address the contradictory statements I made about going single action to be more accurate, then later saying I am not more accurate in single action. What I meant about not being more accurate in single action, is in context to when shooting at a target where rapid fire or multiple shots could be necessary. I will lock my grip and keep the same hand position to shoot accurately multiple times, going single action where I break my grip is "less accurate" for multiple shots. But at the chronograph or gel block where just one shot is taken with no expectation of needing a quick sight picture and second shot fired immediately, I can often make a more accurate shot in single action.

[@ratagris21]

Well said Sam!

[@bdwillis8284]

Good afternoon Sam, I enjoyed this. In 380 I carry BB hardcast. In 357 around town Remington 125 scalloped HPs. In the woods, 180 hardcast from BB. Thanks

[@gadsdenviper7149]

I'm looking at both the taurus 605 and 856 ultra lite. Taurus gives the 605 a weigh of 24oz. and the 856 a weight of 16oz. both unloaded. the 605 is of course 5 shot 357 and the 856 is a 6 shot 38spl. I really want a lightweight ankle gun, but don't know if 1 rd.less and the 10 +oz over the 856 makes the 605 a better or worse choice. What is your opinion Sam? I'm not a small man so recoil isn't necessarily an issue.

[@GunSam]

@@gadsdenviper7149 Taurus is wrong about their weights. I weighed my 605 at 20 OZ unloaded.

[@gadsdenviper7149]

@@GunSam I got the 605 and love it, I did reduce the mainspring with my own custom spring ( put the original in storage) to get the pull weight down to 8.25 lbs, great little carry gun especially with my 158 swc self cast 357 and 38 reloads . My scale puts the 605 at 21.7 oz unloaded ,Thanks for the input.

[@davidberry6046]

Just a note from an old handloader about 110 gr. .357 mag. loads. Back in the early 70s, when I was a lot dumber than I am now, I conducted an "experiment" with my 6" .357 Ruger Blackhawk, just to find out if the factory loaders were right about not loading 110 grain cup & core projectiles any hotter than they did, even back then. I was of the opinion that the lawyers for the factory ammo companies just didn't want to incur the wrath of the defense/prosecution lawyers just in case one were to have to actually shoot some perp with a really hot 110 gr. bullet. Well, long story short, I loaded up 10 rounds of brand-new WW .357 brass with a Speer 110 grain HP, placing each one on top of an amount of H110 (which I will not divulge), figuring I might just have found a way of proving Einstein wrong about the speed of light! Guess what? The factory folks are right! I only fired one of those rounds at a standard bullseye target at 10 yards; looked at the target and couldn't believe I had missed the target! Well, finally reason started to rear its' ugly head and convinced me to go take a closer look at the target. What I found was a lot of little, tiny holes in that target, fairly well distributed around its periphery, and then it dawned on me! That poor little projectile hadn't even made it to the target in one piece, having basically disintegrated en route! So, the factories were right; I was wrong, and I proceeded to disassemble the other 9 rounds, and I have never been tempted to do this foolishness again!

[@strassersh]

It's refreshing to hear someone speak about the practical accuracy of snubs. I don't know where this myth about them being inaccurate started, but it just isn't true. It's the shooter thats the problem. The more significant factor over barrel length is the double action pull. Most striker fired or single action guys can't shoot well with even a 6 inch revolver in double action. The snubnose, with practice and lots of trigger time, is just as capable and practically accurate as any of the subcompact 9mm pistols... in the right hands. Great work! Keep the snub tests coming!

[@elsullo2]

I think that the short sight radius of the snubby deserves the blame. Non-skilled shooters don't have solid enough holds on small guns and cannot manage the short sight radius..............................elsullo

[@willo7734]

Exactly. People like to say that a gun is inaccurate when really, 90% of the time it’s the shooter (with that gun).

[@strassersh]

@@elsullo2 untrue. A sig p365 sight radius is 1/4 inch longer than a j frame. Nobody calls a 365 a belly gun. Its DAO trigger control. Just go to a gun range and watch nearly every revolver shooter cocking to SA. Watch nearly every DA/SA shooter avoid the DA first shot. Hand your average striker shooter a glock 19 and a 4" revolver in DA... they WILL shoot the glock better. It takes dedication and lots of practice to master the DAO, but when you do, its just as effective and effortless. Its just not something most people can inherently be good at.

[@elsullo2]

@@strassersh No, it is not untrue. It IS one of the important factors. I have four double-action-only handguns; two are revolvers and two are semiautos. ANY longer sight radius makes a gun easier to shoot well..........................elsullo

[@strassersh]

@@elsullo2 You are ignoring the apples to apples comparison of size. Yes, anyone will likely shoot better with a longer sight radius. A subcompact 9 vs a 2 inch revolver... anyone without DA training will shoot the striker sub 9 waaaaay better. The same goes for a 4" revolver vs a 4" striker semi auto. The point Im trying to make is that double action triggers are not forgiving, but proper training will allow a person to shoot a snub equally as well as a semi auto of comparable size. Having said that, most people probably dont shoot 100 rounds a year, and they will absolutely not shoot a double action as well as a striker.

[@silverback3926]

I agree with your conclusion. 357 is a monster but plus p more practical.

[@philgoodpaster3161]

Sam is one of my favorite KZbin handgun guys. "Salt of the Earth" kind of guy. Thanks Sam.

[@sleepthoughamostqruelandde1116]

Love your channel!! For the last almost 25 years now Ive been carrying a charter arms undercover 38special that I inherited from my great grandfather. I carry it loaded with 158gr swchp and speer gold dot and some good old solid swc in +p but besides just firibg a few rounds when i dirst get new ones,i always run standard pressure out of it at the range😊 Your videos have answered several questions ive had and some i didnt kno i should have! Thanks for the efforts and time and work😊 Keep em coming Thanks😊😊 💯💯💯💯💯💯🤘🤘☮️☮️😊

[@frankhinkle5772]

Thanks, that was an interesting test. I carry both a 2" 5-shot .38Spl. and a 3" 6-shot .357Magnum. So this is especially helpful for me.

[@connor1982]

That's almost my favorite setup actually. I tend to stick with my 3" .357 because I never pocket carry and I just put in extra hot .38's most of the time anyways

[@ryanjacobsen9557]

I just recently started carrying a 686+ 357 in 2.5" man what a great gun and 7 rounds makes me feel a little better

[@wizkaqueefa9003]

​@@ryanjacobsen9557I want one of the discontinued 386 PD/386 Mountain Lites with the 3" or 2.5" barrel, 7 shot & 19 Oz. weight, but they auction for well over $1,200 used.

[@phyrr2]

Though you don't have as technical a set up as many "bigger" channels you present more than enough and your attitude and personality are on POINT dude. Seriously, I cannot stand most other channels because those people are always too full of themselves or acting bubbly for the camera. Pun intended (and not) you ARE a straight shooter! :)

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

What a fantastic video comparison! So, this is exactly why years ago when I was a newly assigned cop to work patrol, instead of choosing a heavier S&W j-frame .357 mag, I choose the Airweight model 642 .38spl +P version as my on-duty back up gun. Sure I could carry a .357 mag and load it with +P 38’s, but at the time, nobody made an Airweight in .357mag. So I chose the lighter .38 Airweight wheel gun. I learned that a .357mag out of a snubby is really no better than a +P .38spl. Also the .357mag j-frame was really heavy in my pants pocket, unlike the Airweight .38. I figured if I had to go to the back-up gun, it would be a really close shoot out with a bad guy. Maybe even a contact shot because we were rolling in the dirt and I lost my primary sidearm, Our range staff even said way back then that the .38+P would also penetrate deeper than a .357mag out of a snubby and that’s more important than expansion with LESS penetration. Also, recoil of the .357mag is nuts ball breaking on the hand, compared to an already hard hitting .38spl +P. I watched you shoot all three guns very closely. I’m glad you didn’t move your footing as I used a tree in the background to visually measure your muzzle flip. From 38 to 38+P to .357mag, the barrel rose slightly higher with each increased loading. Good stuff Sam! Thank you for producing such fabulous videos.

[@stevenhigby3512]

I own that same model. and I am glad to see that it handles the 357 load, with no issues.

[@GeographyCzar]

Woah! A major manufacturer is loading 38 +P to over 250 foot pounds of energy from a snubbie!Sweeeet; the boutique loaders may be having an influence on the industry at last!

[@GunSam]

Underwood needs to work a tad more on their .38 Special loads. They are pretty good, but they are a good 50 FPE less than Buffalo Bore.

[@GunSam]

@@KCBluesJams Underwood is good, and for half the price, also Underwood is more specific about the bullet as where Buffalo Bore just says "JHP" a lot, and you never know what it will be. Underwood has equal if not hotter semi auto ammo too. It's just that Buffalo Bore is the king of revolver rounds. Like for instance Underwood's 125 gr .357 Mag does about 1,450 FPS in my 4" barrel as where Buffalo Bore's does 1,650 FPS in the same gun, and I see that across the board in all the revolver calibers I have tried that Buffalo Bore just makes better revolver ammo. That being said, nothing wrong with Underwood's as it's pretty industry standard in revolver.

[@GeographyCzar]

@@GunSam indeed, I just wish Buffalo Bore charged less…

[@thorshammer5134]

@@GunSam except for their Kieth loadings right? Or are your readings still less on their fps? They are also substantially cheaper. I mean half the cost. I picked up a ton of their hardcast meplat at like $16 for 20 and their 125 grain +p bonded at like $14 a box. And $7 flat shipping. BB is at least $35 and another $20+ for shipping. I carry the 125+p bonded in my 442 right now with the 158 grain on my hks speed loader in case I need hard barrier penetration. It’s also about the only ammo I can get right now around my area.

[@chaunceyhart1346]

Buffalo bore makes a beast 38 special load over 500 muzzle energy!

[@R_K_S2401]

Thank you for the tests. You're an absolute wealth of information on 38 Special.

[@bruceallen6016]

Excellent demonstration of different .38 v .357 loads out of a snubby.

[@billdonnelly1134]

357 with heavier bullets and longer barrel is good for hunting, great out of rifle. For snub nose carry in tense situations I for sure agree with you 38 +p way to go. Penetration expansion and control all come together well. Thanks for another well done provable video.

[@robertmosher7418]

Everytime I watch your videos I am amazed by your ability to put your shots into nearly exactly equal spacing when you shoot for rounds into your gel blocks. But today, with putting six rounds into a 8 inch blocks is impressive.

[@MixMasterMaj]

Thank you for providing these excellent experiments and anlysis. I love revolvers, and I use these 3 types of rounds the most. I really wanted to know the outcomes here. Thank you!

[@dangerman007]

Looks like the .38 special + P is this winner. I would rather use 158LRN that the standard pressure, as you have the same damage but bullet momentum with the heavier bullet would give you an edge. Love the expansion of the magnum. I just wish it was penetrating 4-5 inches more.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Great presentation Sam. Very practical, demonstrates things the numbers on the box aren't going to tell.

[@GunSam]

Thanks a lot! It's what I been adding lately to my videos. There's a lot of terminal ballistic tests, but if they aren't practical, then they are useless. I like to assess things. Sort of like a drawn out "shoot as powerful as you can handle well" type of testing. I figure i'm not too strong anymore, i'm average on what the average guy would feel. Different than 20 years ago when I was benching 250 or something lol. Saw the alcohol sign today born on this date 2001, I was like, wait, I was 21 in 2001 lol God i'm getting older.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@GunSam That would make you only a year ahead of myself. Hahaha! I know what you mean about feeling things that I don't like feeling and losing the strength I used to have. Dairy farming in my upbringing brought good strength. Engineering desk job for 18 years on/off doesn't make one strong. Practical is better than all the hype. Doing good work, keep it up!

[@CeltKnight]

Thank you for this one! I really like a point you make fairly often on here - being able to hit fast with several shots beats having a lot more power but much slower shooting.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Thanks for this objective comparison which gives us some practical, real-world information when choosing ammo for snubbies.

[@chuckboy9372]

I reallllly like your review. I bought a .38 2" revolver and some speed loaders and it confirms for me that it's a capable weapon for self defense despite what some guys are telling me.

[@gidim8367]

The practical accuracy of snub arguments come from guys who shoot semi Auto and then shoot snubs and immediately expect the same performance out of a snub. Apples and Oranges really. I've had great luck with the model 605. They are a perfect carry. 357 in my opinion. As always thanks for your hard work!

[@tomcarr4630]

Another great video, Sam! Can’t get enough snubby action. You shoot them very well. Your tests are fascinating.

[@tgill1963]

Thanks for the work you put in. I always find your video uploads to be very informative.

[@GunSam]

I appreciate that!

[@francisgarner1751]

I have them both 605 and 856 2022 models just get them in the 3" barrel!!! Sweet 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@ferdonandebull]

I carried a six inch .357 model 27 smith for decades.. I carried 158 grain mostly .. In my off duty carry I carry a .38 snub Look a the wound channel… that is energy dumping.. Nothing beats .357 for shooting folks… it is the perfect round.

[@scubaguy007]

My first 686 was a 2.5" barrel and I never liked shooting hot .357 rounds. The gun was heavy enough to tame the recoil a bit but my middle finger knuckle always took a beating. I traded to a 3" 686+ and I love that gun, sadly I never carry it. It's lots of fun to shoot however, and I agree that .38+P is the way to go for defensive carry in a snubby. Keep up the good work, you do fantastic presentations.

[@LionquestFitness]

Good shooting, good conclusion.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@CharlesKey52]

Yep i carry a smith 642 quite a bit and load the same buffalo bore that you mentioned. Great shorts pocket carry gun

[@KCBluesJams]

Underwood 38 +p works great in my 638 air weight 👍

[@theoriginalOSOK]

This just confirms to me my choice of ammo for my 605 carry load. 38 special +P+ 140 gr Lehigh defender at 1000 fps.

[@NineBlindMice]

You remain one of my very favorite channels, really looking forward to watching this tonight :)

[@GunSam]

Thank you, me too lol. I say that modestly as there's so many things I want to see that a lot of people don't do, so I have to do it. I like a lot of other channels too, generally what most people who watch me watch also like Whotee who, honest outlaw, Paul Harrell, sootch, mixup and the list goes on.

[@jesseboutdoors]

From watching your videos and others I came to the conclusion to carry 110gr +P in my Taurus 605. Seems to have the best performance and shoot ability out of the three.

[@ericlaird7508]

I also have a Taurus 605 after watching one of these video's...LOL...I am looking for a defensive +p .38 load....

[@patbullard9276]

I carry a S&W 642, 38 and have never run any +P through it so this comes as a very interesting and informative video to me. I’m thinking that I may begin loading +P for defensive carry and continue to practice with standard 38. Thanks for the information.

[@jacobcarolan1172]

I like the 110 grain p+ rounds(I also have a 642) they kick about the same as a 125 standard practice round so you can save on practice ammo

[@patbullard9276]

@@jacobcarolan1172 thanks for your input.

[@LA_Commander]

That's what I do as well. Practice with 130 grain FMJ standard pressure rounds and carry the +P 110 grain Hornaty Critical Defense when I'm CCW

[@robtheshooter2736]

Sam thank you this clear and concise video. You're definitely one of my favorite reviewer. I always learn something every time...I trust your reviews!

[@ftdefiance1]

In the 80's the Treasury Department issued J frame revolvers and a 110 grain 38 loaded to .357 magnum velocity. Obviously neither Smith and Wesson or the ammo company honored the warranty. I kept these for home defense in my 2.5 inch 66 for years

[@GunSam]

I been curious about wall penetration with something like that. A lot of people say it will stop in walls, but it makes me wonder seeing as walls will make them not expand.

[@ftdefiance1]

@@GunSam I doubt that it would be much different. I think the bullet weight and velocity was driven by it's perceived stopping power

[@joesheetstheragman7737]

Very good testing. Very practical. For personal carry it is usually the S&W snubs with 1 7/8ths " barrels.

[@B_R_]

Great comparison vid, as usual. I think the lighter grain bullets are more stable out of the short barrel and less likely to keyhole.

[@terryfeagins2053]

VERY helpful in this observation....this is what my wife carries ,of course in the 38 special ammo ,but for her and I, this sub-nose is VERY accurate!!!

[@terryfeagins2053]

Thank you sam!!! Great video

[@mpdjr77]

Thank you, so much. I had been toying with the idea of buying a Taurus 4” .357, thinking that it would allow for decent bear loads for the infrequent times I’m in the woods, hunting. The more I watched your video, I realized that my 2” Taurus Model 85 snubby, with +P, will remain adequate for pocket carry backup defensive use to my 9mm. As for woods backup to my .30 cal rifles, I’ll just get some heavy duty Buffalo Bore .38 Spl, for the revolver. In northeastern North Carolina, I’m not likely to encounter any brown or grizzly bears. Heck, unlikely to see a black bear, here. Thank you for helping me save $500+ on a fun, but unnecessary, gun purchase. 🤣 Blessings, Grace and Peace 😊

[@dmcd7333]

Great video and results that the MDF showed on the expansion!!!!

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@c.miller3802]

Another great video. Thanks A .38 snubby needs plus P , it's just how it works

[@kc0lif]

on 357 maximum ammo they started using 158, 180, 200, grain because of flame cutting on ruger blackhawks.

[@Beachbumshooter]

Another great presentation! Thank you for your time doing this, very interesting!

[@jazzman5598]

Fine vid Sam. I agree with all you said.

[@traumajock]

I've got the green & white box 125 grain in +p and 357. Since finding them, I've been carrying the 135 grain Gold Dot +p for short barrels in my 856, Charter 2.5 inch 357, and 692 3 inch.

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

It's also the best .38+p load I have found. Very accurate and control able in the LCR. I tried the 110gr. Hornady Critical Defense in the LCR when I first bought it and could hardly keep them on the paper at 7 yds. In my 6" Ruger Security Six I get 1.5" groups at 25 yards with the 125 gr. .357 Mag. loads from Rem. ,Win. or Fed. I just tried my 162 gr. Hard Cast Lyman loads in my new 3" 605 Taurus and they kicked so hard the last one jumped the crimp and locked up the Cylinder but they shoot great out of a 6" Ruger or Taurus. Very Firm Crimp 13grs. 2400 powder so below Max. per Lyman 45th Edition. I think I'll stick to 125 gr.+p for the 605.

[@traumajock]

I haven't tried full-on 357 loads in my charter yet. I shoot 125 grain critical defense or the 125 grain sjhp out of my 4 inch security six

[@callmesceptical9114]

Excellent content GS. I’ve been debating what to carry in a newly acquired S&W 357 snub. This info confirms my thoughts on .38+p being the sweet-spot. Thanks for the info! …now if I can only become half as good as you are shooting it ✌️

[@k_enn]

To me, it looks like the extent of penetration is a function of expansion which is a function of energy imparted by the cartridge. I would expect a 125 grain .357 magnum to out penetrate the 110 rounds, and produce greater damage. I won't even talk about a .357 magnum 158 grain hard cast semi wadcutter - I think that would be too much over-penetration even with a snubnose.

[@Patriotx-gx4ce]

That 38 standard 110 gr HTP is impressive on its own from a snub nose. I have a 5 inch Ruger Gp100 so velocity must be pushing over 1000 fps at least. That's plenty of power for self defense round in my humble opinion. Don't even need to tap into my greed and white box at night with 38 +p. Great review.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Totally confirmed my suspicions about 357 I'm a snub. I carry a 638 and body guard with laser, both with plus p. Love 357 but she's loud and flashy out of something short.

[@waynedavis7245]

This was the video I was looking for . Some years ago a retired police officer told me that people really underestimate the 110 gain 357magnum. He told back in the day his department used the 125 grain and the 110 grain 357magnum. He said it didn't matter which a perp was hit by the fight was over. They introduced the 110 grain 357magnum due to it was easier for women to control. The funny part was a lot of male officers would carry the 110 grain 357magnum. They just wouldn't admit to it. They were to macho. Lol

[@DanTheWolfman]

The .38 Plus P here did pretty well. Just FYI in 1989 FBI Testing from the 3" M13 in .38 147 Gr. HydraShoks did best in penetration, expansion, & overall score through all barriers, & they otherized 145 gr .357 Silvertips for Carry at 1166 fps. Postal Inspectors later got the Specially made GS33 3" Speed Six (Ruger Barrels shoot faster than SMITH-fight me w/ data) & carried the Federal 125 gr SJHP (that did great in Sam's testing). Again that all leads me to you really want a 3" .357 if carrying w .357...too bad they are so difficult to find.

[@tomgoodwin9161]

I am an old school guy, and when I want to know about revolver results I go to Gun Sam first. Auto loaders are fine for folks who think they will be in some sort of an action movie scenario; but most defenses against an armed threat out here on the street are handled win or lose in two or three shots, and the stuff I see on Gun Sam is, along with only two others, about all I need to see. If only he would change to two layers of hoodie instead of the denim............

[@sosuapimp8449]

Hey Sam,when you get a chance,test. Fiocchi .357 142 grain Fmj truncated cones for penetration. Use 2 or 3 mdf boards

[@GunSam]

I like to do comparisons, and that sounds like a dangerous game type test so I would have to consider testing many other calibers if I did that.

[@jeffdurling2167]

good vid thanx for your time to produce it.for pocket carry personally im comfortable with the 38 +p out of the 2 inch barrel.and lots of training time.

[@Lateralus1007]

Remington htp 158 gr .357 is one of my Favorite rounds to shoot Quite the banger 💥 And I know it’ll perform Thx 2 my guy Gun Sam coming thru w the review 📈📈📈

[@aarongreenfield9038]

Thank you so much, I always wondered the difference between snubbies and standard. And the bullet variants between them.

[@JackGordone]

Thanks. I happen to carry 110 gr . 357 in a 3 in Kimber K6, the reason being lower recoil than full house loads but a little more punch than either . 38 load. But I'm going to try your recommendation of .38+p at the range to experience the difference in recoil. Could be I'll shoot better with only a slight diminution in punch.

[@fanman71]

According to Massad Ayoob, the .357 HP penetrating 8-10 inches offering massive expansion is the gold standard of "stopping power."

[@callmesceptical9114]

No doubt. But it might take a 30oz, 3 or 4” wheel gun for the common man to use that round effectively. ✌️

[@ctsnider88]

Very nice. Was thinking about getting a taurus 38spl. Now I know to make sure it is +p

[@bobcatforever3485]

Always a good and interesting video. Great shooting with the short barrel. Take care.

[@GunSam]

Thanks a lot Bobcat!

[@marcthomas2482]

Great video Sam! I always learn something or come away with something to think about. I've been shopping for a .357 even though I'll likely more often shoot .38's. I just wanted the versatility. Maybe if .38 +P is the "Goldilocks" load anyway, I should just go ahead and get a .38? I have others, but would rather not run +P in them. I'll keep watching. Thanks!

[@GunSam]

Nothing wrong with more options with a .357 VS a .38. The main takeaway is you can get .38's down there around 13 OZ, as where nearly all .357's are 17 OZ or more. If you want to shoot hot .38+P. like a lot of them, get a .357 or a steel frame .38 Special. If you don't shoot a lot, a plain alloy or polymer frame .38 will do

[@tobylopez445]

total agreement! thank you for a very nice video as always Sam.

[@terrybarnes0712]

I carry a 38 snub nose also i carry hollow points but i do worry if i have to use it in self defense of over penetration that's why i like to watch your videos to help me choose the right ammo.

[@brianpartlow5530]

Try a hot and heavy 38+p in a snubby! Man it hurts! It made my little LCR feel like I shot artillery out of it. I wish I had a chronograph, that round had to be really moving. It hit the target. I turned the heat down on the next batch.

[@donbenson5292]

Great analysis. I like a 38 spl and 357 mags too. 110 and 125 grs in 38 and 125 up to 158 gr.i the 357 with 357 brass. Like the 140 flex tip in a 3 and 4 inch 357 with charge of w296 and 357 brass. 110 silver tip was my carry bullets and the 38 as my side arm in the Army.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@JayHutchG]

well done practical test Sam.

[@YellowHammer26]

Appreciate the test, I use the standard pressure in a old 2” charter arms and a 4” ria 38spl revolvers that are not rated for +p. 👍👍

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@TwoWeekCowboy]

It's a good load. Snubs can be tricky to shoot, even with the old LRN, and they buck a bit. The Remington standard 110s don't seem to me as snappy and the cases really eject easily.

[@YellowHammer26]

@@TwoWeekCowboy 👍👍yeah I like those 110s .They shoot well out of my revolvers

[@jeffm68]

Good test, with results more or less as expected. My carry is a 642 loaded with Remington HTP 158 gr SWCHP, (same for my wife). Love to see a side-by-side comparison of the two rounds. Many semi-auto snobs don't understand the big advantage of revolvers when it comes to ammunition: they can fire heavier soft lead UNJACKETED bullets that would choke a semi-auto. It is for good reason that most police departments used the158 SWCHP when the .38 was a standard issue sidearm for both patrolmen and detectives.

[@alanpruett2217]

Good comparison. Agreed on the .38 Special + P.

[@danoneill2846]

They all look good I would use any of them

[@rcbrush99]

Really enjoyed that. Nice presentation!

[@kirkmooneyham]

Despite whatever internet commandos say, snubnose accuracy is really about short sight radius versus trigger pull weight. The heavier the pull, the more you're likely to have sight misalignment when the revolver fires. Longer sight radius in a "service barrel length" (4 inch) reduces that misalignment to some degree. The barrel length itself is not inherently inaccurate, though.

[@MikeJones-im7ki]

You are the test of old 357 to the new 357 shells

[@05subiesleeper]

Great review! This helped me a lot. Thank you

[@gsitzkowitz]

I had a 320 that I played around with and really liked it. I started shooting IDPA and after doing “extensive” research I came to the conclusion to get rid of it, buy a used Glock 17 Gen 3, play around with it and be on my way. I really like the 17 with the mods that I’ve made and don’t miss the 320 at all. As far as the drop safety issue, there are too many Uber reliable guns on the market to deal with the possibility of such an issue. In the end I think it’s the gun.

[@robertphillips1262]

I have a taurus 856 which is just the 6 shot .38 2 inch barrels for people that might not know. So I use +p ammo when I carry my taurus concealed carry. I have gotten some good range time on different size loads with this same ammo. One of them being 110 and the other 125 both SJHP. I have also fired some heavy 158+p i believe FMJ. The only difference I felt in recoil was between the two SJHP and the FMJ rounds. So to me there was not aby noticeable recoil between the two hollow point +p rounds. No this is my experience maybe this will be different with others. Oh I forgot to add that my 856 is the full stainless steel so same color as yours not ultra weight so maybe that added weight helps. I have held both versions of my revolver and there is a noticeable weight difference while shoot them both.

[@royhubbard6579]

P.S. very informative testing and very well thought out!

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome the way you share information for us. Thanks.

[@elsullo2]

You're right! I reached the same conclusions as you, but it is great to see this visually confirmed again.......................elsullo

[@828enigma6]

Another great video, as is the norm for you.

[@williammcclelland6789]

You experiences seem to parallel mine as well. It is a strange phenomenon. Accuracy with full power magnums great, but the recoil is not for the faint of heart. Switching to standard pressure .38s and I struggle to keep them all on the paper. But the +Ps are just right. The only conclusion that I can come to is that a little extra velocity is a good thing in one's snub nose, but not too much. That's why I think that if you are going to carry a snub nose, you need to invest the time and money to experiment with various loads and practice as much as you can afford.

[@GunSam]

Yeah it's all about gun size too. Like a full house .357 Mag in my 686 is about like a +P in my Taurus 605. That's about where i'm comfortable with, something like 7 ft lbs recoil energy is what those setups are at.

[@johnhoffman5844]

Some sources say the old fashioned semi jacketed hollow points do very. I wonder about bullet weight differences in that design through a snubby

[@laughingdog6010]

Good shooting

[@doghouse916]

If you could add the taurus 905 revolver and compare the 9mm to 38+p and 357 from a snub.

[@LA_Commander]

I was actually impressed by the standard pressure 38s. I didn't think they would do that well, considering how much people rag on them on KZbin. Personally, I carry +P rounds, but I could see someone using standard rounds if they were concerned about recoil or accuracy. A standard 38 will still get the job done with well placed shots.

[@Fudmottin]

I agree that the +P seems to be the best compromise for those rounds. I wonder how much of a difference you would get stepping up to the 125gr of the same brand. I've not seen a standard pressure though. That doesn't really mean anything. Interestingly, the magnum load rivaled 9x19mm in energy! ;-)

[@brianpartlow5530]

My snubby shoots 38special and +P. My GP100 shoots 357 magnum on down. 38, +P, and 357 definitely hit different. Snubbies with fixed sights are a pain, you have to find the ammo that hits where the sights are looking or know how much Kentucky windage you need for each type of ammo.

[@CCM2361-]

Thanks Sam! Love your channel

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@justingilmer3642]

When shooting long distance I also prefer double action in my revolvers that have a trigger that stack like my Taurus 605, Ruger GP 100, EAA Windicator, and even my 629 can be staged. However……. My 686 has a trigger that is so smooth I can’t stage it. It just pulls right through like butter. I normally use single action with it. Also, I was having the same pinching issue with my 605 that you normally mention and had the same Hogue grip that you use. I bought a set of Pachmayr grips that cover the back strap. It increased the length of pull an pretty much solved the issue.

[@GunSam]

I know what you mean in pull length. The only gun that truly fits me is my model 69 that has the Xframe grip. Allows for a better grip where I can tuck my thumbs properly and not hit them with my trigger finger. Tiny hand people don't understand.

[@thomaspalmer7900]

Just purchased some Underwood .38 +P 125 grain Hornady XTP ammo with a 1250 fps. I am looking @ this round being my EDC over the .357 magnum round. Any suggestions??? Opinions. Thanks

[@sputnikjones2477]

I love your channel.you do a more thorough test of the ammo or gun etc .I get more valuable info from u than most channels.QUESTION.i have some older defensive ammo . Winchester and Remington in 38 + p and 357 mag .it's been in a dry room , not too hot or cold.its maybe 5 years old .can I trust it to go bang reliably..I will test some .I have a 605 Taurus 2 inch.ty for all you do

[@d.mangham5204]

Modern ammo lasts a long time, especially when stored in a relatively cool indoor location with controlled humidity. Your five-year-old name-brand ammo will be fully reliable.

[@coryhartshorn5941]

I carry a s&w 640pd .357mag airlite. It's 11.8oz and a beast to control with .357mag. 38 +p is what I carry, with .357 in a speed strip for a reload.

[@warfumble]

What an awesome test, thank you!

[@royhubbard6579]

That’s a cool place where You shoot!!

[@GunSam]

Been going down there since 82. Family property

[@danoneill2846]

Thanks

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

OMG .38SPC+P is brutal from my Model 36 J-Frame but I like to carry that round in all of my other Snubs K & N Frames or King Cobra.

[@REBELDAWG308]

you took a page from me a Taurus snub nose to test with I like that.

[@brittlanders351]

I’ve got the Taurus 85 UL and been carrying it for several years. I’ve tried other guns and just keep going back to the 38

[@mikeburgan7675]

Thanks Sam! Good stuff!