JACKPOT!...The BEST .38 Special AMMO? CorBon Pow'RBall .38 Special +P Self Defense Ammo Test!

Can the CorBon Glaser Pow'RBall ammo continue to perform well? Are these a good option for short barrel self-defense use? Heavy clothing ballistic gel test using a Taurus 856 and Smith & Wesson 686!
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[@jimchambers7548]

That's some of the best 38spl I've seen for a short barrel 🔫

[@ToolsandTargets]

Same. Really good stuff.

[@colt-ss3lw]

@@ToolsandTargets What does it do from a lever action rifle? 🤔

[@wigon]

@@colt-ss3lw Same, I'd LOVE to see that. These things are getting into .357 magnum velocity levels (although obviously with a smaller bullet. It would be interesting to see if whether they expand even better or if they just fragment into pieces at the higher velocities. But for sure I'm going to order some of these for my Taurus 605 Poly Defender carry revolver. These seme way more consistent and better performing than the Hornady Critical Defense that I currently carry.

[@chefrarestones1960]

Back in the day when revolvers and 1911’s ruled the day this ammo was marketed for use in 1911’s that had problems feeding hollow points. They use to advertise the polymer ball was for reliable feeding in tight 1911’s that jammed on hollow points. In the 80’s I carried it in my 1911’s.

[@charlesphillips5906]

I carried it in a temperamental 380, it ran like FMJ

[@lorenrogers9269]

If you haven’t tested .380 Pow’rBall, could you? Maybe an all “problem caliber” feature with the best ammo choices? Thanks for all you do!

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'll see if I can get a hold of some.😎👍

[@PassivePortfolios]

The 380 is notorious for not expanding. I have had good luck with Critical Defense though. Cor-Bon's 380 would be a very interesting and useful test.

[@Cr0wmagnum]

That is an excellent idea!

[@andyd2960]

Ya I like this "problem caliber" idea. With new technology some of these weaker calibers should at least be sufficiently improved for recoil sensitive and maybe elderly carriers.

[@rensuchan]

Seconding this. Would love to see a test of the .380 version. Always interested in seeing what .380 loads do since it's the main carry cartridge in my house.

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

My wife is a revolver gal, definitely need to keep my eyes open for this. Very nice performance, thanks for the jelly test Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@deadmeat8754]

Trust Cor Bon to actually deliver a true +P 38 Special loads that delivers. Honestly those may, indeed, be the best 38 Special carry loads ever.

[@scottdunn2178]

385ft lbs of energy even out of a 2" rivals 9mm +P out a 3" subcompact. Impressive terminal ballistics too.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I was glad to see it.

[@stevew8716]

Look ammunition manufacturers, you can exceed the velocity on the box from a reasonable for caliber barrel length, and everything will be OK. We're all still here. We consumers would LOVE IT if you learned from this. Great viddy as usual, thank you!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Amen!😎👊

[@dxcreetegr7066]

Wow I don’t recall seeing a 38 special rocking the gelato that hard 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Slapped it good.

[@austinfrye5374]

@@ToolsandTargetsI been waiting for a good 38 special test

[@tgbeam]

Dang! I've never considered carrying .38 special but if I could guarantee the ammo would perform like this it definitely makes it an option!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@Lexicologist1971]

Same here!

[@weavis5566]

I've been looking for some 10 with no luck

[@PassivePortfolios]

If you can handle the recoil and blast, it would serve you well.

[@egroegmcdonald9870]

You should try the Federal Punch in 38 +P. It also expands very well out of 2 & 3 in snubs. As for the Corbon stuff the ONLY place that seems to have it is on the Glaser site, and they want 40$ a box of 20. Everybody else says out of stock or discontinued.

[@Glewisme]

38 special used to be loaded to near 357 mag ballistics before there was a 357 magnum. That's the origin for the 357 mag.

[@stephenwilliams9440]

By far the best 38 special I have ever seen tested...with performance and energy dump.

[@curtk8130]

I’m very impressed with this!this might be my wife’s new go to in her ruger lcr. I’m telling you I’m blown away by the performance of this brand. Recently I tried out their 165gr 40 and out of a 5” it was over 1250fps. Very interesting video!

[@steelpunisher6944]

Hot damn! That was actually impressive for the finicky.38 special! I’ve always viewed the Power Ball stuff as a gimmick but boy was I wrong. lol Definitely something I would throw in my 642 or the Taurus 85. Awesome test my friend! Surprised me for sure 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

I would have said it was a gimmick too, before testing some of it.🤷‍♂️

[@johnnorman7708]

Back in the 80s I learned that wad cutter, semi wad cutter, and semi wad cutter hollow point was almost impossible to beat in the old .38 Special for various purposes. Seems as though this hot rod Corbon stuff is getting .38 Super class and or maybe 75% .357 Mag. If you get to 1300 FPS in a .38 Special it's noteworthy if your pressures don't get beyond +P.

[@CatDaddySteve]

Unicorn 🦄 Ball......might as well be called Saqwatch ammo, everyone knows about it but never seen it 1:37

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥👽💥

[@ryanzanow8221]

I’ve always been able to get this in 9mm…

[@joejohnson4183]

Try google them and they are available even from CorBon itself

[@christopherbishop4927]

That's the best 38spc velocity I have ever seen tested. Similar yet better than The Silvertips

[@DaveL9170]

@@christopherbishop4927try the “treasury load” from the 1980’s.

[@Cr0wmagnum]

I'm at a loss for words..? If you can repeat that with a different lot number that is one impressive round! That velocity is incredible for a snub .38. Not a fan of light weight .38 bullet but if that is the norm for those you have changed my mind. Do they have that in .45?

[@ToolsandTargets]

Looks like they only offer them in 9, 380, 38 spcl, 357 mag and sig, and 38 super. They did have a couple other calibers back when it was different ownership.

[@BanditApache-nd6lu]

This ammo has been around for ages. I began using it in 1911’s because it fed so well. Then bought it in other calibers as my carry ammo. Still carry this to this day.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@pant0sand0hat]

I am very grateful that you test ammo and test it so often. Cheers!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@xringarcher1440]

That does look like awfully nice performance. It’s so unfortunate that federal stopped producing their 38+p version of the HST, that has been my go-to self defense .38+p (I still have several boxes of it). This stuff might have to be given a try once I run outta that

[@danoman5217]

I am using the buffalo bore 158 grain LSWCHP. In a 3 inch model 13 SW. hot and loud. Works every time.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@yomomma107]

Glad to see that corbon is still kicking it old school. Thanks brian for all you do ✌️

[@onentc-pt5go]

38 special loaded proper is awesome, good test.

[@ogbobbye]

from the late 70s to around 2008 my EDC was a 5 shot two inch 38 special. in 2008 I started watching gun channels on YT and discovered I had been risking my life every day for the past 30 year. truth is I still believe if I'm in a spot that five shots of 38 spec. can't save me from it's life choices that put me there not not caliber or capacity choice. good test showing what the Pow'RBall 38 spec can do. love your channel

[@carlostrujillo4750]

I will never carry a 5 shot revolver.that last six round just may save your life.

[@robwilson3749]

Never? Never? Is that really what you said here? If a 5 shot revolver was all you had at your disposal at any given time, you'd "never" carry a 5 shot revolver? -PLEASE....

[@leahbennett4979]

More. 38 special snubbie testing please! Speer gold dot short barrel vs federal punch, ect.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@ThatMDubyaGuy]

Used the Powerball in a couple of 9mm's that refused to feed anything that had a hollow point, and I didn't want to defile a historical piece. Good stuff and great video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@madsatyr]

I am so glad I discovered this channel. Thanks for the info!

[@Larry-ds6ib]

That’s the best 38+P so far I guess, in both speed and energy as well as the expansion especially coming from a 2” barrel

[@jamesclark6427]

I use 9mm Pow'RBall in my Bond Stinger derringer. Unfortunately the light 100 grain bullet will not cycle a Luger with complete reliability, but it's a pretty hot load I chronographed at 1,400 fps from a P-38 years ago. I will now add it in .38 Special as well.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice

[@OldTimeRevolver]

Very nice round Tools, I'll have to pick up a couple boxes.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@ottergt]

Thanks for doing a great job with these tests...always very informative! We really do appreciate it!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@Wyamike734]

Impressive energy / velocity out of a 2 inch barrel. Very good performance in the gel also.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@Sanguivore]

Think I just found the perfect carry ammo for my pocket gun. Thanks a bunch, bud! I always love your tests.

[@djangofreeman9382]

Nice one TOOLS!!! I swear Great minds think alike I know you did a Cor-bon 9mm Pow’R Ball test some time ago. I seen how good it did and figured I grab a box. Today in the Ballistics gel I just tested the 100 Grain +P corbon Pow’R Ball against the DoubleTap 124 Grain +P Controlled expansion BOTH DID GREAT!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice.😎👊

[@thePrussian]

An armed security company I worked for once (2015) issued me a S&W .38 Spc K-frame made in the 80s. Basically a bookend. Sent it to the shop for timing issues and they never could fix it. I figured I’d just throw it at the bad guy and run for. cover. 😅

[@ToolsandTargets]

😆

[@dentalnovember]

I thought this power ball ammo might be a gimmick but this stuff is the real deal. I wouldn’t hesitate to trust this ammo in any caliber. Going to add this to my trusted ammo collection.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Same here.

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

Love the specials 38 and 44 are great.

[@SecretPossum-hx4zk]

Well, I might have just found my new carry load for my Titanium S&W Snubbies. Thanks for the short barrel Tests. That matters, because it's what we carry daily. These people who test defensive loads in 6 inch barrels are totally unrealistic for the most part.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I think short barrel is the way to go for testing defensive stuff.😎👊

[@rayowens995]

Great test tools as usual. Thanks for the valuable information and keep up the good work!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@donniebaynard8430]

38spl > 9mm. 25acp > 38spl. So... Great video man. Waiting on another stream. Have a blessed one brother

[@ToolsandTargets]

[Confirmed] ☝

[@TheZombieburner]

That did great. Hollowpoints normally expand like crap out of .38 snubs, not enough speed. I'm still a fan of the hardcast semi-wadcutter or full wadcutter for .38, personally speaking, but these did good.

[@choppermike3329]

Sweet! Cor Bon comes through again! Thanks Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@terrybarnes0712]

Great Video Tools God bless from Kentucky

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@jumpykilllerqx6029]

With the new pow'r ball design it is giving the Hornady Critical defense or even the XTP a run for its money.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Gettin it done.😎👊

[@leroycaudill96]

This is some good stuff Tools love this for a 38 stay safe and God Bless.

[@Bob.W.]

Thanks. Hard to find? I would try a box for certain. I use Critical Defense for consistency.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I know they have em on their site but not sure where all else.

[@rob6850]

Ammo seek shows quite a few options. Just type the caliber to do a general search, then modify your results to include the term corbon and set the grain weight to 100 and it'll show you what you're looking for.

[@zacharysearing3904]

Really good performance from these. I really like the format testing from 2” and 3” barrels. I bought a 3” Colt King Cobra for my wife last year so that is helpful info.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. I figure most folks running .38 Special would be using barrels on the shorter end.😎👊

[@jaythompson01]

CorBon/Glaser has been my 1st choice, go-to, everyday carry ammunition since 1991... when i can afford it and if the ammunition i need is in stock.

[@JimSRodriguez]

I have the same 856 and I have trouble with finding ammo that groups with any consistency. I will look for powr ball next. Thanks for the great video!

[@miker9043]

Excellent test with excellent results ! my wife carries a lcr in 38 special , she will be getting some of this ! Thanks Tools !

[@mrmann44]

Pow'R Ball looks legit! Gotta try it in 45acp +p. I believe it uses a 165gr and is listed at 1,225 fps. Should be interesting 🤔

[@elliottbutts153]

I’d like to see that also.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Hmmm

[@jameshood9694]

Im glad you tested these. I have some and now I know they will work. The Corbon DPX in the 38 special expand pretty good too. I have tested those.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@allenbolen9705]

Great performance! I don’t think I’ve seen any better 38 special! Thanks Tools👍🏻

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. I expected it to do good but it was great.😎👍

[@Steve-yo4ld]

I'm not sure why YT doesn't like me saying anything about magsafe!✌️

[@l.a.3887]

Wow that's some great stuff another great video thanks Tools 🇺🇸👍👌

[@CCM2361-]

Great test! thanks for the info

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@mikebott6940]

Looks like CorBon is back. Makes me want to pick some 357 & 10mm to test. Great work as always!

[@boondogger]

Sold !! Definitely adding these to the pile! Nice test as always, Good on ya 😉

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff 😎👊

[@ericbergfield6451]

I use .38 Special for a ton of fun at the range with my Chiappa Rhino 3" barrel. But I use a 125gr Barnes TAC-XPD load in .357Mag for actual SHTF stuff

[@charlesphillips5906]

Thanks for the short barrels. It just makes sense!

[@jackbernal8534]

Outstanding round. Definitely, if I see it, I'll get it. Thanks for the video.

[@MrZachxd]

Great video dude!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@scarifrougeone7225]

Pow R Ball Jackpot. Really nice to see a hot loaded .38 Special. Great test and commentary Tools. CorBon is popping out some nice ammo. Gonna have to check them out. 10mm would be interesting. Very nice performance regardless of barrel length. Thanks for sharing. Waiting on the AXIL XCOR review video. Be safe. Good stuff. ⭐️⭐️🇺🇸⭐️⭐️👊

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. So far, I still like the GSX better.

[@oubliette862]

You should add a decimeter to the mix. It would be interesting one caliber to another vs damage threshold of the ears. Since people don't stop to use ear protection in a defensive situation.

[@scottmorgan1016]

This is great. Never really carried my snubbie because of what you stated as problem caliber. Now I can get this ammo and be ready with my snubby. Thanks

[@ToolsandTargets]

Sure surprised me.

[@rico300zx]

As always, thank you for your videos. I don’t have a 38 but maybe I’ll get One one of these these days

[@shakennotstirred32]

My daughter’s new self defense ammo! Thanks for the test! Last time I bought Corbon was back in the 90s when I bought a 9x18 makarov and that stuff was so hot the hair on my left index finger hasn’t grown back but it was some of the best ammo!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😂 Nice!

[@HitokiriRaiden]

I remember back in the day my dad used to carry these in 45 acp and it was some mean stuff back in the day.

[@frankbrowning328]

This might be the perfect 38 special snubbie load

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍nice job tools. I carry 38 spl at times and in most of mine I’ve gone to the underwood extreme defenders and in one I use the hornady 110 gr +p jhp. I would have no problem using these.

[@shawthackston9723]

Looks like a great round for my Rock Island 38. Great test Tools!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍I’d be lost without Tools&Targets 🏁… love the 38 special…awesome speeds , cracks like a whip…🏁Very impressed 🏁Thankyou Sir🇺🇸🏁

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊

[@RobbbyRay]

I gave my wife a sw 442 in 38 special to keep in her purse, its loaded with civil defense rounds. I would love to see you test that round out of a short barrel. See what velocities you get and how it performs!

[@PassivePortfolios]

Would be interesting to compare these to 110 grain 357 mag. loads, which are more commonly available. These hot 38 Special loads might be iffy for some people in 2" barrels due to recoil and blast. I'd use them in 3" and 4" barrels for home defense to better take advantage of their higher pressure. Or in 357 mag revolvers if less recoil and blast is desired compared to full power 357 loads. Anyway, powerful ammo that works as advertised, good job Cor-Bon. Thank for another great test !

[@Dwayne7834]

Good stuff . Thanks for sharing 👍🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@bigbk301]

Very nice. This has been one of my to go loads in my 642

[@ToolsandTargets]

Impressive stuff.

[@tlock4616]

Looks great. I've been looking for some good stuff for my LCR.

[@ToolsandTargets]

This would do the trick.😎👊

[@cgsimons1187]

Corbon sure pushes those .38s at impressive velocities. Especially from short barrels. Your comment about these having low recoil makes me wonder what kind of magic gunpowder they are using.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, it kinda caught me off guard with the energy and report when I didn't feel some stout recoil.

[@chretired]

Fantastic test Tools, can't argue with these results. Have to wonder what they would do out of a PCC? Way to go Pow'RBall. Have a super Sunday and be careful out in this heat. Be vigilant and always be safe my friend.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. You too!😎👊

[@robwilson3749]

Disintegrate?

[@kmonroe5785]

I had some of that PowRball in 40cal and it was a monster

[@jeffreybean5363]

Great Ammo test Tools 🇺🇸👊. Need to order some of those rounds for my dad, for his 856.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@ApolloPerez-gt9ft]

That is pretty good energy out of that short barrel!

[@rogermurphey7444]

Excellent proformance out of a 2" Barrel. I've been using 38sp punch in my 856 2" for years. Which is ok. But, I need to buy 2 boxs of powerball plus p for my new carry ammo. Will you review 380acp in the powerball to see it's proformance in a mouse gun and 3.1/2" Barrel very soon??? Thanks for all you do 😊

[@bobg.8954]

Very nice performance and haulin a$$ out of the barrel, Enjoyed the video as always!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Surprised me.😎👊

[@CeltKnight]

Wow! That was impressive. I thought that weight at that surprising velocity would surely underpenetrate but I am pleasantly surprised!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I expected it to come apart bigtime.

[@jeremywhitmer9237]

I believe old tried and true short barreled 38 is 158 hswc @ 800. The 1300+ you got is impressive but not heavy enough. I would rather go with tried and true. Try to find the old fbi carry loading’s instead to test. Great video regardless you do a great job tools!

[@dragonrider385]

This was some good working ammo. It would be nice to see how it works in a 6 inch. If you should ever do that. Thank you for the testing video. 👍💪

[@russellweber3466]

Those loads would be interesting to shot out of some .357 mag revolvers I have, a Dan Wesson model 15 h with an 8" barrel and a Ruger new model blackhawk in .357 mag with a 6 1/2" barrel.

[@RealtyPro7]

Great video and performance from a 38. I generally lump calibers like 38 and 380 together as needing the best ammo to be considered for self defense. Ammo like Xtreme Defender or Penetrator ups their effectiveness. But I’d say this ammo is also worth considering for 38.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. Surprisingly good.

[@jeremywatson9129]

This is awesome. I just picked up an old SW M64 leo trade in with dao trigger. This is definitely getting picked up for it. Will kick ass from a 4in barrel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice 😎👊

[@mozzberg590]

Really interested in Pow`R Ball, thanks

[@ToolsandTargets]

It's been looking great.

[@bw4593]

Damn this stuff is pretty impressive. Those energy numbers are no joke! I’d def be curious to see some accuracy testing. Also gonna do some searching to see if they make the same round in 357 mag?!

[@josephpacchetti5997]

That is some very good performance for a 38spc. I would buy these, Thanks Brian. 👍🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. I was impressed.🔥😎🔥

[@patriotpreacher43]

Nice to see a good one! I’ve used 110 grain Critical Defense, but I would buy these if available. Thanks for this!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@weirdshibainu]

I own a 2 inch Taurus 856. Picking up a box of these ASAP

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@lgwappo]

I would definitely carry this in my LCR 38. Corbon's web sight has this at $34.99 for 20 rounds. Would probably be a great round for winter carry. That ball probably prevents clogging. Energy levels are like a 9mm.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, looks like it does the job.😎👍

[@davidcurry9292]

I was able few months ago find a single box of powerball 10mm. It didn’t feel real snappy for a 10mm. I had no way to confirm the fps or penetration.I shot steel targets with it. The box looked like it had road on some farmers dash of a work truck. I’m sure this guy had on hand for awhile on shelf.

[@Audios2010]

Dear T&T what is your favorite vise lock tool for your upper/lower? Good bench block you would also recommend? Thanks for the great content

[@ElainesDomain]

My wifey carries Smith 442 in her purse. She'll more than likely shoot through the purse than remove it. Sometimes it's in her coat pocket. I'm wondering what happens to the bullet after it hits the purse and before it hits the bad guy. This might be something I won't know until it happens. Good test. Looks like a good option. She's currently running Federal Punch.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Again, another success. This is a good thing. Light and fast still hit hard and went plenty deep. Another good option for our snubby 38 brethren. I just watched another GunTuber recently who tested these Power Balls chambered in 10mm. They mostly tumbled in flight and did not group at all. Have you seen anything on the 10mm offering having problems with stability or any other calibers for that matter? Thank you.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Old stock maybe? They don't even have a 10mm Pow'RBall listed on their site currently, so I assume it's old stock from possibly previous ownership/offerings. I know a lot of tests out there of CorBon/Glaser stuff is really old stock. All of the ones I've tested are within a month old.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

@@ToolsandTargets Thank you.

[@Mowkade]

I carry a Smith and Wesson model 36 chief special. Loaded with 5 rounds of Underwood standard pressure Soft lead Hollow point Blackcherry.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@davidelder9898]

.380 power ball! I think that’s just the test we need for our problem calibers! 🎉 Love your videos as always. Keep up the best testing videos!

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'm definitely curious to see if those would do the job.