💣Modern Magnums!💣 .357 Mag VS .44 Mag - Underwood Barnes XPB & TAC-XP Ballistic Test

[@clintmanning9364]

That 44mag is one hell of a man stopper

[@garrisonnichols807]

It's actually overkill since a 44 mag will shoot straight through a man and keep going. Waste of it's energy instead of dumping it all inside the bad guy. I would rather have the 357 magnum 125 grain hollow points. Even a 38 Special +P lead semi wad cutter aka FBI load would be better for stopping a guy trying to kill you and you have faster fallow up shots because less recoil.

[@theknifeman7097]

​@@garrisonnichols807 I only own 1 pistol it is a .44 mag, it will have to do

[@clintmanning9364]

@@garrisonnichols807 i don't think that bullet is going very far completely expanded to .7

[@JasonHenderson]

​@@garrisonnichols807 what about a bear trying to kill you?

[@guyontheinternet8891]

@@garrisonnichols807 Load selection is important. You can use 180 and 200 grain bullets for less recoil and penetration and some hollowpoint designs actually violently expand so if they do exit the body they likely won't do much damage to anyone else but the guy who got shot. This one just penetrated a bit since it is solid copper.

[@SwampOperator]

That barnes projectile is one of the best self defense bullets ever made

[@oldcop18]

As young cops in the late ‘60s we all wanted to carry a .357 but our city was very densely populated and the chance of over penetration too great. After going through my first OIS w/my issued thirty-eight, discovering it did the job, I no longer was in the magnum camp. Three fifty-seven magnums were carried by rural/country cops b/c the danger of collateral damage was pretty remote. Thx for another informative video Sam.

[@bigmedicine8042]

One thing to keep in mind is that the Model 69 weighs in at 37 ounces which is the same as the new Model 19 at the same weight. Recoil will be damn stout. I just purchased a 69 yesterday and it bucks good with a heavy magnum load.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Keep complaining. My 69 is a dream to shoot compared with my 329 nightguard.

[@normanmallory2055]

I really enjoy my 629 with its 6” tube and as it’s the Classic Hunter model ( non fluted cylinder ) it falls in @49 oz! That’s a fair amount of gun weight ! Even with 310 grain hard cast it’s quite manageable!

[@enricofermi67]

The 69 is the same weight as the 19 at the same weight? Does that mean anything?

[@garrisonnichols807]

I would love to see you do a test with a lever action rifles in these calibers.

[@TheFerrot]

Ohh yea! Just got my dads old 44 magnum marlin from a family member and I wanna run this load for deer season. So that video would be neat

[@JayReacio]

There really isn’t any videos out there exploring 357 hunting ammo for rifles. I’d be really interested as well.

[@semi_technical]

🙏

[@GunSam]

Thank you so much. I have never gotten a thanks that big before.

[@semi_technical]

​@@GunSam years of information man

[@DanTheWolfman]

That .44 through MDF is like when the Crow got his hand shot! I only remember the 185+p nosler from Underwood like that

[@64samsky]

44 Magnum is still my Number 1 revolver round, followed closely by the 357 Mag & 357Sig in semi auto.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I like the 240gr xtp. It's rated at the same speed in the 44 mag as the 225gr xpb. Those are awesome hunting rounds!!!

[@bobcatforever3485]

GS. Good video. Fun to see the heavier rounds hit the steel and knock of some of the paint. Thanks for sharing and take care.

[@GunSam]

Thank you, take care.

[@GunSam]

Filmed 5-28-23

[@moreme40]

I was also anticipating the .44 mag recoil and I’m only watching !

[@garrisonnichols807]

357 magnum is all you will ever need. Six rounds of that center chest shots will definitely put a man hell bent on killing you down and dead.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Why did you shoot him the extra five times after he went down?

[@semi_technical]

hey sam, just wanted to express my gratitude for all the hard work in support of revolver nerdery. i have been a lurker for a couple years and should have said so way sooner. 💪💪 great job

[@ironmikehallowween]

Yep. 357 for most things; 44 for really big things. Thanks for the video

[@cristianespinal9917]

Thanks for the video Sam. When I'm mulling over trying a new bullet or ammo type, you're one of the sources I can count on to have done a great test on it with velocity, gel expansion results, and which firearm you fired it from. This looks like a great bullet to work up some handloads with for next deer season.

[@AlekseySh1982]

2:57 Surprisenly consitent and close to advertising for Underwood's 357.

[@GeographyCzar]

Another excellent comparison test, thanks Gun Sam!

[@normanmallory2055]

That was a great test ! Same calibers I like to shoot a lot !

[@brianmoore1164]

I think that Barnes is making some of the best projectiles in the business. Thank you for this test. I was wondering how they would hold up to the increased velocity that Underwood loads them to.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Barnes tac-XPD 125gr is rated for 1200fps in a 2 inch barrel and it's all copper!!! In a 4 inch or 6 inch it's very nasty!!!

[@CarolinaRimfire]

I like underwood quite a bit. It also tends to be a bit cheaper than buffalo bore when my local shop has it in stock

[@bryantitus6634]

Wish Barnes loaded their Vor-tx boxes even just close to that hot. They are very underwhelming. Bullet performance is fantastic but not velocity.

[@willo7734]

Cool test. Underwood almost always seems to be a winner (except when they go for MAXIMUM EXPANSION). I noticed that the 357 gel block wound channel actually got larger with the denim and MDB in place, which from my memory of your tests doesn’t happen that often. That was also pretty interesting that the accuracy seemed to be worse with the 357. Could have been just a quirk with the combo of that ammo and your pistol maybe.

[@GunSam]

If you may have noticed, the .357 Mag impacted the same across the board. My 686 is spot on, every ammo I test I will generally blow the center out of my target right where I aim center. But with this, even at 5 yards it was impacting in a tight group a full inch low, which is definitely not right. Then at 25 yards - while I did indeed see my sights drift off left and I touched off a shot before I was ready, they still impacted really low. And then at 75 yards like I said in the video, I had to aim for head shots to make those low center mass hits. I know it's not my revolvers, as I clean and inspect my revolvers before every video which includes checking the sights and making sure the front screw that holds the rear sights on, is tight.

[@natjonestower3035]

High speed, low weight= tumblers.

[@boedude8496]

follow-ups with a 44? looks like it! yes its a few tenths slower, but in my book for the damage done it is well worth it. and as its a hunting cartridge the 44 is accurate out quite a ways

[@bobjohnson1633]

As long as you get your sights on target, a slightly slower follow-up don't mean much with a 44

[@JasonHenderson]

Would be interested in seeing the 44 Magnum versus the 460 Rowland.

[@Bearacooter]

Xpb stands for "no lead".. lead (Pb) no(x) I always had trouble with them clogging on deer hide

[@bobjohnson1633]

What were you shooting out of? Rifle or pistol?

[@danoneill2846]

Thanks

[@troy9477]

Hard to go wrong with a good copper bullet. Expansion was great. I love my 686 too, so i am always on the lookout for top notch ammo for it. I bet the 44 would do well from a carbine too. That reminds me, my 7.5" SBH needs some exercise. Someday i will get a DA 44, and the 69 is on my short list.

[@ElainesDomain]

Dirty Harry liked this video.

[@veroman007]

But he only used a 44 special load

[@Dayattherange]

Great testing. Underwood and Barnes are a great match.

[@GunSam]

Thanks! I was checking out that 10mm video you did earlier this morning, that was disappointing. The .357 Mag and .44 Mag were just as weak.

[@Dayattherange]

@@GunSam I wonder how it does in a longer barrel hmmmmmmm lol

[@warfumble]

Great test, thanks!

[@fbweaver63]

@ 4:35 did you see the fireball inside the gel? @ 6:03 there was a smaller one w/ the 357.

[@adamsaylor7427]

Been subscribed for a while, and now that I have my first revolver I appreciate it so much more. Bought some Corbon 140grain .357 today. Currently carrying Remington HTP 158 grain SJHP and 1 round of CCI #9 shot around the farm

[@carlosmorris4510]

That's a very nice revolver; the 4" barrel 686!... Perhaps better against human threats at medium range or so; the .44 against bears.

[@adamesd3699]

Wow! Good shooting with the 44 mag.

[@jedediahsibley3355]

Love the magnum revolvers!

[@billyferrell6256]

Ok this is interesting. Man I wish you did 41 magnum too. Love 41 magnum

[@GenX-Grampa]

I have no problem concealed carrying my Grandfather's 7.5" Virginian Dragoon SAA in 44mag. He had an awesome shoulder holster for it and where i live in BFE Tennessee, nobody looks twice when i open carry it. LOL And no, i dont do the stupid "cowboy load"! I carry all 6 chambers.

[@spencermichaelson1882]

Underwood has recently focused on these pricey tacxp bullets in +p+ 9mm too. I wish they would make more bonded +p+ they’ve been sold out forever

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I have noticed that with my Smith 629 classic and Ruger Redhawk both in 44 mag the cases from my Underwood 240gr xtp's drop out pretty easy!!!

[@kevinramsey3490]

I really like your range. You can rock those revolvers. I need to blow the dust off my .44 and let it play. Great video.

[@spencermichaelson1882]

The original Barnes +p 115 tacxp and super vel 115 +p+ solid copper don’t usually go more than 14”. I went to 147gr bonded because I like them to go 15+

[@artfulalias3984]

From here on the other side of the screen it looked like the 125 grain at 1550 fps were not shooting all over, just significantly lower than the sights are adjusted? I'm not usually impressed with Underwood's revolver loads. But these performed well.

[@charlestillie243]

the 125 grain from the 357 Magnum is definitely a man stop what kind of loads you got in that 44 Magnum

[@charlestillie243]

125 grain is a lot safer penetration as where the 44 magnum goes clear through the human body into another human body so that doesn't make it better I'll take the 125 grain any day especially for self-defense that doesn't make the 44 any better bottom line either one of them will kill you

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Very good test. Can't complain with overall results. Not the best with 357. But not difficult to overcome with training. Thank you.

[@bentoncushing8693]

Very informative show,,,,Ur very smooth ,,,,shooting heavy loads...

[@jamesadams1357]

Gun sam it didn't take you long to move that thumb on the 44 velocity test? Lol. I made same mistake my friend. Anyway been watching your stuff for a while and really appreciate the revolver love and your hard work! And don't pay any attention to the ones making the comments youve referred to in others. All legit guys and gals recognize the hard work and your love for the wheels

[@dangerman007]

Great results by both rounds! I would carry either one of these...

[@alaskamonster9492]

I have a 629-6 with a 4inch I love it

[@Mossberg590Mariner]

Hey Sam. I know ive asked this before. But. Is there any way you could do a video of the buffalo bore heavy 125 gr in a snubnose but in ballistics gel? MDF and all that jazz, with jeans too. Im really curious how it performs in gel. I know it hurts your hand to shoot a few, so doing the chrono is pointless cuz you did it before. If not, hey it's all good. Thanks for these great videos! I carry a snubby 357 mag with the buffalo bore heavy 125 gr. Doesnt bother me to shoot 5 quickly...until the next day lol.

[@GunSam]

Maybe lol. I ran it in water jugs in the past, 2" barrel and 1,443 FPS average. It wasn't fun.

[@Mossberg590Mariner]

@@GunSam Yeah, I figured. I just asked just cuz. A bullet or two...should be ok. If not, hey, dont do it. If you dont want to, dont. But, i wanna see the amount of damage it does. Thank you for the awesome videos you do and the content!

[@bobjohnson1633]

I carry the Barnes in all my snubbie magnums. Vor-tx 357 are sick. The 44 mags are low and are great for my 44 nightguard.

[@pecosjane]

Silly old woman question: how often do you clean your revolvers? When I learned to shoot - a very long time ago - we cleaned our guns immediately after shooting, before they went back into the locked gun cabinet and definitely before supper. What’s your modern 2023 cleaning schedule?

[@GunSam]

I usually clean mine the night before I film a video or target shoot, but I do not clean them the same day after I film or target shoot, rather I clean them again the night before the next time I film or target shoot. Granted, when I film a video or target shoot, I generally only fire 50 rounds at most and I also rarely fire lead bullets which can make a revolver not function well with too much lead build-up, so because of that I have no qualms about going home and putting them away, even if I use them for defense - and then cleaning the night before I go film or shoot. I like to have my revolvers looking nice for the video so I will always clean before a video even if I really do not need to. A quick rule of thumb is that if the ammo is Magnum ammo, if it's lead ammo or if it's hundreds of rounds than I might clean them right after I shoot them, but if it's just .38 Special jacketed ammo or 20 Magnums than I wait until another day to clean them. I will mention, when I clean my revolvers I do take the grip and cylinder off because I don't like oil setting on rubber and it also allows me to scrub the cylinder face better. I use either Ballistol or CLP and spray in the bore and every chamber, run a wire brush through a few times and then spray on the cylinder face and forcing cone area and scrub with copper and steel brushes, alternating (on my stainless revolvers) or on blued revolvers, just very light pressing with copper and nylon brushes alternating. I then use wet bore patches down the bore and every chamber, then dry the whole frame, reassemble and then wipe again and run dry patches down the bore and chambers after assembled. I wait to do the dry patches last because reassembly and test dry fire for function, can sometimes send oil that dripped in crevices, to go flying and into bore. So after assembly and test dry fire, I wipe whole gun down and then dry patch the bore and chambers. I know that was detailed but you asked lol

[@pecosjane]

@@GunSam Thanks for the detail!

[@vlogfriendsutopia]

Man, if we could get something like that that expanded to 0.85 inches, I'd be happy.

[@ratagris21]

Nice to see these rounds tested by you Sam! Excellent shooting! ♠️🎩🎱🇺🇸🏁🔱🌻🏵️💮🌸🌼🏴‍☠️🏹

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@Fudmottin]

I do remember promising to load up some of those 125s to compare against the 110s in 38Spl+P. I've got the bullets, brass, powder, and primers. But I just haven't loaded the darn things. I do like the BB 125s. They do sting a bit. Roughly on par with the Remington 125gr SJHP 357 Magnum. From memory, the 110s in 38Spl+P simply failed to penetrate enough. As far as over penetration goes, exit wounds tend to be worse than entrance wounds. I don't worry about that.

[@TheLoneRanger745]

I watched you just the other day where a 357 went just as far in the jell as this 44, now I don't remember what type 357 Rd it was . I do realize you are testing same for same rds in this test though. Powerful rds wow , last two in jell were very good shots. At 75yrds the target is smaller than the front sight, any hit is a miracle , great shooting Bud.

[@Steven_Splorch]

I know it's not really your thing, but I'd be really interested to see how those do coming out of a pistol caliber carbine. Great vid!

[@GunSam]

It's never been that they aren't my thing, but that I run my channel on what money the channel makes. Purchasing a carbine, means one video for an entire month and I am not willing to do that when I also would have to buy ammo on top of it. I am a little fish.

[@nokoolaid]

Some of the buffalo bore stuff might be interesting. They have a deer grenade in 44 mag. That might work.

[@siestatime4638]

Both look good; I would use either (if I had a .44 mag).

[@philvogt7671]

For your next one do 30-30 vs 762x39

[@GunSam]

I have debated 30-30 VS .44 Mag as I do have a 30-30 rifle. No 7.62 x 39 guns in my possession.

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊🎯 I need to get some of those 44s .

[@paulscountry456]

Good velocity from 4 really .

[@jacobackley502]

More and more it seems like momentum is a better indicator of terminal effectiveness than kinetic energy. These two were within what, 30% of each other energy wise? Yet that damage was nearly double from the 44, which is just about how much more momentum it has over the 357.

[@frankhinkle5772]

Thanks, that was very helpful. I'm always looking for .357 Magnum ammo. This looked good in the initial testing but you not being able to hit at 25 yards, and knowing that it ain't YOU, that is troubling.

[@charlesmudd9834]

Good testing. Was considering a 69 when they came out. Heard comments about recoil stinging due to lighter weight and /or the backstrap. If you think that grip you use makes a large enough difference, I may just get one, if you care to comment. I have a 29 classic in 5 or 5-1/2 in blue steel, but think I'd appreciate that frame size and weight if the grip makes the difference.

[@GunSam]

Yes the grip makes all the difference, mostly due to the size being big enough to get a good grip and distribute the recoil. The padding helps a tad too, one small thing - on an L frame, the top goes just a tad high which makes cocking in single action take more force as the hammer spur pinches the top of the grip, but that could be cut away if it was a big problem, the double action shorter hammer cycle never comes into contact with the grip.

[@charlesmudd9834]

​@Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ ★ Wow... Thanks for the quick reply! That's much appreciated information! Looking like a deal 'maker,' for me. Done deal! Looking forward to more videos!

[@bobjohnson1633]

It's made for the 500 magnum, which has 4X as much recoil. They work. Lol

[@richdoherty64]

I was just shopping for another 44mag revolver and good defense ammo. I'll probably get a Taurus Raging Hunter.

[@richdoherty64]

My lgs has a new Anaconda in the case. I would buy it if I can make payments.

[@louv4437]

I watched a forensics murder show and a guy was killed by one chest shot from a 38 the bullet? Tac-xpD from Barnes. They showed the recovered bullet even from the 38 perfect expansion.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Any load you get with these barnes hollows work very well in every caliber I have seen

[@michigunsanta8680]

I’d love to try that 44mag underwood in my Henry big boy! 👍🏻🤔

[@calebsrccrawlers]

I just got a brand new s&w model 29 classic in 44 mag, 6, 1/2 inch barrel, I was shooting underwood 180 grain jhp nickel plated brass and the casings didn't stick in the chambers of that new 44, which is awesome, I have yet to test Underwood's 240 grain jhp. Now In my 80's era 29-3 the underwood nickel plated casing always stick, in the chambers, where I have to pound them out with a rubber mallet, ha ha. Underwood’s nickel plated brass is the only brass that sticks in the older model 29. Anyways keep up the great work gun Sam, just out of curiosity how old is your model 69?

[@bobjohnson1633]

Definitely contact s&w.

[@calebsrccrawlers]

@@bobjohnson1633 why? The 29-3 from the 80's is way past its warranty? And the brass is not sticking in the brand new model 29 that's a good thing, the nickel plated brass is not supposed to stick in the chambers, that’s why it’s nickel plated and it does not stick on the new gun, which is good. But in the older 29, the underwood loadings stick but they are the only brass that sticks.

[@louv4437]

Great bullets

[@knobjob2839]

Copper bullets are so good nowadays

[@justsmallstuff4994]

Commenting for the algorithm gods

[@johnenglish4652]

What might happen if you intentionally shot through the gel block, then chronograph the round speed exiting the gel using rounds you know would get through the gel?

[@scottroder5516]

I think the way bullets swerve sometimes he could lose a Chrono. But I agree it would be interesting to see the result

[@farrismoore7524]

that 44 ain't no joke 👀

[@TheRealZJM377]

That's right

[@Wildwestwrangler]

You should get your chambers polished on your 44 mag

[@twitterjackedmitchell8096]

What is the lowest recoil 44 Mag defense ammo NOT 44 Special?

[@GunSam]

Probably like, PMC 180 gr Magnum. They are in the energy range of a hot .357 Magnum.

[@garrettschienschang4399]

Would rather a 180 for the 44 to hopefully get a bit faster energy dump and less penetration ther wise a terrific round

[@bobjohnson1633]

If you want your 44 for two legged predators, just shoot specials. This same bullet in the barnes vor-tx has much lower energy, so you might consider those, too.

[@garrettschienschang4399]

@@bobjohnson1633 I would rather not lower energy though. I’m one of those dumb asses who caries full house 44mag for edc usually a Buffalo bore 180 swchp

[@lens7859]

I think a 3/4 inch “disruption“ in a person may sting a little 😮

[@brandiwynter]

I've never shot any of my revolvers at 75 yards, I'm curious how much of the target is covered by the front sight post?

[@GunSam]

like 80% covered if I can recall.

[@nightvan4427]

Good job again, Sir I have 3 guns in 357 magnum and 629 S&W in 44 magnum. I don't have a place for shooting❤❤😒😒🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🚙🚙. I have some clip too.

[@taasch2505]

Has anyone here heard of 2nd Amendment Ammo company? My local shop is full of the stuff and in CA you can't get ammo shipped to home. Locally I only see hornaday xtps, second amendment, and on a rare occasion the federal hsts.....just never in my carry calibers .40 and .38. So I'm trying to find out if anyone has done any testing with the stuff or if I'll have to keep relying on XTPs till I know more...which are suboptimal if you ask me. Usually I see them clog and never expand....

[@danielaramburo7648]

You should get a revolver in 50 BMG. 5 shot, 6 inch barrel, scantium frame….

[@Cruiser777]

For some reason I shoot the 44 magnum better myself At 25 yd. I wish I could find those underwoods Rounds

[@michigunsanta8680]

Needless to say both will Make a major boo boo! 😳😬😅

[@Wildwestwrangler]

According to underwood their speeds are out of a 6 inch Ruger GP100.

[@rudolfyakich6653]

Uff Da !

[@tedcollins4684]

👍

[@jamesoncross7494]

.44mag is so much more powerful than .357mag. The gun is much heavier though so not much fun to carry around.

[@GunSam]

My .44 Mag here weighs less than my .357 Mag here.

[@philipfreeman72]

Copper beats lead .

[@bobjohnson1633]

Copper beats your bank account even harder

[@RoadTraveler]

Bump

[@stevenbrown1798]

What do you think would happen. Duh

[@GunSam]

You're going to have to be more specific.

[@keghinian]

Excuse me! How did you measure 22" on the first shot of the 44?

[@GunSam]

I lined the bullet up with the yard stick, and it was 22". Not that difficult.

[@keghinian]

@@GunSam not according to the video you posted.

[@44special9]

@@keghinian How far do you think it went ?

[@keghinian]

​@44 special looking at the video, it stopped at 21"

[@44special9]

@@keghinian There is one maybe two things to consider here . First off the bullet bounced back a little bit from the farthest point it went to , so even if it's at 21 now it went to 22 1/2 so that's the final measurement . Secondly the camera looks like it's more straight across from the first long block than the second long block so when we watch the video and look at bullets in the second long block they will appear to be not as far as they really are .