Is There REALLY Any Difference? .357 Magnum vs .38 Special +P Ballistic Gel Testing!

[@oldcop18]

I was a city cop for 30 years (retired in ‘97) & was forced to use my .38 three times. Once w/the old standard pressure round nose and twice w/the old FBI +P hollow point. The old standard pressure worked as well as the FBI HP. Careful aiming in a real fight doesn’t happen so I was left w/either a flash sight picture or point shooting in the ‘74 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects on a dark parking lot. Magnum revolvers were considered an over penetration risk for a densely populated city. Good video, great info.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Glad you came out on the good end of those encounters!

[@no.step.on.snek.2423]

Glad you made it... Crazy how it was thought back then the 357 would out penetrate the 38.. we know now, that if both rounds are hollowpoints, the 357 violent expansion do to the fast velocity actually causes the bullet to penetrate less. Vs the 38 poking along rarely has ths velocity to expand a bullet thus leaving you with a ball round with less surface area than the 45acp and movin about the same speed , and penetrating deeply because of it .

[@metalbuggy]

I just picked up a S&W model 10-6 made in early '74, It's marked "NPD 952" I know it's not Newark, as theirs were marked number 1st then N.P.D. And not Nashville, TN as they're the NMPD (metro) So I guess Norfolk? Or somewhere smaller that ordered marked and numbered guns?!? Good to hear the ol 38sp did the job for ya back in '74! 👍

[@thecollector3525]

You were never forced and likely was never shot back at

[@d.hayward5232]

​@@metalbuggy Did you ever find out where it came from? Interesting find on your part!

[@alexandermfernandez9283]

The .357 Magnum / .38special combination was what you saw in my house growing up . Dad was a uniformed Officer in the late 60s'-mid 70s' until he became a Fed. Agent for the D.E.A. in '75 . There were no FBI standards back then , just real life experiences and results .He swore by that same Remington load you have in the video because he unfortunately had to use it on several occasions . If you were to ask him today what he thought about it , he'd tell you , ....."it works" ! Your video definitely shows the difference between the two cartridges , and you did a Great Job demonstrating it . Once again , Thank You !

[@frankbrowning328]

The Rem 125 gr HP .357 Mag was the standard that all were compared to in the late 70's- 80's. It was a fantastic man stopper and looking at the gel we can see why.

[@ToolsandTargets]

It would definitely make a bad guy change his profession.😆

[@rsbreeze]

I'm still shooting that ammo for hunting. My wife's uncle was a Border Patrol Agent back when that was the round they carried. He brought plenty home for the taxpayers! 🤔😁🤣🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

This is the load that gave the 357 magnum it's fearsome reputation.

[@F15ElectricEagle]

The 125 grain SJHP 357 Magnum round (from Federal, Remington and Winchester) is still the standard that all other handgun rounds is compared against in term of one-shot stopping power.

[@brianblackburn-author7531]

@@ToolsandTargets Yeah, they'd suddenly be a suit and tie guy

[@thystaff742]

There's a old channel here on youtube called ScubaOz, he hasn't posted anything in 4 years. However he posted a lot of revolver ballistic gel tests involving 38 special and 357 magnum. Mostly from a snub nose. Even though the content is older it's still relevant. I also think you'll like the style he had in his videos.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I actually checked out a couple of his videos a few months ago when someone mentioned the channel. I had never heard of it before then. Shame he stopped doing stuff.

[@thystaff742]

@@ToolsandTargets It is a shame he quit making videos but I get it, the cost and time of making videos and not being allowed to get any ad revenue it generates defeats the purpose of doing it.

[@Mustachio63]

He's doing more videos

[@thystaff742]

@@Mustachio63 Where?

[@mattschmitt9924]

I am a fan of "Gun Sam Revolver Aficionado" he does quite a bit if gel testing through snubbies.

[@fpt264]

Thanks!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate the heck out of that!😎👊

[@SigmaSheepdog]

I worked for the US Secret Service for a number of years and we carried high pressure Federal 38 Special 110 grain hollowpoint "Treasury Loads" until 1992. I cannot recall any use of force situations with that round, but it probably would have worked out quite well. I wish that I still had some of that ammo to send you for testing to see how it performs in the jelly.

[@jamesbond142]

Do a segment about.357 buffalo bore.. ... That would be awesome ASF based off what is advertised. Not a lot wheel gun carriers left, but I'm hoping your video will keep the spirit and knowledge alive

[@leederby136]

I’m surprised how far the .38 went! I think that’s the best round for me so my ears don’t bleed. Either one is good, though. I do like the better expansion on the .357. Probably the higher velocity shattered the .357. Thanks for the test Tools🙂

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate you checking it out brother. Either one would do what you needed done.👍

[@cgsimons1187]

Nice video showing the difference between these two calibers. The .357 Mag 125gr JHP was considered the king of stopping power. The velocity of that round out of a full-size barrel(4" +) can result in bullet fragmentation. Though unlike weaker calibers, the .357 Mag still has the momentum to push the rest of that bullet deep enough to reach vital organs. Plus, the fragments tend to move further outside the wound channel and actually increase damage. Plus it tends to avoiding overpenetrating and instead dumps all that energy into the bad guy. I think this is still the king of stopping power(for handguns.) Though I do see the appeal of higher capacity semi-auto pistols because misses happen in real gunfights and sometimes bad guys come in packs.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Absolutely. It went off like a grenade. Definitely a potent package. Thanks for checkin out the video!

[@henryfam58]

Sir, I have to commend you. This was the fairest review possible and really an eye opener. Thank you for putting this together.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that! Thanks for checkin it out!

[@maxmccain8950]

Ah yes, the 357 magnum. It’s always been the round that performed like lightning. There’s a couple older deputies in my department that actually had to use it on some evil doers. Immediate lights out. It really didn’t seem to make much difference in brand (rem, fed, win). All that energy just dumped really seemed to get their attention.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. It definitely made the jelly dance.💥💥💥

[@grahamohea2424]

I was expecting the .357 to penetrate less due to a higher energy transfer. I must say, looking at the rest of the comments for this video, I'm quite impressed with what others are saying and the tone of the conversation. Very positive all around

[@ToolsandTargets]

Most of the time, it's pretty civilized around here.😆

[@PileofBrass]

I knew a person that took a .357 125 grain round to the torso at nearly point blank range. Autopsy report showed the round grenaded, finding frags behind shoulder blades spanning to lower back at belt line.

[@SubDMBlime]

I carry concealed in town. One of my biggest concerns is a round penetrating the target and hitting a bystander. The full expansion on the .357 vs the FMJ-esque action from the .38, not to mention the stopping power deficit makes the .357 look a lot better to me.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@joehelvey5794]

The .38 special being naturally subsonic will actually out penetrate most carry loads especially with an xtp or other controlled expansion rounds. I shot a block with an HST in .38spl/.357mag/40s&w/10mm/.45acp The 10mm did the most damage, but the .38spl went farther into the gel than any. Might make for a cool video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I definitely need to do some more caliber vs caliber tests.👍

[@justinbushman277]

. 357 mag all the way! 👍💯

[@jackdougherty139]

Would like to see 9 - 9 +P VS 38 - 38+P maybe even some 327 mag !

[@laruestephens3743]

Wow! Disappointed with.38 Special + P expansion. Would love see another round of.357 to see if the second one breaks up like the first round. If so, the .357 is going to be the bad boy of choice for self-defense.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I was pretty underwhelmed by the .38 expansion too. Especially out of a 4" barrel. I think I might do a .357 mag vs .44 mag soon.👍

[@scottgraham1153]

I really enjoy the content Tools&targets is putting out. Keep them coming.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Nice blast from the past Tools! The 125 357 has been and I’m sure still is the best stopper in a handgun. While it barely meets current standards, I believe the secondary tracks create a lot more trauma. Thanks for the test!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Like a grenade.💥💥💥

[@andrewgarrison3485]

The 357 magnum, in 125gr JHP, has been the long time standing champ of the one shot fight stopper. I had carried the Remington Golden Saber 125gr BJHP in 357 mag. It was a little slower than the standard JHP. My training round was the then USA; now Winchester white box 357 mag 110gr SJHP. Same point of aim and impact out if my revolver at a fraction of the price. While I would pick the Golden Saber every time when walking into a fight, I wouldn't worry if all I had was the Winchester SJHP.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. .357 is definitely a potent round.

[@B25gunship]

Speed kills. Very interesting test and comparison. The 357 was really cooking when it entered the gel block and even though it shed a little jacket you can't have any complaints about how it mushroomed. As for how far it penetrated I'd say it was perfect. The 38spl looks like something upset its performance. It would have been interesting to see another round of 38 fired for comparison. Just speculating. I love these tests. Sometimes things happen that are completely unexpected.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. You definitely never know what might happen.😎👍

[@valkyriect3919]

Tools you keep getting better and better. Another great test. I’ve been looking at a 38spl...this gives me food for thought.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you ma'am. Lots of options out there.👍

[@Zfirearms]

Great demo, if you were comparing fmj’s the .357 would have out penetrated the .38. But the hollow point did what it’s designed to do, mushroom open and dump all its massive energy within 12 in. Great comparison, thanks for the time and effort you put into all your videos. Keep it up

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@thewolfhunter]

When i was a rookie L.E.O. we carried the Remington 125gr +P JHP.,Then we switched to Federal 129gr.+P Hydra Shok,our last switch before going to semi-automatics was the Winchester 158gr +P LSWCHP (FBI Load)

[@jerdog333]

Great video! I love my .357 revolver / lever action combo. I usually shoot .38 spl, so when I switch the .357 I'm always surprised by just how much more powerful it is. It's not even close from the shooters perspective, and I'm guessing the shooties perspective too. haha.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I really wanna pick up a Henry in 357. You can definitely tell the difference.👍

[@jerdog333]

​@@ToolsandTargets I have an old JM Marlin, but them new Henrys look nice!

[@robwilson3749]

Usually that remington +P .38 chokes on the denim test but generally does well in plain jelly.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Need to test em with some cloth.

[@JohnLloydScharf]

Great choice of weapon, from my perspective. I am a big believer in all 8 shot .357s for concealed carry, but I can hide that big frame as I am adult-sized. I am glad to see the .38 Special got full penetration without breaking up. I suspect a doctor would not have a mess to clean up in removal. I predicted the .357 would over-penetrate, but Remington did an excellent job on expansion and tumbling. I am glad to see Remington ammo back from their bankruptcy. BOTH are good calibers in a duty weapon, but it might not do so well in a 1 and seven-eighths barrel in a concealed weapon. The recoil of the .357 is stout and the .38 Special might under-penetrate. GREAT testing!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I have a test coming up soon using a little 2 incher and some .38 special 125 and 158 grain.👍

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I wouldn't say Remington is back from bankruptcy as they were split up and sold in 2 different parts, but I am glad to see those green boxes back on shelves

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I also have an 8 shot 357ag It's a 608, but not concealable as it has a 6.5 inch barrel lol

[@Nono-rh4lr]

Hey brother. Would love to see budget 38 special standard pressure JhP like Remington UHP out of a snub nose. It did so well in 115 9

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'll see what I can come up with.

[@leonhart2452]

I think that 125 gr bullet is the same one Remington has been using for years. When loaded in the special case it gets reasonable expansion with good penetration. When in the magnum you are increasing the velocity by about 50%. This causes this bullet to expand more violently with less penetration. The same happens with a lot of bullets. When designed for lower velocities the act differently at higher velocity. Try running 30-30 bullets at max speeds out of a 300 magnum.

[@ToolsandTargets]

👍

[@wildcatindustries8030]

Sounds like a good varmint round idea

[@semichiganandy2127]

That was a conclusive demonstration of the differences in the hitting power of the two rounds.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely.👍

[@dontaylor3039]

That is surprising with the 357 but the impact is crazy keepem coming tools enjoy your videos buddy

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. It definitely dumped a pile of energy.💥💥💥

[@javier7717]

That 357 is a beast, you get hit with that, you'll be 6 feet under.

[@ToolsandTargets]

You aint kiddin!☠

[@choppermike3329]

Really interesting results. If a large mammal is getting ready to attack I think I would rather have the .357. Definitely good for close range Hogs. Thanks for another great , informative video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

.357 if you gotta fight a Whale!💥🐳💥 Appreciate ya brother!

[@mkshffr4936]

If you face a large critter you don't want a HP.

[@williamhuffer6954]

As always great video.. What is the model pistol are you using and do you like it. Thanks again for your videos..

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Taurus model 608. I love it. It's nice and heavy and ported barrel so recoil is nothing even with .357 Mag.

[@williamhuffer6954]

I am gonna look in to one.

[@thebluesrockers]

Remington puts out a High Terminal Performance 38 special 158 gr + P I'd love to see you try these out. also compare those to the 357 mag. Would you trust shooting those out of a Taurus 856 with a 2" barrel? I'd like to try them out, but I'm a little scared that they might blowup my gun. I have the steel Matt black Taurus 856 Do you think they'd be safe enough or not? Thanks for all your video's. Peace..

[@ToolsandTargets]

I think I have those now.😎👍

[@Kaelland]

The Taurus 856 is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. You're not going to blow up your gun shooting .38 +P through it.

[@thebluesrockers]

@@Kaelland I found that out after doing more reviews on that ammo. I also found a decent deal on that ammo too. I can't wait to get 100 rds next Monday. Thanks for the reply. Peace

[@josephpacchetti5997]

So I just watched this again, and I had the same thing happen with the .357 same round, the jacket is scalloped and does not cover as much of the lead as a JHP and the velocity is much greater, I knew exactly what was going to happen, and It did, there is a very interesting story behind this but It would take a while to explain, but I will in the future if you are interested, Thanks for posting. 👍 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@johnnywadd9918]

I would have to say the .357 performed the way it was made. Maximun damage, very efficient penetration.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. it went to work.💥💥💥

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

As far as bullet expansion, I've heard that when asked surgeons and medical examiners typically say that on rounds like .38, .357, 9mm, .40 and .45 acp that they can't tell any major differences on would channels so I'm not sure that the term 'temporary stretch cavity' is a thing or not. What the ballistic experts do seem to agree on is the need for penetration for adequate stoppages because you don't always have a bad guy directly facing you, sometimes you gotta go through more stuff to get to the organs and such like an upper arm.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@coreysuttles1362]

Fantastic comparison! Didn't expect these results!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I definitely didn't expect the .357 to explode like it did.💥💣💥

[@coreysuttles1362]

@@ToolsandTargets I carry .38spl 158gr from time to time but I'm now carrying a 365

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@coreysuttles1362 Love me some 365!😎

[@denniskawa4412]

Have a Ruger security 6 was actually impressed with the 38, shooting reloads. Just plinkers for the 38 and hollow point for .357, good video

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.

[@leonardpiskacsr.7111]

Job well done again Tools that's why your my Favorite channel you are sincere and fair and Balanced ....years ago i had a Trooper Mk.V and a 4inch SW 586....I Reloded for Both Using Blue Dot...Red Dot ...Win231 and Unique...I miss it I found I could use Hardcast 158LSWC...for Fantastic defense Loads in 357Mag....Now for my House Gun I use a 38special 4inch RIA...with NON plus P 110gr.Hornady Critical defense JHPs...Get Great Reults without Blowing out My eardrums and Dealing with the Massive flash....I love the 38special but feel their is Better options then always +Ps...and I would never use 357 in my House Gun with full House Loads...Thanks again Tools you are a friend and I look forward to your reviews Here in Tarpin Springs Florida! 😃❤🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that brother. My RK has the 4" RIA 38 special back in stock. Seriously thinking about picking it up just to have it.👍

[@leonardpiskacsr.7111]

@Tools and Target if I remember you have the 206....This one is great also ...No cylinder play on mine ....minimal forcing cone gap....It is an Awsome Revolver...I have Many many others at home but this is my House gun....Love it....you should get it ...love the warranty too!!❤

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@leonardpiskacsr.7111 Yep, I have the 206. That 200 is the first one I was gonna buy but then it was out of stock when I finally decided to.

[@jamesbranham2217]

I see alot of comments but if you look at stats.. I have seen 2 studies.. an alternative look at handgun stopping power.. and another one.. and believe it or not according to those studies the little 380 finishes above 38 and 9mm close to 357 in one shot stops.. that's not kills or whatever.. just 1 shot stops to end altercation.. look it up it blew my mind too..

[@ToolsandTargets]

Statistics have the sole purpose of being used one way of the other to prove a point. I'd be willing to bet you can find plenty to support either position. It's just simple math that a .380 is vastly inferior in performance. Firearm statistics like that mean absolutely nothing to me because I know how skewed they are. It's like polling 90% democrat and 10% republican and being surprised that Senile Joe would come out ahead.

[@keithmaxwell2169]

Good Test Tools, I expected the 357 to penetrate farther, I shoot both but in a short barrel, You can definitely tell the difference between the two as far as recoil and sound, KEEP'EM COMING

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. It's kind of weird in this heavy, ported revolver not feeling any recoil difference but hearing a huge sound difference.😎

[@YouTalkinToMeBro]

I paused at 1:37 and I'm going to guess them to be close, with the 357 a little better...I'll edit when video is finished. Edit: I really thought the speeds would be closer, but that 357 breaking up was crazy! I guess it was going so fast it didn't have a choice once it slammed into that jelly. Very interesting... absolutely LOVE your jelly tests and appreciate your time. Be safe brother.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Little mini grenades!💥💣💥

[@YouTalkinToMeBro]

@@ToolsandTargets 😂👍

[@galeburgess5309]

A comparison of the 38 and a 124 9mm would be interesting.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I can definitely make that happen.👍

[@galeburgess5309]

@@ToolsandTargets Thank you sir.

[@mattschmitt9924]

I second this

[@KWayneWord]

Hard to beat a good old .357. That thing was haulin it! Wonder how that .38 would do out of a rifle length barrel! Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Might be just the excuse I need to pick up a Henry chambered in .357/.38.😆

[@KWayneWord]

@@ToolsandTargets Heck yeah!! It's in the name of science! LOL

[@robinhartman7559]

Take your rifle an go out 6in on the barrel then from that point count in 6in increments, for every 6in increment add 100fps an that roughly is how fast the 38 will be breaking barrel. Most barrels are 200 to 250fps quicker! Hope that helps🙂

[@seanrich1367]

Surprised on the Jelly test. I reload them , and can tell you the .357 has roughly double powder charge of .38. Thanks for posting. I know it was a year ago.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, there's a big difference especially depending on the ammo.😎👍

[@rjhelmick3381]

Good stuff Wildman 👏 thanks for sharing this 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎

[@rmax2]

Either round would get the job done...but the .357 is simply a hard round to beat! 😎

[@feliciae1711]

Another jelly test in the books! Wasn’t expecting those results so definitely a good test! Keep up the good work Tools! Hubby and I definitely enjoy watching all your videos! 😁

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you ma'am. Didn't expect this either!😎

[@FrankH-d6x]

In your opinion, what's the most effective round for a .38 4"? Appreciate you ✌

[@bobg.8954]

As usual I picked wrong on depth but I was right on "knock down" (I hate that term). The magnum is a *can't use the language but ends in ER...lol. Bro I'm having a pretty special day tomorrow but I already know one of the gifts I'm getting and I wanted you and your channel to be the 1st to know. I'm getting a Glock 32 in 357sig! NIB!!! I can't wait! Great test Bro. T/C!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Very nice! My local shop has a bunch of .357 sig ammo in there. They even make those T Series rounds in .357 sig!😎

[@bobg.8954]

@@ToolsandTargets if I can't find em local I may send you some $$$ to send me a few! With a few for you as well, of course! lol

[@dennismcatee1313]

Back in the day when we shot people with the federal 125 jacketed hollowpoint they stayed shot.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😆😆😆

[@sidm3571]

I would rather hit with a .38+p, then you guessed it miss with .357. It's all about delivery.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Or just don't miss with the .357.🤷‍♂️

[@Dwayne7834]

Another good jelly comparison. I sure thought the 357 would have gone further. Thanks for the video

[@ToolsandTargets]

I think it would have for sure if it didn't explode like that. I imagine the .38 would have stopped sooner too if it actually expanded like it is meant to. Pretty nasty stuff either way though.😎

[@tahertz8544]

Remington defense round fragment often. If you sticks some clothing in front of the gel you'll find 380,44/38sp & 45 All have issues (slow rounds) expanding and mostly the lighter for caliber weights do better. I'm glad someone is testing the EZ platform, Wifey has both and the InterWeb only test the small ones. GreatJellyTimeVideo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I have a ton more tests planned for the EZ's. I love shooting those things.😎

[@justinappling614]

Excellent video! I love revolver cartridge comparisons. I have been wanting to see a gel test on the exact same ammo but out of carbine length barrels. Would love to see the velocity of 38 special vs 357 out of a 16 inch and 44 special and 44 mag from a 16 inch and how effective the special rounds would be for home defense from those barrels. I think the special rounds would be ideal due to less noise and wall penetration but still give a serious power increase for the 38 and 44 special. I have both the 357 and 44 carbines but have never bought gel to do the test. As far as I know there aren’t any of these test on line. Thank you for your hard work on the channel. I have been very busy the last couple of weeks at work but I will get that e-mail sent out to you about advice on sending ammo by mail.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. This might give me an excuse to pick up the Henry I've been wanting.😉

[@justinappling614]

@@ToolsandTargets they are my favorite rifles. I have the Henry .44 and the Rossi 357. Honestly the Rossi is more practical and just as accurate. I don’t worry as much about bumping it into things as much with the Rossi and of the two the 357 is my favorite to shoot. My 12 year old daughter and my wife love shooting 38 special out of it. My hand loads and Buffalo Bore have killed big deer in the 357. I’m taking the .44 hog hunting this weekend loaded with some Buffalo Bore “Deer grenades” and I keep the .44 beside my bed loaded with Hornady Custom .44 special and feel very safe even if there are multiple attackers because it holds 12 rounds when loaded with 44 special. I highly recommend both rifles because they will do anything.

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@justinappling614 Very nice!😎

[@donaldatkinson7937]

@@ToolsandTargets stop it, I'm getting aroused lol, I'm gonna have to send you some 158 gr lead bullets that I cast, ones for hot 357 about 15bhn ,38s mabe 10bhn.

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@donaldatkinson7937 Hot mamas!🔥🔥🔥

[@johnlacasse8893]

357 magnum has always been the king of stopping power... The damage it does is just unbelievable. My personal rankings are 357, 125 gr... 40 s&w, amy gr weight, then 45 acp, 230 gr in 1911 & 185 in Shield 45

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@olliecat5661]

I have the exact two boxes of ammo you used, perfect test for me. I'm surprised by the results but the 357 definitely dumped its energy early.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. The .357 rocked the jelly good!

[@Nutty.357]

That is what I expected pretty much but thought the 38+P would be faster and thought the 357 would go a little further than it did but still not as far as the 38. I like that revolver! JellyTimeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

I love this revolver! You can barely even feel any recoil no matter what you sling out of it.😎

[@keysgirl7699]

Great video. Not surprised. I love .357. Good choice with a 4” barrel. For a choice in either, I think it comes down to the right round/weight & the right choice of gun & barrel length.Too short is velocity loss & muzzle blast.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. 100% agree.👍

[@stoneblue1795]

Maybe lay up some denim on the block as a "dessert" test for fun sometimes?

[@ToolsandTargets]

👍

[@davegreene2031]

A tarus is hard to beat when it comes to a 357 or a 9mm or anything great veido keep on shooting you're doing a dam good job salute 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I've had great experiences with Taurus stuff.👍

[@russellkeeling4387]

To me this is a good example of why you should use a soft point bullet and not a hollow point in the .357.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Yep the velocity done it. Great video Tools be safe and GOD BLESS y’all Amen 🙏

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎

[@TheProAer]

Just started the video, my guess before watching the entire video 357mag. It's like comparing a standard Hemi Challenger to a SRT Hell Cat. Lol. Great work as always Tools.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Good analogy.👍

[@joshnalley1599]

im new with revolvers and was wondering if the tarsus 605 defender shoots both 357 and 38 special or is it just certain models

[@JoeA418]

I wasn't surprised with the test results 357 mag is a different monster and is very capable I have seen people on other videos do 357 mag vs 9mm even shooting civil defense +p a 9mm in no way can or ever will be more powerful and more capable than the 357 mag...... good video man keep them coming.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I definitely forgot just how strong .357mag was.💥👊💥

[@williamreilly1165]

The Remington .357 magnum 125 sjhp was King of the Street when it was introduced. Its street record is unmatched and legendary.

[@pkjdm]

Great magnum load, but i prefer a 158 grain at 1300 fps than a 125 grain at 1450...

[@ToolsandTargets]

Gotta love what a wide range of weghts you can get for it.👍

[@marcthomas2482]

I only know one thing. I don't want hit with either of them! Good test Tools and great video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I have to agree with you on that one!

[@upholdthesecond92]

Interesting test. Before your shot the jelly, I thought for sure the 357 would penetrate more. The speed probably broke the nose off in pcs and wound channel is impressive. If I’m carrying my 38spc, I use a Remington HTP 110 gr sjhp +P round. If I’m carrying 357 magnum, 158gr Jacketed Soft Point round. That will stop a deer. Maybe you test 357 158 gr jhp vs 158 gr jsp. Good video

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Sounds like a good idea.👍

[@jctedsap]

Another reason that the .357 was King for so long.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@LuckyDog350X]

I would have to agree that .38+P was very underwhelming in the expansion department, I think if it would have opened up a little more it would not have made it quite as far. The energy dump of that .357 was messy! If I have the choice I will always pick the .357 but I do have plenty of .38 also as the wife likes to shoot that. If I have to use the .38 I like the federal punch in +P that seems to expand properly. Test well done my friend, have a good one and I will see you on the next one.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I used my little 2" Rock Island to test the Punch in .38 and it did great even in the shorter barrel. This Remington was pathetic.

[@kimness7796]

I like the initial fragmentation of the .357 with a nice viable base to continue on.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥💣💥

[@seranonable]

I have mine loaded with .38 special because it's my nightstand gun and I want to still have eardrums to hear the 911 operator with if I ever have to fire it indoors

[@mkshffr4936]

I wonder how half jacket soft points would work.

[@timr9180]

Sorry I'm late to watch and comment... it's my anniversary....today's tools fact... tools once fought a motorcycle gang of grizzly bears after beating their leader in a game of pool using nothing but a stick made out of old shoe leather and Cow bone.... The result was alot of hurt feelings and a treaty that the gang still adheres to today... that dude is the real deal 👌

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'll excuse the tardiness since you're helping spread the truth!

[@timr9180]

@@ToolsandTargets amen brother

[@cincinnatiking8008]

In all your testing, what would you use in a 357 mag for self defense? I'm guessing Buffalo Bore, Underwood, or Liberty Civil Defense.

[@garrettschienschang4399]

The 38 tests shows us about what the 357 should be doing if you manage to hit a target with it at around 150 yards

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@elblancobasura]

I used to get these Rem .357's at Wally World in the great old days and the .38 +P's Rem's as well so I'm familiar with them both, like them both, and have seen other tests over the years with respect to both. To me, not necessarily anyone else reading this or using them, let me reiterate again, "to me," the 125 grain Remington .357 SJHP is more of a novelty than a usable loading. Oh, I know its history, its performance numbers, its one stop drop rating, its frag-nastyness, and the fact that it's bad guy Kryptonite. Understood and approved. However, I couldn't ever use it in the home unless I lived with my Princess Leia ear muffins on 24 hours a day or wore earplugs day and night with the exception of taking showers. Secondly, the flash at night makes it ridiculous and unusable for my perceived use and finally, continued (albeit a good amount) of use of the 125 grain .357 SJHP causes too much forcing cone erosion. I'm not even talking about K frame forcing cone cracking, I'm talking about having seen eroded GP and SP cones from continued 125 grain SJHP usage. So in summary on that, If I were deaf, shot in low light conditions with my eyes shut, and had multiple copies of GP's and SP's laying around and just replaced the gun every time I torched the cone beyond usable spec, I'd be a regular user of the excellent and proven 125 grain .357 magnum SJHP loading. The Remington 125 grain +P .38? In a 4" configuration? I like them a lot. They're old as the hills as far as a design but they work. Do they work "the best?" Not always. The clog in the drain for these rounds is denim. Is that necessarily a show stopper? Well, a lot of people still wear denim jeans but it's been a few moons gone by since I saw a person in an actual denim jacket or vest. If I were keeping a 4" .38 or .357 around, these would probably be in it. LAPD used these in their 15's for quite a while with decent effect I've read after they left the 158 lead behind. Denim models not withstanding, they seem to generally open with frequency and penetrate more than enough that I've ever seen in various tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Solid points.😎👍

[@theroller5673]

Semi Jacketed Hollow Point. The explanation is in its name. Having the core semi jacketed and a hollow point will create an explosion of lead on impact. The legendary man-stopper round. The bullet that set the bar and the only bullet my .357 ever sees.

[@andywilson8698]

I didn't expect the 357 to fragment ,but I did expect it to open quickly and get less penetration then the 38 special. The fragmentation was surprising .

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed.👍

[@45acp]

Kinda what I figured would happen. Speed tears up hollow points, but doesn't typically over penetrate. That's why I love fast hollow points. Massive internal damage.

[@ToolsandTargets]

This .357 definitely did work!

[@romeosgenericchannel3971]

Great stuff man , Love your channel and content, much love and respect! God bless! Thanks for sharing! Def not the results i expected either ! Bullets react and do crazy sh!t sometimes!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Much appreciated and you got that right!👍

[@Donald_R_DeCicco]

I wasn't expecting for that 357 to break appart the way it did.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Me either. It reminded me of the way those Civil Defense .45acp acted.

[@frankfrankly1366]

Wow the .38spl really did better IMMO.

[@dougmac9955]

I was surprised, I expected the 357 to penetrate deeper than the 38. I carry a S&W 442 with 38 Spl +Ps for a couple of reasons. First of all the snubbies I have in 357 they recoil way too much for quick follow ups and comfort. Secondly I have always believed you lose too much of the 357s velocity in a snubbie and you get more flash than the extra velocity is worth. The third major reason I carry 38 +Ps even in my 357 snubbies is fear of over penetration. I still feel for my 70+ year old wrists the 357 in a light weight snubbie is just too much of a good thing, but I may have to rethink the over penetration thing.

[@ToolsandTargets]

38 +P definitely makes sense in a snub nose.👍

[@bruceliggett8036]

Awesome video bro!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir!

[@randalbigirvirvin1153]

Both are pretty devastating. I wouldn't hesitate to carry either one. It seems that the slower projectile's penetration is more.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, not opening up definitely played a role there for sure. That .357 energy dump was pretty nasty.😎

[@randalbigirvirvin1153]

Without a doubt.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

​@@ToolsandTargetsand that's why in a 38 special I don't bother with hollow point nor light weight like 125 any more!!! I stick with at least 148 wadcutters or 158 gr solid with a 38 special. You're not going to get the energy in most rounds with 38, so take the penetration and focus on shot placement. That being said hey tools you should check out Underwood's 38 special. They have a 38+p that clocks 1250fps in a 6 inch Ruger gp100. And that's with a 158gr hard cast. They also have a 158gr coated soft cast Kieth hollow point that's rated at 1160fps in a 6 inch gp100.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you. The .357 remind me of a segmented round.

[@ToolsandTargets]

It was some mean stuff!

[@gerardoalonzojr9566]

357 magnum always has been always will be more powerful than 38 special.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@brewbandit2853]

Freedom Munitions makes a 125 grain XTP 38 spl they rate at 1075 fps. Would be interesting to add it into the mix.

[@randyadams03]

Tools, my Grandfather told me when 12, magnum may be faster but I've seen bad men go right down hit with 158 grain lead. My Grandfather was a Deputy Sheriff born in 1909, said faster just goes through. Lead drops. Never have forgotten his words. However current bullets do make a difference. Thanks MR. BL

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir. This .357 Mag had the speed and the power!💥💣💥

[@randyadams03]

@@ToolsandTargets video proves modern bullets way better. TOOLS!!! In pops days he was correct. Was a good man 🙏

[@MidwesternOutdoors01]

That .357 is what I’d what out of that if you ask me. I’d rather have that big burst in the first 2-4 inches and break off vs expand more and penetrate deeper. The human heart and lungs are not deep and if you can get shards to stick in them you’ve got a good round in my book🤙🏻

[@ToolsandTargets]

It definitely went off like a mini-nuke!💥

[@sonnygunz9207]

I carry that Remington 125gr .357mag in my P&R model 19/66 S&W 2.5” snubbys. They perform just like that with less fragmentation in my tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice. It's some mean stuff.👍

[@robertharing7031]

As always the 357 was nasty but the 38 did travel a long way just not quite as wicked channel though, thanks for taking the time for us Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate you brother. The .357 definitely showed up for the party!💥💥💥

[@pufntrees718]

That 357 put a whole in that gel…good vid

[@ToolsandTargets]

It had the jelly jigglin!💥💣💥

[@ericamiles666]

I expected the 357 to be more powerful, but the 38 Special +P is what I carry in my purse, and I have faith that it will serve me well should I have to call upon it. 😁

[@ToolsandTargets]

No doubt it would adjust a bad attitude.😎👍

[@ericamiles666]

@@ToolsandTargets Lol, indeed it would.

[@MitchC357]

I carry .357 mag loads in my 605 and not .38 special. A lot of people tell me in a snubby I am wasting my time with the extra recoil. I would luv to see you repeat the test with a snubby. Great video as always. I expected more penetration from the .357 but in that gun I still would carry .357.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I definitely need to do some shorty tests.👍

[@MitchC357]

@@ToolsandTargets yeah I see a lot of snubby comments to this post.