Gel test Results
As you hunt for the best self-defense 38 Special ammo, we thought you might enjoy seeing the results of some testing we recently conducted with calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin.
We shot five of these Speer rounds through a four-layer cloth barrier using a S&W 640. The results are detailed in the video you see above as well as the photographs. Through the charts, you should get a great idea how this Speer ammo stacked up relative to other 38 Special ammo products available to American shooters.
To get a better sense of our tests, be sure to check out all the protocols we followed when conducting our tests to determine the best self-defense ammo.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
50rds - 38 Special Speer LE Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr. +P Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 12.3 | 12.7 | 13.7 | 15 | 15 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.55 | 0.57 | 0.57 | 0.58 | 0.58 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 133.4 | 133.5 | 134.1 | 134.6 | 135 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 864 | 884 | 888 | 896 | 899 |
Review
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posted on by
This particular .38 SPECIAL+P Loading is simply the best overall choice for the 2" - 4" [ +P rated ] barrel revolvers, IMHO. Speer's Product # 53921 offers pretty much all the required attributes of an all around / multi-season self defense Loading. [ NOTE: # 53921 = 50 rd Box - & - # 23921 = 20 rd Box ] It combines acceptable penetration, expansion, velocity, accuracy, & standard deviation. Also, being a type of 'bonded' projectile is another big plus, as it doesn't have a traditional 'jacket', as a great many of its genre do. Therefore, there's jacket to rupture or fragment which reduces penetration, amongst other issues. And, weighing in at 135 grains, it will / should also shoot much closer the factory sights, as opposed to a lighter projectile. Yes Folks, the current market of .38 SPL. CCW type Loads is truly overwhelming. However, with all the available choices out there, I have always relied upon this particular Speer Load, for both my 2" & 4" . 38 SPL.+P rated revolvers.
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posted on by
The best defense ammo period
