Gel test Results
We tested this Hornady Ammunition 38 Special ammo by firing five rounds with a S&W 640 with a -inch barrel into calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin. Of those five rounds, we discovered the ammo penetrated an average of 13.9-inches into the gelatin. Our test rounds ended the test with an average expanded diameter of 0.452-inches, retaining 99% of the projectile's original weight.
On this page, you'll see video of our tests including photographs that detail the ammunition before/after firing it through a four-layer barrier into gelatin. Also, you'll see how this Hornady Ammunition 38 Special ammunition stacks up compared to other self-defense rounds in 38 Special.
To read more about our testing procedures and processes, please head here.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
250rds - 38 Special Hornady Critical Defense 90gr. FTX Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 12.4 | 13 | 13.1 | 15 | 16 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.35 | 0.46 | 0.47 | 0.49 | 0.49 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 89 | 89.1 | 89.3 | 89.5 | 90 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 888 | 897 | 901 | 928 | 935 |
Hornady Ammunition 38 Special Ballistic Data
Hornady Ammunition 38 Special Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 4
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.095
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.101
| Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity fps | 1200 | 1103 | 1032 | 976 | 931 |
| Energy ft lbs | 288 | 243 | 213 | 190 | 173 |
| Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -1.8 | -5.6 | -11.7 |
