Gel test Results
In hopes of giving ourselves and our customers a better idea how this 38 Special self-defense ammo would perform if called upon in a self-defense scenario, we tested dozens of the best selling hollow points on the market.
We fired five rounds of this Hornady Ammunition 38 Special ammo through a cloth barrier into Clear Ballistics calibrated synthetic gelatin and recorded the results. For these tests, we used a S&W 640 with a 2.125-inch barrel. In the photos, graphics and video on this page, you can see specifically how the Hornady Ammunition ammo performed and how it sticks up with the rest of the 38 Special ammo we have tested so far.
To read more about our testing procedures and discover what round makes the best self-defense ammo for you head to this page.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
How do the results for this Hornady Ammunition 38 Special compare to other Subsonic 38 Special Ammo?
250rds - 38 Special Hornady 158gr. JHP XTP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 14.5 | 18 | 18.4 | 18.7 | 23.3 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 158 | 158 | 158 | 158 | 158 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 622 | 681 | 688 | 690 | 696 |
Hornady Ammunition 38 Special Ballistic Data
Hornady Ammunition 38 Special Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 4
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.206
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.177
| Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity fps | 800 | 787 | 775 | 762 | 751 |
| Energy ft lbs | 225 | 217 | 211 | 204 | 198 |
| Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -3.5 | -10.6 | -21.5 |
Trajectory Line Graph Hornady Ammunition 38 Special
Velocity / Energy Comparisons
Additional Resources
The Reviews
Why Shooters and Hunters love or hate 250rds - 38 Special Hornady 158gr. JHP XTP Ammo
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