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 Federal 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 -inch barrel. In the photos, graphics and video on this page, you can see specifically how the Federal 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
200rds – 38 Special Federal Hydra-Shok Low Recoil 110gr. JHP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 13.8 | 14 | 14.2 | 14.7 | 15.9 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.46 | 0.49 | 0.5 | 0.54 | 0.58 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 891 | 891 | 954 | 963 | 980 |
Federal Ammunition 38 Special Ballistic Data
Federal Ammunition 38 Special Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 4
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.123
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.123
| Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity fps | 980 | 943 | 911 | 882 | 855 |
| Energy ft lbs | 235 | 217 | 203 | 190 | 179 |
| Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -1.5 | -5.7 | -12.6 |
