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 Federal Ammunition 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 Federal Ammunition 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.
20rds - 38 Special +P Federal Personal Defense Micro 130gr. HST JHP Ammo Gel Test Results
Median | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bullet Depth (in.) | 11.9 | 11.9 | 12 | 13 | 14.5 |
Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.71 | 0.72 | 0.72 | 0.73 | 0.74 |
Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 129.7 | 129.8 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
Bullet Velocity (fps) | 849 | 853 | 859 | 861 | 936 |
Federal Ammunition 38 Special Ballistic Data
Federal Ammunition 38 Special Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 4
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.143
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.146
Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Velocity fps | 890 | 866 | 844 | 823 | 803 |
Energy ft lbs | 229 | 217 | 206 | 196 | 186 |
Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -2 | -7.1 | -15.3 |
Trajectory Line Graph Federal Ammunition 38 Special
Velocity / Energy Comparisons
Review
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posted on by
Best personal defense ammo tested in my S&W 442. I trust it and utilize it with only the Hornady Critical Defense being my runner up defense ammo.
It's ballistic data, test results in gel and other materials prove it to be A+ grade. I recommend it to anyone carrying a snub revolver. 5***** -
posted on by
Good
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posted on by
FWIW, This particular .38 SPL+P Loading appears to excellent as an 'summer season' choice. It exhibit exceptional expansion, although it's penetration does appear to be somewhat lacking with an average of approximately 12.5". If chosen for very 'lightly clad' targets, it does represent an viable choice, IMHO.
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posted on by
Really like this ammo
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posted on by
Excellent customer service and support, great product, fast shipping. What more to ask for?