We test Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 148 grain 38 Special from the 1.9" barrel of the Ruger LCR for muzzle velocity with the ProChono chronograph and then test it in ballistics gel. The performance is astounding!
Us old timers will tell you, velocity and weight are just part of the energy equation. What really counts is sectional density and, most importantly, bullet construction. How thin/thick the jacket is, bonded or not, how hard the lead is, etc. Thanks for the video.
Finally a brand that actually did some R&D to .38 Special, instead of treating the cartridge like the Red-headed step child to a 9mm. I'm guessing the hollow cavity size has a lot to do with it. It looked like a large mouth bass.
I'm very impressed with the performance of that 148gr. round . I had my doubts after seeing the velocities you were obtaining with the snub-nose but I guess you never know 'til you put it to the test . I've been carrying a 4" .38 lately so I'm convinced that I'll get the 950fps that's stated on the box and I'm definitely gonna get me some of this stuff . Right now I've been alternating between the Hornady 110gr.C.D +P round , and the Underwood 100gr.+P Extreme Defender , but I prefer heavier projectiles . Thank you so much for evaluating this ammunition . I didn't know it even existed .
Very Interesting....! & Gun Sam had one box of 9mm that did great and than a later box that was a different JHP that didn't....It would be nice if some good 50 rd boxes out there
CIP is around 21000. The first +P 38 special 158 gr SWC HP went about 780 fps in a 4 inch barrel. There were no cheap chronographs back then. That round still did pretty good, better than the standard speed RNL. Good video and info.
Thanks for the video. Like many, I prefer wadcutters for carry but they can be a little difficult to reload. I like that these are similar in weight and velocity to the wadcutters and should work well in a speed loader should I feel the need. The 50 round boxes are a bargain as well.
I was curious so I bought a box at my LGS. Figured if they hit the advertised velocity, they might be okay or they might make a cool round from one of my lever action carbine. When I saw your velocity from the snub, I assumed the same thing as you. Color me surprised!
I think I would prefer a 158gr Swaged Lead SWC HP +p round. It gets things done at low velocity also and nobody is surprised. I sometimes wonder why they don't fill the cavity of the hollow point with wax? It seems to have no effect on a .22 hollow point's performance. In plumbing they have copper pipe with "spun ends" for stubbing out of a wall so you don't have to sweat a copper cap on them. Maybe they could spin the ends of the jacket and have an air pocket above the lead cavity and they wouldn't get filled up with cloth? Or just spin a lead bullet with a cavity inside.
Yes! And they get better velocity out of a longer barrel, so a lever gun would probably push them really close to... OH, HEY! I own a lever gun that will chamber these! I don't need to "probably" anything, I can show you guys! Thanks for the idea!
I'm not impressed by the velocity. But neither am I surprised. That's pretty good expansion. They must be using particularly soft lead alloy with well cut serrations in the jacket. Did you upgrade your camera?
If I was a betting man I'd of bet anything there's no way these have any chance of expanding. Too slow , unknown bullet , did I say too slow ? Yet, here we are , nearly perfect in penetration and expansion and in the cheap too ! Other than the soft lead BB or Underwood I don't think I've ever seen anything over 130 grains do well . This is a big surprise to say the least .
I will stick with my hardcast wadcutters in a snub but nice testing. $30 for 50 rounds? Dang that is some expensive target ammo. I pay half that for target ammo.
There is nothing surprising about the velocity at all. Unless the verbiage on the ammo packaging specifically states that it is a short barrel load, then the velocity numbers are probably for a typical duty size weapon.
Norma doesn't do well out of a short barrel, but I'll demo that on camera one of these days. All suggestions are welcome here, I just might not get around to them in a timely fashion. Apologies in advance.
Something's not right. Fiocchi lists that particular load (38E) at 750 FPS . Is that an old box? or maybe they corrected the velocity numbers based on a shorter barrel.
Say WOE ( is not meee.hee)! I shall be doin some quick movin to hunt these. Mine Taurus 686 Defender 3" is sttin at SportsWrhs waitin; in the mean been studyin beaucoup .38's for range and finally conceal. Pretty much have settled for the Remington +p 125 Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point 945 fps 248 mzzl lbs for practice but am a LiL weary about the unlimited use of +p in that cal. handgun. I think to exchange for the 605 .357 but obsessing about losing that 6th round. Am stern about the Remington Golden Saber +P 125 Grain 975 fps 264 mzzl lbs. for carry (as tested from 2" bbl.) Finally Mr.Discreet, here's to you continuing to have 'reason for enthusiasm'! Hee
DAVE: You measured the second shot incorrectly!! Penetration was 12.5", NOT 13". Look at left side of ruler at 9:31 to see your error. Still impressive performance though.
Yeah, you had to be there. The camera is too close to the table and it makes the ruler look like it's sticking out the back of the block. It isn't. Also, the blurry organic gel shows a blob where the main body of the bullet sits, but if I see a petal protruding forward, I measure to the end of it.
It's stuff I bought new off of eBay. It was a big starchy sheet when I bought it. You're looking at some of the last few pieces. I just ordered some more.
I keep hoping Ruger will notice and sponsor the channel, LOL! No, it's just my best cheap guns are usually Ruger. Also my worst cheap guns, but they drop out of the line-up pretty fast.
I poked around looking for this ammo on ammoseek. All the ones it found have the same exact box and data...BUT BUT BUT BUT, the velocity is listed at 750FPM, not 950FPM like the youtuber had. I think the youtubers excitement has caused Mass Hyateria for ALL. There is no such thing as 950FPM. Ignore what you see, you only THINK you see it. There is no such thing. Tommorow morning, re-watch the video, you will see this ammo fail horribly. The hysteria will have dissipated.