Handguns magazine tested the old Super Vel 357 ammo here:
https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/the-legend-of-super-vel-ammo/137747
357 with only 110 grains. While it achieved an impressive velocity in a test barrel, it only averaged 1303fps from a 4" Model 19. We have to recognize that this was considered very high velocity for 357 in the 70's, despite myth and legend that suggests they were slinging 158 grain bullets at over 1500 fps back in the old days -- not from their short-barrel Mdl. 19's.
In gel, the old Super Vel penetrated less than 12 inches and fragmented, losing 30 percent of its weight. In the test barrel, the pressure average was 37,850 psi, well over SAAMI specification, but still probably safe in a sound, modern gun.
With modern ammunition, 357 can easily be loaded to achieve velocities of 1300 fps from an actual 4" revolver even with heavier 125 and 140 grain bullets and without exceeding SAAMI pressure limits. More importantly, these bullets are constructed so they will dependably expand at velocities as low as 1100 fps, and yet they will also penetrate 16 to 20 inches in gel. Certainly by modern standards, 1970's Super Vel performed very poorly. They did ultimately fail as a product and a business. Nevertheless, they may have been instrumental in provoking Federal to introduce their Federal Premium line, Winchester Silver Tips, and Remington JHP's. Later, in the 90's when handgun ammo makers were scrambling to address what the FBI was bringing out of their investigation into the '86 Miami shootout, we saw Black Talon/SXT, Gold Dots, Golden Sabers, and then in the 2000's, Federal HST and Hornady's line.
