Explain Semi Jacket Soft Points?

They are mainly for hunting of the animals.

They typically expand less than a self-defense oriented JHP load.

They are made to expand somewhat but also to penetrate, to reach the vitals of deer. Think of them as a halfway in between an FMJ and JHP load.

Semi-jacketed, so far as I know, was a term introduce by Remington for their magnum handgun bullets. The bullet jacket was shorter, to expose more of the lead nose, and scalloped to "banana peel" back on impact. The purpose was to provide expansion at handgun velocities. (The jacketed hollow point or soft point bullest were intended for rifle/carbine velocities.)

The late Jim Harvey pioneered half jacketed bullets, in which the jacket formed sort of a base cup that was straight walled and did not extend to the bullet ogive. These were reall explosive when driven to very high (handgun) velocities. While the correct term is half jacketed, many refer to these as semi-jacketed.

Bob Wright

P.S. Neither semi-jacketed nor half jacketed bullets were intended for use in auto pistols, as too much of the lead core was exposed, and the design did not lend itself to feedng in pistols. This information may be somewhat dated now.

They work well for hunting in standard to heavy for caliber weight (158-180gr) in 357. Or they work equally well for lighter game/self defense in light for caliber bullets (110-125gr)

They hold togther better than typical JHP's at a given velocity. That velocity is typically higher than most self loaders are capable of, and the design dosent really lend itself to feeding.

They're great bullets for magnum pistol calibers!

Post #653 shows what is typical of SJSP bullets from handguns
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/173441-unofficial-58-club-14.html

Early attempt using the technology of the day to attain at least some "mushrooming" and still have deeper penetration. Basically they use mechanical manipulations of the simple jacket cup with little to no alloy changes to the jacket.

They were in stark contrast to ideas such a Lee Jurass's Super Vel ammunition which used a very high velocity lightweight bullet (110 grain .357 Magnum) that was intended to exploit "hydrostatic shock" slower heavier bullets like the semi-jecketed did not.

SJHPs are nothing more than a fancy gas check on lead hollow point bullets. Revolver designed bullets are constructed for performance, pistol bullets are a compromise between reliable functioning and impact performance.

Remington 357mag/125gr SJHP/1450fps is about a 12" soft tissue penetrating bullet.



The above handloaded 357mag Winchester 158gr JHP/1437fps/0.519" (1.45×cal) is about a 19"-20" and I prefer it to the 158gr Gold Dot.

This scandium N-frame 8 shot tactical railed revolver is loaded with Remington 125gr SJHPs, an old tech bullet that remains a top tier performer from 5 decades ago to modern day.



I thought I had a 357mag Remington JSP pic, but I don't. I load 170gr Gold Dot JSPs, while it's a very deep penetrating bullet, a 173gr Keith or 180gr WFNGC boolit are better performers on game.