Ballistic gelatin test results : .38 Special (Corbon DPX) from a Derringer

[Brass Fetcher]

Special thanks to J.K. for sponsoring this test in full.

Cartridge : .38 Special 110gr +P Cor-Bon DPX (Part # DPX38110/20)

Firearm : .357 Magnum Derringer with 1.4" barrel length

Block calibration : All depths corrected (From 11.3cm @ 630 ft/sec)

Shot 1 - Impacted at 950 ft/sec. Penetrated to 11.7" and was recovered at 0.504" average diameter and 109.8gr weight.

Shot 2 - Overpenetration evaluation. Impacted at 939 ft/sec. Penetrated to 6.8" in the initial block, completely through the interior wall and was recovered on the test bench, having failed to penetrate the stopper block.

 

[grimjaw]

Thanks JE223. What was the distance from the from the block?

jm

 

[Brass Fetcher]

10 feet distance from muzzle face to the front face of the gelatin block.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Was this ammo from the same box (lot no. ) posted on your website? I wonder what this would do from a 4"?

Best regards, Ken

 

[Brass Fetcher]

It was a different lot than that used for the 2" barrel tests. PS - the Buffalo Bore 158gr bullet that we tested will be at the normal place, tomorrow, in an envelope with your name on it. JE

 

[hexidismal]

Always love brassfetcher.
How was the recoil of a .38 +p in the derringer ?

 

[Brass Fetcher]

Not bad! This was the first Derringer I've shot... recoil was about the same as a .40S&W from a full-size handgun. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[DawgFvr]

Yup! Them Corbon DPX copper tops are awesome! That is my defensive ammo for my S&W 642. Less recoil, no bullet separation, no lead fouling...always expands...what is there not to like?

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3335982&postcount=2791

 

[SeanSw]

I'm impressed. 110gr seems too light considering the caliber but this ammo and the 642 look as if they born for eachother.

 

[DawgFvr]

I believe because the light, larger copper 110 gr. moves at 1200 fps (supposed to be a bit slower out of the small J frame barrel). I've noticed that follow up shots are much easier with the lighter, faster bullet. Now I use all copper-top DPX bullets in all my weapons, e.g., .45 ACP as well as my little P3AT.

 

[Headless]

My experiences have been the same as Dawg. I switched up my 9mm and .40S&W and .38spl all to the DPX line once i saw some ballistic tests and had the chance to feel the recoil. The lighter round feels like it reduces felt recoil and, as demonstrated, they still expand excellently and penetrate acceptably. 1100-1200FPS from a snub 3.8spl revolver is extremely attractive to me. I don't think anyone would volunteer to be shot with one of those 110gr's moving that quick. 9mm rounds are loaded 115gr bullets and .40S&W DPX are loaded with 140gr rounds (wee!) that are obscenely cavernously hollow...

 

[OnDuty]

Nice.