Federal .38 Spl 120gr +P Punch JHP in Vyse Ballistics Gel.

[5pins]

Test Gun: S&W M442
Barrel length: 1 7/8 inches.
Ammunition: Federal .38 Spl 120rg +P Punch JHP (PD38P1)
Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 785fps
BB Calibration: 3.75 inches.

https://general-cartridge.com/2022/05/16/federal-38-spl-120gr-p-punch-jhp-in-vyse-ballistics-gel/

 

[Pat Riot]

Very interesting. Thank you very much. I have a 442 and a model 36. I recall “Punch” being released but I haven’t seen any in store shelves. I will definitely keep an eye out for it and try some. I normally do not bother with +P ammo from my Snubbies, but I will see how my accuracy is with this ammo when I find some.

 

[SeanSw]

Light for caliber, inconsistent, doesn't meet advertised specs? Thank you for the test but I'll keep my other loads. My old non bonded Golden Sabers should handle this category.

 

[wcwhitey]

How was the recoil?

 

[5pins]

How was the recoil?

One of the more mild +P ammo I have shot.

 

[wcwhitey]

One of the more mild +P ammo I have shot.

That may be its niche!

 

[Agsalaska]

That is really good expansion/penetration combination out of a short barrel.

I was in Bass Pro about a month ago and they had one box of .38(and no .357) and it was this box. I picked it up just because.

I have been meaning to take it to the range and test its accuracy/recoil. May have to do that now that I have seen this post.

 

[Autodidactic]

How was the recoil?

Not bad for +p

One of the more mild +P ammo I have shot.

Yup

That is really good expansion/penetration combination out of a short barrel.

I was in Bass Pro about a month ago and they had one box of .38(and no .357) and it was this box. I picked it up just because.

I have been meaning to take it to the range and test its accuracy/recoil. May have to do that now that I have seen this post.

I found some online a few months back. Compared to many snubbie loads it appears to do well relatively.

 

[C-grunt]

Looks like a solid option. Thanks for the test.

 

[KyJim]

The first thing I noticed in the results were the inconsistent velocities. But, the results of the gel tests were pretty decent. Like SeanSw, I still have some Golden Sabers that I'll stick with until gone. Still, the Punch rounds seem to be a viable alternative. Thanks for the tests.