Loose Rounds, Federal .38spl Nyclad.

[5pins]

In the past, the decision on what ammo to carry was often based on marking hype, magazine articles, or gun store experts. Maybe some people still do. Unfortunately, I’m finding out that some of the advice I received years ago wasn’t so great. Today, the info available to us is much better allowing people to make better choices for their needs.

I recently found a 125gr .38spl +P Nyclad when I was rummaging around in my box of odds and ends ammo. I thought this would be the perfect round following the 9mm Nyclad I shot last week. I was hoping this one would do better but I really didn’t think it would. Turns out I was right.
One round into two 16 inch blocks of Clear Ballistics gel fired from a S&W model 442 Air Weight with a 1 7/8’s barrel. The Bullet hit with a velocity of 844fps and penetrated 17 inches. It stopped with the base forward and did not expand. You may notice the leading edge of the bullet looks like it started to expand but what you’re seeing is the nylon coating separating from the lead.
Another eye-opening and disappointing outcome.

 

[Sistema1927]

And to think that some folks would do just about anything to get a couple of boxes of that ammo to put in their snub nose revolvers. Thanks for the eye opener.

 

[Riomouse911]

I wonder if the plastic coating degraded and became less pliable over the years since it was made? I remember the articles from years back showing well-expanded Nyclad .38 Spl. bullets recovered from whatever the author shot it into. A stiff plastic coating over the lead may make it into a fmj or hardcast style bullet like you show above.

Too bad you didn't find a few more to test. Who knows if it was a fluke or the uncovering of a genuinely crummy bullet using your modern testing media.

Keep them coming, I like reading the gel-test write ups you put on THR.

 

[armoredman]

Nifty. I remember being a young dumb idiot in the 80s carrying Devastators in 9mm...SO thankful I never had to use those gimmicky junkers!

 

[Panzerschwein]

Sorry, but this is THE greatest standard-pressure .38 special defensive ammo for use in older non-+P rated snub nose revolvers.

This test is an aberration. I'm not so convinced in the clear ballistics gelatine.

 

[Sistema1927]

Sorry, but this is THE greatest standard-pressure .38 special defensive ammo for use in older non-+P rated snub nose revolvers.

That Nyclad was a 125 +P. I carry the Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 LSWC HP in my older Mod-37. It shoots POA at 7 yards. I practice with the closest I can reload, but load this round when I carry that revolver. Is it the best? Probably not, but it works.

 

[The Evangelist Cowboy]

I carry the newer federal load, seems to work fine for me.