Gelatin test: .38 spl Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP

[AndrewWiggin]

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPrw3B-8HjE


.38 spl Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP gas checked fired from a S&W 638 into calibrated gelatin with four layers of denim. I kept the revolver and ammo in a Ziploc baggie submerged in ice water on the trip out to make sure the powder was at a pretty low temperature because of my results with Speer 135 gr +P Gold Dot.

BB calibration: 586.8 fps, 3.4"

Impact velocity: 960.4 fps
Penetration: 12.1"
Retained weight: 159.6 gr
Max expansion: 0.695"
Min expansion: 0.599"

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPrw3B-8HjE


.38 spl Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP gas checked fired from a S&W 638 into calibrated gelatin with four layers of denim. I kept the revolver and ammo in a Ziploc baggie submerged in ice water on the trip out to make sure the powder was at a pretty low temperature because of my results with Speer 135 gr +P Gold Dot.

BB calibration: 586.8 fps, 3.4"

Impact velocity: 960.4 fps
Penetration: 12.1"
Retained weight: 159.6 gr
Max expansion: 0.695"
Min expansion: 0.599"

So how did the bullet gain weight upon firing?

[Raven Armament]

So how did the bullet gain weight upon firing?

The 158gr is a nominal bullet weight. There is variation with every bullet, especially cast lead bullets, so it could have been a heavier than 158gr weight. Some might be stated as a nominal 158gr but actually cast out consistently 160gr or 161gr. ETA: When I cast a nominal 180gr WFN for my .357 Mag, it actually weighs 186gr then with gas check and lube is 188gr.

[AndrewWiggin]

That's correct. I thoroughly rinsed it with hot water to make sure I didn't weigh any gelatin or denim. I did weigh one in the past before and after rinsing and there is no significant difference. Gelatin just isn't anywhere near as dense as lead.

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

The 158gr is a nominal bullet weight. There is variation with every bullet, especially cast lead bullets, so it could have been a heavier than 158gr weight. Some might be stated as a nominal 158gr but actually cast out consistently 160gr or 161gr. ETA: When I cast a nominal 180gr WFN for my .357 Mag, it actually weighs 186gr then with gas check and lube is 188gr.

That makes perfect sense, I never thought of it. Thanks

[tpd223]

Your 638 a 2" barrel model I assume?

[AndrewWiggin]

Yes sir.

[DBR]

Was this the +P version or the std pressure version?

[AndrewWiggin]

+P version.

[tpd223]

Thanks for the info.

Nearly 1000fps is moving along from a snub.