After about the 4th, 5th, 6th comment that is the same comment of "Your gun is junk, not the ammo with the light primer strike", I feel the need to respond. And my response is this - While I don't think Taurus is the best gun out there, I have owned this revolver and been shooting it regularly since 2019 and I do not recall ever having a misfire in it up until this video. After I filmed this video a couple weeks ago I been shooting it more I also have not had a misfire in it. And why would I? I keep getting comments about strain screws and the like....IT'S A TAURUS SMALL FRAME, it doesn't use a strain screw. It is coil spring to hammer to transfer bar to firing pin. It's a very reliable revolver. Just stop embarrassing yourselves with the "it's your gun" comments because it makes you look stupid. There's nothing mechanically there that could cause a light strike and even if this were somehow the cause, the gun not firing just two Hornady rounds with zero issues with the Gold Dot would be a statistical unlikelihood.

I like this guy. Keeping it real and simple. No BS. Right up front. Very believable. 👍

Lightly loaded hard cast semiwadcutters for me. Penetration is the most important factor for handgun wounding by far. I try to tune my loads to penetrate 16 inches into gel. I also seal my loads front and back so they can be carried for a long time before needing to be shot and replaced.

Of the two I would take the Gold dot. In a lot of the testing I've seen the plastic tip rounds seem pretty fickle. But honestly my inclination is to stick with lead WC or SWC rounds. You get reliable penetration and the flat meplat gives good damage without having to depend on expansion.

Best defense concept ever: breaking contact.

Thank you for all of your testing.

the 135gr Speer Gold Dot load you briefly mentioned was designed to work properly from snub nose revolvers, hence it is labeled amongst their short barrel family of offerings; NYPD asked Speer for this load to use in their issued & spproved list of snub nosed revolvers prior to switching to 9mm semiautos exclusively

Excellent video testing, Thank you Sir!

Interesting results. Thank you for perspective and demonstration.

GS. Good video. I appreciate your experience over the long haul when discussing these various ammos. Thanks for sharing and take care.

My grandfather carried the Winchester 158 lswc hp +p as his duty load. Cor-bon or Buffalo bore make good versions. I personally carry the Buffalo Bore version in my M10 Smith.

From Mike I've been watching your channel for a while now. I appreciate your consistency in testing at your range. Velocities. Accuracy. Gel tests with and without ply. I know you're helping alot of fans to make responsible and practical decisions about what to expect or not from firearms available today. Good work. Thanks...

Good info! I appreciate how you give context for interpreting stats and performance expectations.

Many have derided a .38 for being inadequate but that runs contrary to my OIS experience on the street. The round you’re featuring is what I carry in my 340PD b/c it’s easy to handle in a 12 ounce J Frame. Thx for another instructive presentation Sam.

I have really come to like your honest content. Keep it up!

Love this channel. Either one of these rounds is fine, as is the swchp, as is a full wadcutter. Pick what you like. Shot placement rules above all and always will. Pick a decent round and hit them right. Same goes for hunting rounds. No need to split hairs to this degree IMO!

I like your revolver content & your consistent method

Again very straightforward solid information, appreciate the directness in the comments.

Every time i watch a video of a round vs another round they always produce difference results. Damn!

Any .38 Special load to the skull will work. But yeah, Critical Defense is pretty darn reliable in a torso.

Thank you for another interesting and informative video

Good explaination of expansion. Useful.

The solid copper Barnes bullet in Buffalo Bore even in standard pressure does great. Good penetration and great expansion.

Thanks! I appreciate your videos. Surprising issues with the Hornady.

Love you videos, u keep it normal and real

Great video. What's got me really interested in light and fast vs slow and heavy is Mr GunsNGear posted a disturbing video on twitter. A very large man assaulted a much smaller person. He had the guy against a car with the door open, effectively pinning him. So he slammed the little guy who then went to draw from an appendix style holster. The big guy tried to crush the little guy with the door, but the little guy managed to get shots off and break contact. Depending on camera angle, he either fired five or seven rounds. I don't know what he had. But he prevailed. As you can imagine, when you have only five, you want them to work. I think some of the shots were superfluous, but that's a tough call. My take away from that particular incident was that you need each round to be doing real damage to force a break in contact. The big guy was more than large enough to kill the little guy bare handed. I'm no street fighter. If I can't avoid the situation, I really need the "get off me" power. And I want it to work sooner rather than later.

I don't own a .38 Special only revolver and I always shoot .357 mag through my guns but I found this video informative as usual. Thanks!

Thanks for the intelligent data-driven comparison.

It would be nice to see a video on the Winchester pdx1 130 grain 38 special plus p! Great informative video! Thank you.

fantastic video Sam

Excellent synopsis at the beginning! (But regarding the bullet weights, Buffalo Bore and Underwood both load 158 grain rounds that expand magnificently from a snub-nose, they just have unmanageable recoil from a light carry gun--all of which our host knows as well as I do.)

★ Thanks. Appreciate your work!

Great video Sir

I feel like the remington golden saber is often overlooked but a lot of the ballistics test I've seen show great results with the 125 gr +p

Your test of Buffalo Bore FBI load equivalents show they are also good candidates for best defense load.

Thankyou for proving once again what an important resource you are to the shooting community! Your work is SO detailed and well researched, and SO well explained that everyone from beginners to experts benefit from it. Seriously, be proud of your art! (also you don't wave flags around to prove what a great Patriot you are, and you don't shout "YAOW'ALLLLL" every sentence).............................elsullo

Gun Sam is GREAT and just as consistent, informative, and reliable as the best ammo he's even tested. I kind of miss the baloney though.

Filmed 7-1-23

When the Federal HST load for micro revolvers came out, it was very reliable in ballistic gel from the snub nose length barrels. The NYPD Speer Gold Dot load had a good reputation from officer involved shootings. My department issued Remington SWCHP 158 grain +P for the older veterans who carried a snub nosed for off duty or back up. The lead was softer and would expand compared to the same load offering from Federal or Winchester.

I picked up a 340pd last week and have been rewatching your old .38 special videos ever since. While I would like to use .357 in those titanium cylinders to avoid having to clean up carbon rings, I don’t see why. I’m between the hornady critical defense +p and underwood’s 125gr xtp .38spl +p. Both are accurate from the 340,but those underwood’s definitely stand out. Keep up the great content.

I still loved the results of the +p buffalo bores and I'm not sure I want to change ammo at this time. I do have some XTP rounds in box too. They were accurate as hell! But I want more power I think. I feel that under stress I won't notice much difference at shorter distances and I want to leave the biggest OUCH I can from my taurus 856

I get it with hi vel hp's with the expansion. I load my 38's (or32's) with good old wadcutters. They'll punch a CLEAN HOLE through the target, paper or mammals... Not a "stopper" but rather a major ventilator or plumbing leaker...and make the target think twice about the emergency room...sorry to the bad guys...😢

Thanks for your post, Sam. Speer Gold Dot and Hornady Critical Defense can be depended on to get you through a difficult situation.

Remington 125 grain scalloped jacket hollow point because I can't give up on the past.

I carry with Critical Defense in all my revolvers and most of my Semi autos. They are a good round and I never have a problem with them. They are a well designed round .

Your personal gun has a lot to do with ammo selection if hitting to point of aim is an important consideration to you. My guns are all older and were regulated for 158 grain bullets so anything under about 140 hits too low for my preference. So, I stick with 148 wadcutters but, the Golden saber is a good round as is the Hornady mainly because its conical shape is less prone to hangups when reloading which is why I carry it for reloads since reloading is such a highly unlikely event, I put up with the POI/POA issue. Thanks for your videos.

Another great video with sharing views on self defense in the real world

Thanks. Rev

What I have seen in various tests is the Critical Defense loads expand consistently. The polymer tip prevents clogging.

Well Difference makes the world go round, I will take the Gold Dot. Thanks Sam.

I also think for normal self defense frontal hits 9-10 inches are still enough and with this expansion even better. But the Federal HST Micro expands even more (0.7) and has also good penetration.

Thanks professor

Really nice test,I would like you try some cast bullets in the 38,and the 357,I think it would be interesting thanks good test

Over on a Ruger Forum the subject of bad primers and lower powder amounts tan advertised came up. I'll skip the powder. I have no way of knowing. The short story is that all of the factory loads had an occasional light strike or dud. As it happens yesterday at the range I had 2 light strikes from Federal HST. I've had in the past light strikes with a couple of others. I assumed it was limited to those brands. Then the reloaders jumped in stating that their old primers of all brands were fine but the new stuff had problems. It appears that demand exceeded quality control. I consider snubbies as either belly guns or ohmygawd guns. Up close and personal and at least the double tap. As usual I can't see any responses. Thanks for the video Mr. Sam.

Hard to beat SW HP in soft or med soft lead for just about any revolver

Im really glad you did this video. I don't have a stubby mostly for the ammo being to slow. Obviously i was wrong. On your misfires with the 605. I would take the grips and make sure your strain screw is tight. Then check if it is the same chamber 😊

When ballistic testing used pigs most standard bullet weights and velocities were established. Modern Self Defense cartridges are based on Ballistic Gallatin. Military ballistic requirements do not have a fear of an exit hole. Police ballistic requirements require no exit hole do to legal reasons. Civilian Self Defense requirements are Similar to LEO’s. With all of these things to consider the low penetration and high number of hits seems to be a prudent Self Defense cartridge for urban scenarios where an exiting bullet cannot happen. This is where a 38 and a 380 become perfect. Multiple hits are easy for most shooters with these calibers. So it might be a good test for you explore further.

@GunSam thank you for your amazing tests! I have watched your vids for years and based on your snub results they influence the choices I make for my EDC ammo. Years ago you were impressed with the Federal 129 grain hydrashok. Then you also seemed to like the Winchester PDX1. Now through your tests you landed on the CD 110 grain+P. Do the light primer strikes of the ammo make you worried to continue to carry it? I could see in your face that you seemed surprised. Like you I don’t feel it was a Taurus issue but a bad quality control of ammo issue. Btw, I just bought 2 more boxes of the CD+P 👍🏽

thanks for the informative videos ,,,,

Great job Sam,as usual.I have been around the block a bit.Your vids are always well done.Generally I like to carry 44 Spec.357 mag,45 acp, 40 S &W.I don't like 9mm have bad luck With them.They have been recommend to me.I have light S&W637 38 spec use 110 Hornady CD.Underwood 150 wadcutter good.In my 44 spc.Bulldog 200 gr.Under wood Wadcutter Very stiff recoil in my injured hand.I am going back to heavier guns. There have been a few problems even with heavier Caliber's.In my recent Ccw class my instructor informed our class of ammo malfunctions across all brands sans Buffalo bore,Underwood not shot in class.These guys are running 30 students per class 2x per week. There was issues in my class.Unfortunately.Good luck all.

I try to shoot down Hill or take a running Start so it's 900ft per second. Plus my moving forward so its 900 ft per second plus my 9 Miles a hour makes a difference

Your channel is very objective and fair. Thank you !!! n.w., N.C.

My choice is Hornady Critical Defense in my Charter Arms Undercover .38 spl 2 inch snub nose revolver.

Thanks a lot !

Over the years, testing ammo in water jugs Critical Defense has been the most consistent load I've seen across all calibers tested

I carry handloads. 38 Special +P 140 grain Lehigh defenders at 1000 fps. My revolver choice is the 605 as well.

But what about a 3" snub barrel? Many like the 158 grain semi-wadcutter which does damage without expansion.

Your best .38spl test, if I remember, was the Buffalo Bore solid copper hp.

Good job on that.

I haven't found a factory load for 2" or shorter barrels that I actually like. I run a 135 grain Gold Dot and Silhouette powder (flash suppressed and one of the best powders for +P). I get over 940 FPS average from a 1 7/8" Ruger LCR. Exceptional load; accurate and expansion and penetration are just about as good as you can get from a snubby (over .5" and 15-17" in clear gel/fabric).

In my opinion, what you showed was to always test your carry loads and switch them out often.

Those are both my carry loads. In winter I prefer the Hornady. Both great loads.

Great job. One of the best channels I have seen on YT. THANKS. Keep it going.

Great video. This subject is always loaded with controversy. I load for practice/training but I like to carry factory ammo for any carry situation. I've chosen Critical Duty in 9mm & .40ca. I wonder if Critical Duty would work well in the .38 as well?

2 years ago ,6-8year old H critical defence+P 125gr.corked my mom's 38 special Taurus. Test thru chrono. Old rounds aren't always safe

Experience with black powder is what convinced me that there is no better effect on a flesh and blood target than PURE LEAD. Hard cast bullets are for practice. Easier to clean and all that. Shock effect is what will put a target down. The old timers used pure lead bullets and at maybe 700 to 950 FPS. they worked with decent hits. Up close at handgun ranges, the more powerful guns like 45 Colt, 41 Colt , 45 Schofield and 44 Russian or Special and 38-40 or 44-40 were what worked most of the time. Just remember that the 1860 Army and 45 round ball at 900 FPS laid out a hell of a lot of guys in the War Between the States. Gel tests are just for comparison. Remember that in Miami the FBI shootout was ended with a .38 FBI factory load, properly appplied.

My favorite is the underwood 125 grain plus p jhp gold dot 👌

I used the 135gr Gold Dot and noticed that it doesn't penetrate that much with zero expansion. I have those also but don't use them. Critical defense is the most accurate round I've shot in my 640. I have Underwood 150gr Wadcutters labeled 1000fps from a 4" and around 900 in the 2" barrel. I think over-penetration may be a problem but I like them anyway because they won't under-penetrate. Underwood semi-wadcutter158 gr plus p is really hot and also may over-penetrate but I like those also because I know they will also penetrate. I wish they made them in a softer lead because hard cast lead does risk hitting someone behind what you are shooting. I can't seem to find any with a softer lead that doesn't over-penetrate and still meets the FBI testing protocol.

I believe that your test of the Buffalo Bore LSWCHP 158 gr lead standard pressure actually performed better than the Hornady XTP 125gr +P. That is what I use in for my snub nose EDC.

Always enjoy your vids. If you can test the Lehigh 140 grain defender at about 1000 fps from your Taurus in the future, that would be great. I think you have tested the lighter version before iirc. I carry a 605 black oxide with handloads - that bullet at 1000 fps. My 605 shoots right to point of aim at 25 yards with most loads. I really like it.

Have you tested the Sig Elite Defense.38 Special +P 125 grain? If so, thoughts? That’s what I’ve been carrying and when I searched I did find your test of the V Crown but not the Elite Defense. If there’s even a difference… 38 has been hard to find in my area over the last year or so and I’ve been limited on selection outside of going online. I like your “no BS” approach to testing and would like to see any tests you’ve done in it or just your thoughts.

I agree I use the Hornady

38spl was a good round 60 years ago. And while i still own and love my 38s, i cannot see me carrying one for self defense in modern times

Great video! I have one question off track of what your addressing, do you know of anyone who makes a bigger grip for the .357 Taurus 605?

Have you considered soaking your MDF in water prior to using it. It may be messier but might be a better analog for the sternum or rib having a moisture content. Great videos. Thanks

About the primer strikes. I have found out that if the primer isn't seated completely and bottomed out in the pocket you will get light strikes. The energy is lost on the first strike and usually that seats the primer deeper and it fire's on the second strike. Just my 2 cents.

I have been loving the norma safeguard 158gr, but its hard to find any reviews for it. Would love to see it tested on your channel through a 2" barrel. I run it in a RIA m206. Relatively stout round, going by feel alone.

Most evaluations that I've seen of the Remington GS 125 gr. are really good. Remington's rated fps is a bit higher than most in its class, but apparently it's not fast enough to cause jacket separation. What is your view of that round for the 38 snubby? Thanks.

Very nice presentation! Quite informative. I regularly carry a S&W 642. Loaded either with 110 grain Hornady or Federal Hydra Shok.

Hard cast wadcutters at 750 to 800 fps.

Well..a long time ago,begining of the "90ies, I tested numerous 380,38 Spl,38 Spl +P, 357,9mm,45ACP in balistic gel, pigs,wild pigs...and conclusion came with a results. 380,38 Spl,38 Spl+P and big number of 9mm where simply too weak to achieve respectable and obvious results,so I could rely my life on it. 9mm winner at that time whose 124grs Sierra Power Jacket and 124grs Gold Dot loaded to 1250ft/s and from factory loads 124grs Hydra Shok. A bit anemic,but Hydra did 12 inch penetration and did certain level of expansion,but wit werry small damage in the wound chanell. 357 whose ( and I believe still is ) a category by it self. From Factory load, 125grs JHP from Remington,Federal,Winchester ..all did well. 140grs JHP great,and till today,concerning self defense without obstacles it do 15 inch penetration,100% expansion and a huge,nasty to see wound chanell. Still my choice for home defense load. 158grs only one load do it 100% as it should. Hydra Shok. Till today,in heavy weight I think it is the Best factiry load for outdoor,car,street situation (obstacles included ) . 45 ...that whose a disapointment in expansion part. In gel OK but ib live tisue...mostly low to no expansion. Best results whose with 185grs Golden Saber,185grs Sierra Power Jacket,185grs Gold Dot,200grs Gold Dot,but all loaded to 1100 ft/s. Hot. Heavy ones...only Hydra Shok had expansion. Today..my first choice for protection is 357 and hot 9. No place for something that doesn't work as it should. S&W 60 with 2" barrel,S&W 19 with 2,5" and 4" barrel,Sig 229,Sig 226,Glock 19,,Gov 911,Sig 220 where used ib those years. All the animals which where used for testing where eaten later.

I was expecting you to pull out the buffalo boar plus P. I’m gonna stick with that.

I use good old 158 try and true in mine I have a box of the low recoil ammo haven’t used it only grabbed it cause at the time was a shortage .

I heard a rumor that Federal stopped making the 38 spc HST ammo. It's too bad because it was getting almost 3/4" expansion and 13-14" penetration.

The penetration was a bit shallow for my liking so I'd go with a heavier and slower bullet. This was good information so each one can pick the right ammo depending on needs and preference, expansion vs penetration. I believe the FBI's 12" penetration standard came after the Miami shootout in which the 115 grain 9 mm Winchester Silvertips were blamed for insufficient penetration which delayed the bad guy's incapacitation. Thanks for another excellent video.

In my revolvers I run heavy grain hard cast ammo. I prefer not to use +P because I value rapid follow up accuracy over that tiny bit of increased velocity. IMO the heavier weight hard round will penetrate better in all circumstances. Because JHP ammo is so velocity and barrier dependent. Your JHP ammo might work fine against a threat wearing a Tshirt but fail to expand against a heavy coat. Also, the velocities are typically listed off of 4" barrels and mine are all 2" barrels. I do the same thing with my Glock 42 ammo. I run heavy hard cast standard velocity rounds rather than HP ammo. I might be off in my thinking though. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. The Internet is good for that if nothing else.

I don't see much difference in use case for LE vs the rest of us. Bad guys routinely operate out of cars and take cover regardless of what type of victim is shooting back. I saw your 135+P GD test where it failed to expand in plain gel. I've also seen others where it expanded reliably. IIRC that round was developed specifically for use in a 1-7/8" J frame for a large department. Thinner jacket with a larger cavity were some of the features. I'm guessing the BB or Underwood could coax another 50-100fps out of that 135 and that would likely be ideal. Both GDs would likely work well out of a 4". Thank you for all the great presentations!

I just stay away from hollow points. For us, we carry xtreme defenders from Underwood.

I would definitely take the gold dot!

Saw pretty good things from underwood item 733 158 grain fbi load +p with hi-tek coating. Just got my box in the mail and ordered some hi-tek wadcutters