Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ love your videos Sam! Keep up the awesome work!

Try painting the bullet with a black Sharpie before you Cronograph it will take care of the problem with the shiny Jacket not reading.

Is it true that plus P ammo is wasted in a 2-in or snub nose revolver? Plus P power needing to be harnessed in at least a 4-in barrel?

It seems you set your updated video to Private, so we can no longer view it. Would you consider giving us your top picks for 2022?

@@peterraab5920 From what I consider a reliable source, the short answer to that is... Decades ago, your statement was valid. The way I understood it, +P ammo used to simply be extra powder in the casing, as it was most often going to be used in the 4 inch revolvers that most law enforcement were equipped with at the time. Nowadays, +P is made more so with a different powder formulation to ensure a faster burn, as most ammo companies are now making them on the understanding that it's most likely going to be used in some variant of snub nose revolvers. As long as you have new ammo that isn't 30-40 years old, you should be fine.

Thank you very much!

I took it down lol. It didn't get views anymore, and made my channel look funny

My problem with that video, is that it did not look like a 28 year old man shooting in 2008. I figured, with that video making me look so young, it might take away from my credibility when I tell people, I have 25 years experience shooting firearms regularly.

I watch Sam's channel and Paul Harrell. Sam's channel is phenomenal. He takes the time to explain stuff, gives useful tips and valuable information in a very down to earth fashion. One of the best tips I got from Sam is to train and practice in a double action only snubnose (because it will force me to improve all aspects of my marksmanship). Then when I go shoot my big full size guns (like my Beretta 92FS, or my Sig Sauer P226) they're easy in comparison. He's 100% right. I don't have a 342, I have a 642, and while it's difficult to hit things, training on it DOES improve other stuff.

Thanks Kevin!

plus p or standard?

I have 158gr SWCHP'S in my S&W 640.. Before them I had regular 148gr wadcutters...

200 grainers

I'm an old timer. Before the internet, all the gun magazines recommend the 148gr wadcutters for defense back then. Handloading them backwards, with the large hollow end frontwards was also popular. But I've just normally used the 158gr LRN. I have tried various plus P HP's. But I have seen them have very shallow penetration.

@@shadowwolf2524 If someone had to shoot someone with a 38 special, would it be better for the bullet to expand and stay in the person, or not expand and go out the other side? Just wondering your take on that. Peace..

@@thebluesrockers It's kind of a toss up I figure. I normally load the 158gr LRN in my 38 revolvers that are not Plus P rated. And I go back and forth on the carry rounds for my Plus P rated 38's. I currently have Federal Punch 120gr Plus P hollow points in my S&W 642 airweight 38. It is one of my main carry guns. Before i picked up the Punch ammo, I had the 158gr LRN in it. I have also carried Hornady 110gr plus P hollow points and some 125gr standard pressure Nyclad hollow points in the 642. I do change up the carry ammo in it from time to time. Just depends on my mood. LoL. I'm honestly not sure how to answer your question. Unlike alot of people, I have some real life experience with both types of rounds. In several calibers, including 38's. I was raised on a farm in the 70's. And helped Dad out around the place until just last year when he passed at 81. One of my chores was shooting beef and hogs that we raised and butchered. And, I also did most of the varmint and pest control of various critters that had to be dispatched. round nose, FMJ and hollow points all worked pretty good. The most important thing was shot placement. Not caliber or bullet type. I did notice the non hollow point ammo had better penetration than the hollow points. And they non hollow points tended not to pass through, even though some people worry about them doing so. The various caliber hollow points did have good expansion most of the time, but they also had very shallow penetration. But with an accurate hit, did go in deep enough to do the job quickly. So the bottom line, shot placement is the key. In my experience - it doesn't matter much either way. Both work just fine. If the bullet does go clean through, it hits more organs and the target has two holes instead of one. The bullet could hit a bystander if it does so. But most of the time, with, no matter the caliber, the bullets didn't exit. And I did see hollow points exit once in awhile too. I do enjoy watching bullet test in gel, like we all do. But I do think we kinda over think the subject sometimes. Just remember - SHOT Placement ! One very accurate one or several mostly accurate ones.

@@shadowwolf2524 thanks for your advice. I understand why you said you carry + P ammo, And now I also see why some people actually choose SWC for self defense. Before your statement I really couldn't understand the SWC for a defense round, but I guess for some people that might be their best, or most accurate round. It's funny though how you watch several video's on the same ammo, even with the same 2' barrels, and some of those tests are completely different results. What's your opinion on th PMC ammo for a practice round? are those an accurate LRN, or do you have any idea? I got a decent deal on those last month. Brass, Lead, and 132 gr. I ended up paying $106.00 for 200 rds. That sounds so bad doesn't it. hahaha, to think that's a good deal these days. hahaha..It's highway robbery, that's for sure. Out of all the people I've asked questions to, you've been the most helpful. Thanks for all your time. Prepper Gun shop has low shipping, that's where I scored mine. I won't but re-loads. 856 taurus. 2". PMC 132 gr. any good you think?

Thank you. And lately I been carrying the Buffalo Bore Tac-Xp 110 gr standard pressure, as it has about the same power (a tad more) than the 110+P Critical Defense. It performs well but I never tried it until after I made this video.

@@GunSam Thanks!

I have done a lot more testing since this video and believe it or not the 129 gr Hydrashok is even better. It's an odd duck because it's relatively heavy, has a tad more power than the Critical Defense and does more damage, but in a wood penetration test it penetrated the least. Most .38 Special rounds don't deform in wood, but the Hydrashok did which was unexpected with it's thick jacket. It's my carry round when I do carry a .38 Special.

Thanks! The Winchester classic semi jacketed hollow point really surprised me for sure.

Thank you. Thanks for watching! I like all handguns, but my niche is .38 Special, and .44 Mag/Special-but I don't currently own one. I also love the .45 ACP semi auto, I just love the cartridge.

Very logical. I've been thinking wadcutters .

Very sound plan, I also carry a 442 a lot. I’m still a big believer in the hardcast semi wadcutter, and also the regular wadcutter.

@@andrewcleveland I've carried J frames and other snubbie 38's over the years. My current carry 38's are an older stainless Rossi 88 and a S&W 642 (it's a Ladysmith. I'm a 6'-220 lb guy. But I love my lady lol). I go back and forth on carry ammo. Just depends on the day of the week and my mood I guess. But my main carry round always ends up being the ole 158 gr LRN. I've seen several HP's have very shallow penetration overall. I practice head and groin shots up close. Choosing a 38 round to carry for defense can make a guys head spin !

That was my all around fav carry piece. I prefered the hamerless. As a civilian I belive if I can't get out with 5 rnds or less I'm in over my head

@@digschopper9321 148gr HARD CAST WAD CUTTERS LOADED WITH 5-GRAINS OF UNIQUE GUN POWDER IS WHAT I USED FOR YEARS IN MY SNUB NOSE REVOLVERS. IT WILL GO THROUGH EVERYTHING AND WILL PUT DOWN ANY ATTACKER EVERY TIME WITH TWO ROUNDS WHEN NEEDED UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. AND ALWAYS PUT TWO ROUNDS IN HIM. JUST REMEMBER, THE FBI TRAINS THEIR AGENTS TO SHOOT UNTIL THE BAD GUY IS NO LONGER A THREAT. NOTHING IN LIFE IS PERFECT!

Thank you. I have a new list and it's still on it, but with my new testing medium the Federal Hydrashok 129 gr+P, the Winchester PDX1 130 gr+P, the Underwood (Gold Dot) 125 gr+P, the Underwood 158 gr st pressr LSWCHP, and the Sig Sauer 125 gr+P JHP all gave me in my test what would be equivalent to 15" of ballistics gel penetration (and through fiber board/bologna/denim) and all expanded to 1.5 times or greater.

Thanks for watching. Also after the video, I have found the Remington HTP 125+P and Buffalo Bore Tac-XP 110 standard pressure to be as adequate as the top 3 I listed.

Thank you very much :)

Thank you. Thanks for watching!

Me also!pick min up in 2 days.

Thank you.

😂😂👏👏

Well that's easy. The best knife is the 3 dot 1980-81 Buck 110. It's settled science. Sorry, had to. I know what you mean about those comments though as I am an avid knife guy.

Thanks!

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

Thank you, thanks for watching. I still have a lot of ammo to test, but thus far about 10 years into the snubby, this is the best ammo I know of.

Thanks for watching!

This is what I carrying all my carry guns including my 642.

+P for .38's really isn't anything to worry about. I think 18,500 PSI is the max pressure, 17,000 PSI for standard pressure. The .357 Mag is at 35,000 PSI. A few +P's truly shouldn't be a problem.

Thank you.

Lately I been carrying the Buffalo Bore standard pressure TAC-XP as they perform great.I didn't try them until after I made this video, but I did a video on the TAC-XP and they were very good.

Thanks for watching!

This may sound crazy but I live in south FL and keep my two EDC pistols in my vehicle and my suitcase daily. Not sure if it is the heat or humidity down here but I’ve had a two FTF situations twice over the last 5 years.

Uri Rendon Owner, Pure Brokers LLC I’m not sure it’s the best idea to leave a gun locked in your car. I saw too many guns stolen from cars and wound up in the wrong hands.

Thank you. I also want to add that with continued testing I have found two more so far that work as well as the top 3 I listed. One would be the Remington HTP 125 gr+P, the other is the Buffalo Bore Tac-Xp 110 gr standard pressure. Both were great in performance.

Thanks!

Thanks for watching. Buffalo Bore Tax-Xp 110 gr standard pressure and Remington HTP 125 gr+P are also rounds worth carrying. I have tests on them as well.

Thank you. That's the usual debate with .38 Special and .357 Magnum, we have tons of guys that LOVE the 158 gr bullet in many styles, and then we have a lot of 125 gr fans, some 110 gr fans and so on. Lately I been leaning towards 135 gr with a snub nose .357 Magnum as being the ideal load, with .38 Special I am still a 110 gr and 125 gr man! Thanks for watching.

Thank you, I have a lot more recommendations in a new video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nNyiiLeJ3LbbkqM.html&t

Thank you. Since this video I have also discovered that the Remington HTP 125 gr+P and the Buffalo Bore Tac-Xp 110 gr standard pressure are equally as good as my top 3 choices here.

@@GunSam Excellent ! I will definitely checkout the Tac-Xp, as I've been shooting the HST +P and I find the recoil to be a bit much out of my S&W 642. Thank you sir !

@@windvale also, keep in mind that its possible that the newest .38 HST could be loaded less than it used to be. Federal is notorious for changing their ammo formula at will. The HST I bought in 2017 gave me velocity averaging about 875 FPS, but the box I bought this year averaged 775 FPS.

Thank you. From what I understand, the FBI protocol is 12-18" penetration through heavy clothing, and this represents what is needed to penetrate a thoracic cavity through the side through an arm, yet still not pass through a body from a front on shot. My medium simple shows in water jugs about the same thing as I have it calibrated to knowing in what water jug is what comparison to gel.

@@GunSam i understand that and the water represents the bodies density Got ya. Keep making those vidios.

Thank you. Thanks for watching!

Thanks

Thanks for watching! I want to make mention that I have tried a few other .38 Special cartridges since the making of this video, and one more to add to the list of good performing .38 Special ammo is the Buffalo Bore Tac-XP 110 gr standard pressure. Very powerful for a standard pressure, good performance and expansion yet low recoil.

Thank you. The .327 Mag revolver in and of itself would be great for cheap handloading. The .327 Mag cartridge itself is a little hot for regular use outside of an SP101, but for self defense it's great.

When I carried an SP101 I tended to carry magnums in it as I could get away with it pretty easily. I don't recall what I carried in it, but I think it was Critical Defense .357 Mag.

Do you like 357?

Thanks! I hope to test a ton more, or even give the exotic ammo a try. The problem is that buying 10 boxes of exotic ammo is like buying a new gun for price. I always put it off :(

Thank you!

Thank you. After I made this video, I tested the Buffalo Bore Tac-XP, and it was good enough performing to be in the top 3.

I tested the 129 gr+P Hydrashok after I made this video and it was great, so I did make an updated video a few months ago and that was number one.

@@GunSam Cool! Thanks for sharing that.

@@Me2Lancer I have that video pinned in this one and here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nNyiiLeJ3LbbkqM.html

I got rid of all my semiauto guns too, and went back to wheelies. I'm just Better with them. People discount revolvers because the "limited capacity"....I wish I had a Dollar for every time some Keyboard Commando has said that. 🙄 I don't give two squirts of a fuck about having 300 round of 9mm on me....I'm not a cop and I AIN'T in combat. BUT....I will put 5 Well Placed .38 or .357 mags in your ass post hast. I like the look of wood grips, but you'd do yourself a favor by putting some Hogue Tamers or similar grip, you'll get a better grip on it, making it easier to control. 👍

Thank you. The land is just where I grew up, always been there so it's normal to me. With the guns and ammo and all of that, well that's just work and planning to acquire.

It's a good bullet, even a 110 gr at a measly 800 FPS will expand those bullet styles. I have noticed in my ballistic testing that soft nose .38 Special do just as well as 9mm, with the exception of hard barriers.

I have a 15-3 and it is very accurate, luv it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I would be so happy to go my whole life only punching holes in paper.

Its a learning process and compiling information from real world data vs other testing is interesting. Paul Harrell probably is ahead of the game when he does do bullet testing as he's using real flesh and ribs. I have recently changed test medium to add bone simulation as water, like gel only shows so much. I use lucky gunner data as a baseline before I test in my own simulation and the bullet expansion is usually similar. I like to, unlike others, give an everyday man view of how the recoil was as this is a huge deal. You want to go as high as possible in energy and performance for said round in normal weight guns, but back it off when a round has too much recoil for follow up shots, as confidence in accuracy is a big deal. Anyways, thanks for watching and being a sub.

I would say the best value to quality across the board would be Speer Gold Dots, if you find the right place to buy them like the link I put in the video description.

Thank for watching!

I've used 147 gr 9mm Hydra Shocks on varmints and pest around the farm. They have did just fine.