.357 mag gel test: Underwood 158 gr Gold Dot (revolver & carbine)

A

Andrew Wiggin

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Link to video of test

Underwood 158 gr Gold Dot fired from 4" S&W Model 13 and 16" Rossi M92 carbine into calibrated 10% gelatin.

BB: 585.3 fps, 3.3"


Revolver results:

Impact velocity: 1,213 fps
Penetration: 20.9"
Retained weight: 158.1 gr
Max expansion: 0.612"
Min expansion: 0.494"


Carbine results:

Impact velocity: 1,967 fps
Penetration: 12.4"
Retained weight: 95.2 gr
Max expansion: 0.683"
Min expansion: 0.531"


I forgot to place denim but I have never seen a Gold Dot fail to expand except for very low velocity .38 spl. Denim might have increased penetration figures slightly.
 
Depends on what you're trying to do with the revolver. Hunting or large animal defense are applications where deep penetration are desirable.
 
Thanks for the review. I've had some Georgia Arms loaded 158 gr. Gold Dots laying around for years because I prefer using .38 spl +P for defense. I found a couple of other tests out there that are similar. These just reinforce my opinion that the .38s are better for me (also taking into consideration less recoil and muzzle flip in .38 spl).
 
My brain says that a bullet that expands to 0.50" - 0.60" and penetrates 14" - 16" is just as good at 900 fps as it is at 1,200 fps but my heart wants that magnum power.
 
My brain says that a bullet that expands to 0.50" - 0.60" and penetrates 14" - 16" is just as good at 900 fps as it is at 1,200 fps but my heart wants that magnum power.
Click to expand...
That extra 33% velocity adds shock value which translates to more trauma.
 
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