Test Gun: Smith and Wesson model 65.
Barrel length: 3 inches.
Ammunition: Winchester .357 Magnum JHP.
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens.
Gel Temperature 70 degrees.
People reading my post may think I have I put too much effort into reviewing 9mm ammo. I will admit that most of my testing is in 9mm but today I'm trying something new. This time it is the legendary .357 using the legendary 125gr JHP. Two rounds into bare gel and two in heavy clothing. You may also notice that this is the first time I have given the recovered weights. That is because this is the first time I felt the need to. In all of my past test, the bullets retained most if not all of their weight.
Round one had a velocity of 1361fps, penetrated to 14.5 inches, expanded to .58 inches, and had recovered weight of 95.8 grains. Round two hit the block at 1300fps even and penetrated to 12.75 inches. The bullet expanded to.65 inches and had a recovered weight of 117.9.
In the heavy clothing covered gel round one struck the block at 1362fps and penetrated to 14.75 inches. Recovered diameter was .56 inches and weight was 105.7 grains. Round two had a velocity of 1335fps, penetrated to 13.25 inches and expanded to .60 inches. Recovered weight was 102.8 grains.