Test Gun: S&W M442
Barrel length: 1 7/8 inches.
Ammunition: Winchester .38 Spl 130gr +P PDX1 Bonded
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 846fps
Gel Temperature 71 degrees.
*Note* This test was conducted with Clear Ballistics Gel. Clear Ballistics is a synthetic gel and does not correlate with Organic gelatin like Vyse Ballistics gelatin.
I got an average 5 shot average velocity of 846fps with a high of 871 and a low of 830fps.
Round one in the bare gel had a velocity of 852fps and penetrated to 12.5 inches. The recovered diameter was .58 inches and the weight was 129.3 grains. The second round had a velocity of 835fps and penetrated to 13.5 inches. It’s recovered weight was 128.2 grains and expansion was .59 inches.
When shot through the heavy clothing the first round’s velocity was not recorded. It didn’t expand and the recovered weight was 129.5 and it penetrated to 22 inches. The second round also did not expand and penetrated to 18 inches. Its velocity was 797fps and the recovered weight was 129 grains.
General Cartridge 