The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What can and what can't a .38 special do?

JonathanZ · July 4, 2012, 08:12 PM

+P was not designed to ENSURE expansion. It was designed to increase velocity which in turn increases the chance of expansion or expansion itself in any caliber. A 38 Special +P 125 grain bullet is often around 500 fps slower than the same 357 magnum bullet. Does that mean everyone carrying around a 357 magnum should carry standard pressure 38 Specials because their is no need for the extra 500 fps of velocity? Hell no! Extra velocity does not necessarily decrease penetration either. A 357 magnum will both out-penetrate and out-expand a 9mm using the same bullet in the same weight (125/124 grain).

If I carried a 44 Special I'd still carry the +P if I could. That 875 fps for the 200 grain Gold Dot is on the low end for reliable expansion. The 200 grain +P Gold Dot for the 45 ACP is 1080 fps by comparison.

July 4, 2012, 08:12 PM	#89
JonathanZ Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 228	+P was not designed to ENSURE expansion. It was designed to increase velocity which in turn increases the chance of expansion or expansion itself in any caliber. A 38 Special +P 125 grain bullet is often around 500 fps slower than the same 357 magnum bullet. Does that mean everyone carrying around a 357 magnum should carry standard pressure 38 Specials because their is no need for the extra 500 fps of velocity? Hell no! Extra velocity does not necessarily decrease penetration either. A 357 magnum will both out-penetrate and out-expand a 9mm using the same bullet in the same weight (125/124 grain). If I carried a 44 Special I'd still carry the +P if I could. That 875 fps for the 200 grain Gold Dot is on the low end for reliable expansion. The 200 grain +P Gold Dot for the 45 ACP is 1080 fps by comparison.