All the street detectives at our agency carried S&W Model 10's, 2" barrel, round butt, loaded with 110 grain +P ammo. The office administrators carried S&W Model 60's because there weighted less and never shot them. Some of the administrators carried 380's loaded with JHP ammo. But they never shot their guns anyway so ammo choice did not matter. The street detectives swore by the 110 grain +P stuff because they actually had to use their guns. Although 380 ammo has improved since then, the jury is still split between using FMJ and JHP bullets. Some want to ensure penetration, while others want to get expansion at the expense of penetration. Thanks for another great video.
You know , one tries to convince himself that what he's carrying is gonna work. And I suppose that's true with a little luck and good shot placement . But with the rounds you tested , I think the .38special is the clear winner . I always enjoy your videos , very informative . Thanks a bunch !
I was impressed with the expansion on the 380 but I'll stick with using Xtreme Defender for its penetration. I love that you use the LCP MAX so often in your 380 tests since that's the gun I use for summer carry.
@@benweatherford5362 Personally (and yes I biased), if you want penetration, it’s underwood. If you want expansion that still makes the FBI requirements for penetration, it’s Defiant TCX
There are instances where 8 inches of penetration is adequate for self-defense. If you're aiming for the chest or head when the attacker is facing straight at you, then I think 8 inches should be adequate provided that he doesn't raise his arm(s) trying to block the path of the bullet. Shooting your attacker at the back with no obstacle(s) in the way is another instance where 8 inches of penetration should be enough.
@williamwatson4625 Trouble is - you don't get to decide. If you're defending your life or the lives of others, you need ammo that will get the job done whatever the situation.
The 38 looked pretty decent even without great expansion. With the 380 expansion and good penetration usually can’t be used in the same sentence. Another sweet test Tools!
Thanks for the test and review. In my opinion, this test shows that the better options are 9mm+P for semi-auto and .357mag for revolver. Keep up the great work for us, Tools!!
Thanks for the great video Tools. The LCR .38 Special +P with a Hogue Bantam Boot Grip is my primary carry along with an LCP Max .380 as a backup. Both are excellent pocket carry guns. I am confident in my ability to shoot them both well at defensive distances.
I'm always excited to see .38+p tests out of a snub, but every test I see on every channel proves to me that it's going to be hard to be the Remington Golden Saber 125gr +P that I currently use. They're fairly inexpensive to boot. Thanks for yet another consistent and informative test!
@@larrykuhtz8919 From everything I've seen so far, they always expand, never suffer jacket separation and provide good penetration and energy from a snubby.
I've never owned a .380-Acp, But might in the future, and would consider an Underwood Or Buffalo bore in that caliber, as far as a .38 Spl, I've had five .357 Magnums and I've only used the 38 Spl.130gr FMJ for target shooting, The 357 Magnum is one of my favorite EDC and duty calibers Which was back in the early 80s as a LEO. THX Brian, enjoyed the video! See Ya soon. 👍🇺🇸
🇦🇺😎👍The jelly contraption is still pretty clear . Some scientists have mud brown contractions…wow the .38 special is moving along…the.380 is a flesh wounder….🏁.38special is the special 🏁… love the .380 projectile, I’d save that badboy for jewellery 🏁…great test my friend 🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁
Great test! That .380 really did underperform. While much easier to work with and frankly, probably giving more easily replicated results, Clear Ballistics gel is somewhat less dense than properly calibrated organic gel so even that 8+" penetration of the .380 was probably more like 6" or so which just is not enough. Evan allowing for that, however, that .38 did beautifully. I find myself of late much preferring to have a .38 J-frame in my pocket than my previous "always gun" a micro .380 - largely due to tests like this by you and others. I've been running mostly +P silvertips in my snubby but if I see some of these Super Vel yellow boxes on a local shelf, I will probably grab a few.
Super Vel. I think it was back in 70s when the 357 made the splash, 110 grainers. They had some zing, when so many manufacturers were wimping out, like many today with some of their loadings. Good test.! Some jazzy grips on that snub.
These ammo companies should hire you brother tools to test their ammo. You definitely don't hold anything back when it comes to speaking how you feel about them. Another great freedom seed testing brother tools.
I had some of the original Lee Jurras Super Vel from the 70's in .357 Mag and .38 Special, marked Police Only. The .38 Specials would probably be marked +P+ these days.
I don't know if they still do but remington used to sell 200gr round nose .38 special and they will tumble...sometimes before they get to the target. They used to have a following as they were Non +P and I think just shy of 700fps from a 2 inch barrel. I like some of the new stuff but we always had something that worked. Obsolete means we don't do it that way anymore but it doesn't mean it stopped working. If 200 grain RN bullets keyholed on paper, I would back off to some commercially loaded Keith type 173gr semi-wadcutters...Just because you don't want handloaded ammunition in your revolver if you ever have to justify a shooting, so my lawyer tells me.
Great job talking about every little detail. Very detailed information you take all the guess work out of the testing and results. 100% spot on. The 380 has some really good disruption and expansion. Maybe all your testing with the 380 some ammo manufacturers may hear you. Defiant has been the best so far. Well 100% in total agreement you buddy! Nice test once again. Thanks for sharing and be safe. 👊🇺🇸👊🇺🇸
For the 38 special, with 1250fps a jacketed soft point with a lot of exposed lead would expand after going through cloth. Did all the old times who remembered how we used to do things retire? I remember lots of things that they have tried, including bullets with a hollow point all the way through with a gas check at the base.
I would like to see some 9mm revolver testing. I have a little Taurus 9mm snub that shoots good. Not sure why 9mm revolvers are not more popular. It would be interesting to see how it stacks up to the old .38 special. Have a couple of them as well.
That .380 gremlin keeps popping his head up. Beautiful expansion, just not enough oomph to hit deep enough. The .38 would do it’s job but there’s better performers. Excellent test as always good sir 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Me Late to the party Tools however good work my friend! I am always interested in this Super Vel cause I used it on duty when it first came out..I can tell you it worked well in the 70s! Stay well and stay safe friend!
I’m a big fan of the 380 myself for small pistol carry over the 38 special. But this test just shows what has already been pretty well known most hollow points in 380 either expand too much and don’t provide adequate penetration or they don’t expand enough or at all and act like ball rounds, specifically in these super short barrels in longer barrel 380s like the Walther yeah you can see better performance. The only hollow point that seems to actually perform well in the super short barrels is the hornandy XTP. The best micro 380 ammo is usually the Lehigh or Fort Scott rounds.
Great test . I lik the way the 38 performed and the expansion on the 380. I think i'll stick with the underwood for my back up load. Thanks for a great video as always.
👍👍 Thanks tools. Went pretty much like you thought. I don’t think I’ve ever seen super gel ammo in the stores that I shop. I guess it’s an on line product.
If there's any case expansion or "pressure forming," I think it's called..., that would be evidence for your theory. I don't know revolvers very well. What besides the diameter of the chamber bore in question could be wrong with it?
@@pinegoon theoretically the front of the cylinder may not be perfectly flat leaving a larger gap on one bore. He should mark the cylinder next time that happens and see if it’s consistently the same bore.
First things first. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and I was starting out in Law Enforcement, Super Vel was considered almost too good! And then came changes in ownership and dropping of the name altogether for a while. I'm sure some folks will argue with me, and that is their right, but Super Vel ain't what it use to be by a lot. But then the same can be said for CorBon which at one time was considered Super Vel reborn but again, ownership has changed as has ammo performance....And not for the good in my opinion. As it stands today, I consider the 9 Minimal to be little more than a +P+ .380ACP good only for backup use in a self-defense situation thus I will not be spending any money on a .380 pistol. As for the .38 ammo you tested, I wonder how it would perform out of a 4" barrel. Great video as usual and very informative too! Keep up the great work you do.
I carry 9's but if I was to choose between the two tested I'd definitely go with the 38 special. If it was me though, I'd go with a 3 or 4 inch barrel. It's just my personal preference.
The old classic debate, which is better, the .380 or the .38spl? Solve the dilemma the easy way, just carry both. A .380 in a pocket holster and a J frame IWB.
The 38 +P is as good as a standard 9mm from the stats and gel testing........and that's out of a snub, I'm guessing they aren't the cheapest, that being said, they certainly look effective. Great vid.
I've never seen a SCHP that expanded like that get much penetration. You really need a heavier bullet. As for the 38, that kind of surprised me. I thought at that speed the cloth wouldn't be a problem. If you can chamber the 357 Magnum and don't mind your ears bleeding, that Winchester White box Q4204 110gr SJHP load seems a better way to go. Yeah, it comes up short in travel. But it also makes a very big hole as it opens way up. Not quite as much as the copper though.
Another good test, you will have to double tap the 380 and hit the same hole LOL, I like the clothing as it is more real world, even in the summer they will have a shirt on. Keep them coming brother, thanks
If they built a bullet like that 380, but with a lead core in the base to bring up the weight and a pinch of powder, it might be something special. Nice test again.
Very good review as expected. The .380ACP is not a 9mm or even close, but in general 1/2 of a 9mm. From well over hundreds of these gel-tests that I’ve witnessed, meaning .380ACP, the industrial Standard seems to me as 10 ins. on any expanding round. Yes, there are a few great penetrators but ten inches in general is what is minimum in my book that I’ve seen. I’ll carry a .380ACP but only with Lehigh/Underwood Extreme Penetrators. In this test, the .380ACP was just under that 10in and if loaded a little more, those pedals possibly be further wrap-back, but with more penetration. My thought.
I was rooting for the .38 but it just didn't act like I would want it to, especially for +p. seems like it shoulda opened up better than that. If someone wearing clothes is gonna effect performance that badly then it's already off to a bad start.
I've been following the channel just under a year and I wish I knew about it years ago. I carried a Ruger LCP custom since 2016, and never knew how anemic the 380 is in penetration and stopped carrying it. I love my snub revolver in 38 special +P it seems to do well in penetration and expansion depending on the round. Can you test Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain FTX in a 2 inch or less revolver? I carry it and have seen good things about it and want to see you test it, you do very fair and thorough testing. Thank you!
@ToolsandTargets the reason I'm asking is that I sent over $375 worth of ammo to a TH-cam shooter guy and he said oh I don't test this Underwood ammo stuff, really pissed me off , I will gladly send you some test ammo if you'll use it
Hey Tools, you ever consider picking up a ruger security 380 since thats the new hotness for a lot of new gun owners since its cheap, reliable, and accurate?($300 and under)
I held one and checked it out at my local shop. Can't really justify buying it since I have the EZ and PPS that are pretty much the same size barrel. It's a lot chunkier than I thought it would be too. I prefer a bigger gun than the LCP, but most .380 carriers have a fit about anything they can't shove in some floppy pocket holster and carry half naked.
@@ToolsandTargets Yeah that EZ is a really nice gun especially the performance center version. I think a lot of smaller statured people, those with arthritis, and moms with purses will flock to the security 380 with the 12 round mags or even the 15 rounders. For around 300, thats hard to beat for a 380 on top of that. More money for ammo amd range time lol
Not good. If the 38+p had a solid copper hp it may do better or about 75fps faster with the 380. It's a fine line to get correct performance. Appreciate the comparison. 👍🙏🇺🇸
2.75" barrel on the Ruger LCP, 3.3" barrel on the Walther. Not exactly the same, but not sure how much barrel difference .55" makes in .380 ACP testing. As Paul Harrell would say: 'It's probably not enough of a difference to make a difference." Also, at 7:37: the last thing that bug ever experienced. He's not going home to his kids.
When you going to review the Buffalo bore plus p Barnes xtp in 380? Also why no regular standard gold dots for 380? Why not regular g gold dots for a gel test? Why did you forget the fort Scott munitions touhy in any caliber?
Fort Scott TUI is glorified, overpriced FMJ. I've tested it long ago. I need to pick up some Gold Dots, but I'm sure they're nothing special at all in .380.
Thanks for the test, as always it was very informative! I have a question. What do you think about combat mixing ammo for .380? Mixng a good expanding round like this one with a nonexpanding round like a flat nosed FMJ or an extreme penetrator.. alternating them in your magazine?
@@ToolsandTargets you're welcome thanks for replying. I end up carrying my LCP in some non-permissive environments. And watching your videos I know that it's not the optimal choice. Just trying to make it as effective as I can, since you never know when you might need it.
Would like to see Supervel's comments on your videos like Defiant does, pretty cool that they respond. Supervel's 9mm is legit, I am interested to see how their .45acp does in the heavy clothing.
Video idea: i dont think anyone has done this. Test over penetration. Shoot at a torso sized block... 10 inches? Then put an air gap and the second block. I think having the blocks in direct contact skews the results. Option2 put a couple of drywall walls after the 10 inch gel block. See what happens when you hit the target and it continues on.
Nice comparison. But looking back at very recent world events, perhaps a little more gun would be helpful. As in a Glock 26 with a spare mag. I consider that to be a dual use primary/secondary arm.
I would consider this high dollar ammo. Looked up some prices and the Super Vel 380 is $32.95 for 20 and the Super Vel 38+p goes for 29.95 for 20. After watching this test , it's not worth it. Many thanks for another great jelly test.
That's not the first oddly low reading that revolver has tossed, is it? I bet that's on the tilted side of the cylinder face, ever so slightly. Assuming there's no obvious machining defect otherwise on that chamber's end.
All the street detectives at our agency carried S&W Model 10's, 2" barrel, round butt, loaded with 110 grain +P ammo. The office administrators carried S&W Model 60's because there weighted less and never shot them. Some of the administrators carried 380's loaded with JHP ammo. But they never shot their guns anyway so ammo choice did not matter. The street detectives swore by the 110 grain +P stuff because they actually had to use their guns. Although 380 ammo has improved since then, the jury is still split between using FMJ and JHP bullets. Some want to ensure penetration, while others want to get expansion at the expense of penetration. Thanks for another great video.
Fluted is the answer .
@@robertclark972 I was thinking of trying the G9s. The 3 larger flutes seem like they would be more disruptive than 4 smaller ones.
@@robertkubrick3738 - That would be an interesting comparison.
The 110 grain +P is what I keep in my EDC light weight J Frame.
@@oldcop18 Is your J-frame rated for +P ammo?
You know , one tries to convince himself that what he's carrying is gonna work. And I suppose that's true with a little luck and good shot placement . But with the rounds you tested , I think the .38special is the clear winner . I always enjoy your videos , very informative . Thanks a bunch !
Really appreciate that! At least you know that .38 round is gonna hit the right spot as long as you do.😎👍
I was impressed with the expansion on the 380 but I'll stick with using Xtreme Defender for its penetration. I love that you use the LCP MAX so often in your 380 tests since that's the gun I use for summer carry.
The expansion was very nice. Just needs a little more stamina.😆
Great review mate. 8inches is pretty much the standard we see on the competitions expanding offerings in .380
Thank you sir. Sad, but true.😆
Most people who carry 380 recommended fmj for penetration. Underwood ammo makes some nice ammo for the 380.
@@benweatherford5362 Personally (and yes I biased), if you want penetration, it’s underwood. If you want expansion that still makes the FBI requirements for penetration, it’s Defiant TCX
There are instances where 8 inches of penetration is adequate for self-defense. If you're aiming for the chest or head when the attacker is facing straight at you, then I think 8 inches should be adequate provided that he doesn't raise his arm(s) trying to block the path of the bullet. Shooting your attacker at the back with no obstacle(s) in the way is another instance where 8 inches of penetration should be enough.
@williamwatson4625 Trouble is - you don't get to decide.
If you're defending your life or the lives of others, you need ammo that will get the job done whatever the situation.
That 38 special would be a good tractor gun for a farmer.👍
💥🚜💥
Love those retro boxes. Neat stuff.
Agreed, it's pretty dope
They are pretty cool.😎👊
The 38 looked pretty decent even without great expansion. With the 380 expansion and good penetration usually can’t be used in the same sentence. Another sweet test Tools!
Thanks for the test and review. In my opinion, this test shows that the better options are 9mm+P for semi-auto and .357mag for revolver. Keep up the great work for us, Tools!!
In the late 70's I bought some Super Vel .45 auto ammo for work. It was the first factory HP ammo I ever had for a .45 auto.
Thanks for the great video Tools.
The LCR .38 Special +P with a Hogue Bantam Boot Grip is my primary carry along with an LCP Max .380 as a backup. Both are excellent pocket carry guns.
I am confident in my ability to shoot them both well at defensive distances.
Thank you sir. 😎👊
I'm always excited to see .38+p tests out of a snub, but every test I see on every channel proves to me that it's going to be hard to be the Remington Golden Saber 125gr +P that I currently use. They're fairly inexpensive to boot.
Thanks for yet another consistent and informative test!
Same round I went with in 38spcl+p in a snubbie.
@@larrykuhtz8919 From everything I've seen so far, they always expand, never suffer jacket separation and provide good penetration and energy from a snubby.
I've never owned a .380-Acp, But might in the future, and would consider an Underwood Or Buffalo bore in that caliber, as far as a .38 Spl, I've had five .357 Magnums and I've only used the 38 Spl.130gr FMJ for target shooting, The 357 Magnum is one of my favorite EDC and duty calibers Which was back in the early 80s as a LEO. THX Brian, enjoyed the video! See Ya soon. 👍🇺🇸
I need to order up some more Buffalo Bore rounds to test.😎👍
🇦🇺😎👍The jelly contraption is still pretty clear . Some scientists have mud brown contractions…wow the .38 special is moving along…the.380 is a flesh wounder….🏁.38special is the special 🏁… love the .380 projectile, I’d save that badboy for jewellery 🏁…great test my friend 🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁
Thank you sir. I have a big bucket of all the recovered bullets. Maybe I need to try to talk a resin art TH-camr into making me a table using them.😆
Great test!
That .380 really did underperform. While much easier to work with and frankly, probably giving more easily replicated results, Clear Ballistics gel is somewhat less dense than properly calibrated organic gel so even that 8+" penetration of the .380 was probably more like 6" or so which just is not enough. Evan allowing for that, however, that .38 did beautifully. I find myself of late much preferring to have a .38 J-frame in my pocket than my previous "always gun" a micro .380 - largely due to tests like this by you and others. I've been running mostly +P silvertips in my snubby but if I see some of these Super Vel yellow boxes on a local shelf, I will probably grab a few.
I carried 357 Super Vel in my duty gun back in the 70s.
I bet that was some spicy stuff.
Still have some 357 magnum super VEL and still carry some in one of my 4" 357 magnum revolver, and black tallon
I think I would take the 380 in that demonstration. Thanks for the video.
😎👊
I agree. For a small firearm, that 380 got some pop.
Super Vel. I think it was back in 70s when the 357 made the splash, 110 grainers. They had some zing, when so many manufacturers were wimping out, like many today with some of their loadings.
Good test.! Some jazzy grips on that snub.
Thank you sir. Love the feel of these G10 grips.😎👍
These ammo companies should hire you brother tools to test their ammo. You definitely don't hold anything back when it comes to speaking how you feel about them. Another great freedom seed testing brother tools.
Thank you sir. 😎👊
@@ToolsandTargets you're welcome my brother and thank you for the channel.
I haven't heard the term "pocket rocket" used in a few months, let's go Brian
😎👊
I had some of the original Lee Jurras Super Vel from the 70's in .357 Mag and .38 Special, marked Police Only. The .38 Specials would probably be marked +P+ these days.
That's some of the best 380 expansion I've seen. Maybe someday a manufacturer will get that penetration right. Good video again sir.
They did. It's called 9x19mm.
I know a company 😉
That's why I dont carry hollowpoints in my 380 backup pistol. My primary carry firearms are 9mm.
Defiant is easily the best combo of both for a copper .380 expander.😎👍
@@ToolsandTargets ❤️ don’t go making us blush now! 😂
I don't know if they still do but remington used to sell 200gr round nose .38 special and they will tumble...sometimes before they get to the target. They used to have a following as they were Non +P and I think just shy of 700fps from a 2 inch barrel. I like some of the new stuff but we always had something that worked. Obsolete means we don't do it that way anymore but it doesn't mean it stopped working. If 200 grain RN bullets keyholed on paper, I would back off to some commercially loaded Keith type 173gr semi-wadcutters...Just because you don't want handloaded ammunition in your revolver if you ever have to justify a shooting, so my lawyer tells me.
Great job talking about every little detail. Very detailed information you take all the guess work out of the testing and results. 100% spot on. The 380 has some really good disruption and expansion. Maybe all your testing with the 380 some ammo manufacturers may hear you. Defiant has been the best so far. Well 100% in total agreement you buddy! Nice test once again. Thanks for sharing and be safe. 👊🇺🇸👊🇺🇸
Thank you as always, my friend!😎👊
@@ToolsandTargets You got it brother! 👊
Appreciate your comments and hopefully your business 😉 stay safe!
380 on that Azzzz jelly time
💥😎👊💥
For the 38 special, with 1250fps a jacketed soft point with a lot of exposed lead would expand after going through cloth. Did all the old times who remembered how we used to do things retire? I remember lots of things that they have tried, including bullets with a hollow point all the way through with a gas check at the base.
I have a bunch of Super Vel ammo.
Was good stuff!!
Cool boxes and stickers too!😎👊
I love the grips on your Taurus 👍
I would like to see some 9mm revolver testing. I have a little Taurus 9mm snub that shoots good. Not sure why 9mm revolvers are not more popular. It would be interesting to see how it stacks up to the old .38 special. Have a couple of them as well.
I don't have one but I have looked at those and a 10mm revolver.
I thought the .380 would do better. The .38 is the clear winner. Great test and video 👊🏿👊🏿🇺🇸
😎👊
That .380 gremlin keeps popping his head up. Beautiful expansion, just not enough oomph to hit deep enough. The .38 would do it’s job but there’s better performers. Excellent test as always good sir 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Me Late to the party Tools however good work my friend! I am always interested in this Super Vel cause I used it on duty when it first came out..I can tell you it worked well in the 70s!
Stay well and stay safe friend!
I bought my first box of Suer Vel in 1973 before +p 110 gr. Police Load.
Judging from this test, I think I'll stick with the .38 special. It simply has more penetration and stopping power. Great video.
@Tools (Brian)
Where do you get your jelly? It’s so clean and clear.
I’m a big fan of the 380 myself for small pistol carry over the 38 special. But this test just shows what has already been pretty well known most hollow points in 380 either expand too much and don’t provide adequate penetration or they don’t expand enough or at all and act like ball rounds, specifically in these super short barrels in longer barrel 380s like the Walther yeah you can see better performance. The only hollow point that seems to actually perform well in the super short barrels is the hornandy XTP. The best micro 380 ammo is usually the Lehigh or Fort Scott rounds.
Good job! really enjoy your type of reviews Thank you for the hard work.
Appreciate that!😎👊
Great test . I lik the way the 38 performed and the expansion on the 380. I think i'll stick with the underwood for my back up load. Thanks for a great video as always.
Thank you sir. At least the boxes are cool looking.😆
@@ToolsandTargets Your welcome and yes they are cool looking. 👍👍👍
Great subjects for comparison. I was shopping today for a snubbie.
Nice. 😎👊
👍👍 Thanks tools. Went pretty much like you thought. I don’t think I’ve ever seen super gel ammo in the stores that I shop. I guess it’s an on line product.
Same here. online Only I suppose.
Seems like every time you shoot the Taurus you have one underpowered round. I suspect there’s an issue with one of the cylinder bores.
If there's any case expansion or "pressure forming," I think it's called..., that would be evidence for your theory. I don't know revolvers very well. What besides the diameter of the chamber bore in question could be wrong with it?
@@pinegoon theoretically the front of the cylinder may not be perfectly flat leaving a larger gap on one bore. He should mark the cylinder next time that happens and see if it’s consistently the same bore.
Possible 😎👍
That's interesting- never thought of that. Good thread and thanks.
Super Vel ammo, is it old collector stuff? Or are they being made again?
First things first. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and I was starting out in Law Enforcement, Super Vel was considered almost too good! And then came changes in ownership and dropping of the name altogether for a while. I'm sure some folks will argue with me, and that is their right, but Super Vel ain't what it use to be by a lot. But then the same can be said for CorBon which at one time was considered Super Vel reborn but again, ownership has changed as has ammo performance....And not for the good in my opinion. As it stands today, I consider the 9 Minimal to be little more than a +P+ .380ACP good only for backup use in a self-defense situation thus I will not be spending any money on a .380 pistol. As for the .38 ammo you tested, I wonder how it would perform out of a 4" barrel. Great video as usual and very informative too! Keep up the great work you do.
I carry 9's but if I was to choose between the two tested I'd definitely go with the 38 special. If it was me though, I'd go with a 3 or 4 inch barrel. It's just my personal preference.
Good video.
Within their limitations, both loads look OK to me.
Love your videos! Very informative! Thanks for the upload. God bless.....
If I have to carry 9mm the Super Vel 115+p schp is phenomenal from short barrel
The old classic debate, which is better, the .380 or the .38spl? Solve the dilemma the easy way, just carry both. A .380 in a pocket holster and a J frame IWB.
Nice test, have you had time to look at that truglo sight? I grabbed one too and bore sighted it on my mossy500
Thank you sir. Not yet, but I did pick up a new shotty a couple days ago that might be a perfect candidate to test it on.😎👍
Can you give me a quick shout out when you do the test vid, it’d make my year bud. Love the vids
I like your Honest Reviews .............
I only have had a 270 for a year. The only thing I've had problems finding is the brass. I only have 500 loaded now.
500 .270 aint too shabby.😎👍
The Buffalo Bore 38 special 158gr HPSWC is a tremendous self defense round. It's a gas checked cast bullet with a hardness of 5.
It also has a lot of recoil out of a lightweight snubnose.
That 380 reminds me of me trying to run a mile in high school gym class
🤣🤣🤣
The 38 +P is as good as a standard 9mm from the stats and gel testing........and that's out of a snub, I'm guessing they aren't the cheapest, that being said, they certainly look effective. Great vid.
I've never seen a SCHP that expanded like that get much penetration. You really need a heavier bullet. As for the 38, that kind of surprised me. I thought at that speed the cloth wouldn't be a problem. If you can chamber the 357 Magnum and don't mind your ears bleeding, that Winchester White box Q4204 110gr SJHP load seems a better way to go. Yeah, it comes up short in travel. But it also makes a very big hole as it opens way up. Not quite as much as the copper though.
Great video. How’s your pup doing? I hope he’s gotten better.
Appreciate that. She's still not great.😣
@@ToolsandTargets I’m sorry. That’s so sad to hear. I hope she gets better.
A fully expanding 380 is like dragging a parachute behind a moped 🚲🪂. Solid copper w/flutes meets or exceeds FBI specs .
Yep
Even though the 380 depth was not great. Imagine that being in a target fully expanded while also being very hot. Ouch kabibble.
Hey Tools, Great test as always. Love those snubbies! Keep up the good work Sir!! 👍👍👊
Appreciate that, brother!😎👊
Would like to see a test with the Super Vel 10mm 160 Gr
Another great test 👌 👍
Thank you sir.😎👊
For .380, FTX projectiles are the way.
Thanks for the jelly test again tools
Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊
Another good test, you will have to double tap the 380 and hit the same hole LOL, I like the clothing as it is more real world, even in the summer they will have a shirt on. Keep them coming brother, thanks
Sharpshooter! Thank you sir.😎👊
If u get a chance try Precision One Ammo 380acp XTP
thanks for all the great info!
😎👊
That Thutty Eight +P just might be a good Boogie man Repellant
💥👺💥
What a shame that 38 didn’t expand. I was all excited for a minute. I wonder what it do in a 4 inch that’s what I got in 38.
Think I might do a part 2 with longer barrels on this one.😎👍
May have to do bare gel v cloth with those 38s. Or multiple with the cloth to see if that was a fluke or if it's normal for em to do that
🤔
If they built a bullet like that 380, but with a lead core in the base to bring up the weight and a pinch of powder, it might be something special. Nice test again.
That would be interesting.😎👍
great video decent performence
You have a lot of .380 videos.
What is your favorite .380 round for a carry handgun?
That's a hard question because I can't remember them all. I need to go back through and maybe do a top 3 or 5.
Those grips on the .38 are da bom, bro!
I couldn't resist em!😆
Very good review as expected. The .380ACP is not a 9mm or even close, but in general 1/2 of a 9mm. From well over hundreds of these gel-tests that I’ve witnessed, meaning .380ACP, the industrial Standard seems to me as 10 ins. on any expanding round. Yes, there are a few great penetrators but ten inches in general is what is minimum in my book that I’ve seen. I’ll carry a .380ACP but only with Lehigh/Underwood Extreme Penetrators. In this test, the .380ACP was just under that 10in and if loaded a little more, those pedals possibly be further wrap-back, but with more penetration. My thought.
XTPs and Hydra Shok Deeps also perform well within FBI Specs.
Awesome video as always thanks tools.
Thank you sir. Appreciate ya!😎👊
I was rooting for the .38 but it just didn't act like I would want it to, especially for +p. seems like it shoulda opened up better than that. If someone wearing clothes is gonna effect performance that badly then it's already off to a bad start.
Yeah, I expected a lot better from it this go round.
I've been following the channel just under a year and I wish I knew about it years ago. I carried a Ruger LCP custom since 2016, and never knew how anemic the 380 is in penetration and stopped carrying it. I love my snub revolver in 38 special +P it seems to do well in penetration and expansion depending on the round. Can you test Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain FTX in a 2 inch or less revolver? I carry it and have seen good things about it and want to see you test it, you do very fair and thorough testing. Thank you!
Really appreciate that. Should be able to handle that. I may actually have some on hand already.😎👍
That sounds great, I'll be watching. Keep up the great work and have a blessed weekend. @@ToolsandTargets
Great video sir very well done. , love those 38s
Appreciate that. They sure did act a lot different through this cloth versus the bare gel.
@@ToolsandTargets do you test ammo from all manufacturers or is there some you don't touch
The only brand I quit testing or using anything from is Sig.@@waynebowman2315
@ToolsandTargets the reason I'm asking is that I sent over $375 worth of ammo to a TH-cam shooter guy and he said oh I don't test this Underwood ammo stuff, really pissed me off , I will gladly send you some test ammo if you'll use it
I'll be glad to sling anything you wanna send into the gel. Shoot me an email if you want.😎👍@@waynebowman2315
Hey Tools, you ever consider picking up a ruger security 380 since thats the new hotness for a lot of new gun owners since its cheap, reliable, and accurate?($300 and under)
I held one and checked it out at my local shop. Can't really justify buying it since I have the EZ and PPS that are pretty much the same size barrel. It's a lot chunkier than I thought it would be too. I prefer a bigger gun than the LCP, but most .380 carriers have a fit about anything they can't shove in some floppy pocket holster and carry half naked.
@@ToolsandTargets Yeah that EZ is a really nice gun especially the performance center version. I think a lot of smaller statured people, those with arthritis, and moms with purses will flock to the security 380 with the 12 round mags or even the 15 rounders. For around 300, thats hard to beat for a 380 on top of that. More money for ammo amd range time lol
That 38 did pretty good! Not great expansion but acceptable i reckon lol! have a good one brother! 💥💥
I'd let it fly!😎👊
So, Tools, what is the best .38 special defense load and best in short .380’s? These two don’t seem to be the very best.
Well we got just what you said Tools good test .
😎👊
Not good. If the 38+p had a solid copper hp it may do better or about 75fps faster with the 380. It's a fine line to get correct performance. Appreciate the comparison. 👍🙏🇺🇸
Sure was a big difference from the first test of this .38.
Thank you for the test. 🤠👍
😎👊
2.75" barrel on the Ruger LCP, 3.3" barrel on the Walther. Not exactly the same, but not sure how much barrel difference .55" makes in .380 ACP testing. As Paul Harrell would say: 'It's probably not enough of a difference to make a difference." Also, at 7:37: the last thing that bug ever experienced. He's not going home to his kids.
😂😂😂
Great test as usual !....Save that copper 380...It will look real good on top of your Christmas tree.....LoL
Curious how the .38 would do in a 4” gun
Might be a good test to do a follow up longer barrel version.😎👍
When you going to review the Buffalo bore plus p Barnes xtp in 380? Also why no regular standard gold dots for 380? Why not regular g gold dots for a gel test? Why did you forget the fort Scott munitions touhy in any caliber?
Fort Scott TUI is glorified, overpriced FMJ. I've tested it long ago. I need to pick up some Gold Dots, but I'm sure they're nothing special at all in .380.
Thanks for the test, as always it was very informative! I have a question. What do you think about combat mixing ammo for .380? Mixng a good expanding round like this one with a nonexpanding round like a flat nosed FMJ or an extreme penetrator.. alternating them in your magazine?
Thank you sir. Don't see why not as long as the different feel of em when shooting didn't cause too much trouble to ya.
@@ToolsandTargets you're welcome thanks for replying. I end up carrying my LCP in some non-permissive environments. And watching your videos I know that it's not the optimal choice. Just trying to make it as effective as I can, since you never know when you might need it.
Would like to see Supervel's comments on your videos like Defiant does, pretty cool that they respond. Supervel's 9mm is legit, I am interested to see how their .45acp does in the heavy clothing.
I’m always creeping through the comments 😉
Video idea: i dont think anyone has done this. Test over penetration. Shoot at a torso sized block... 10 inches? Then put an air gap and the second block. I think having the blocks in direct contact skews the results. Option2 put a couple of drywall walls after the 10 inch gel block. See what happens when you hit the target and it continues on.
Definitely wanna do some of that and other barrier testing.😎👊
Nice comparison. But looking back at very recent world events, perhaps a little more gun would be helpful. As in a Glock 26 with a spare mag. I consider that to be a dual use primary/secondary arm.
Hi!!! A- That's opinionated... B -no.
I also like the SIG 320. But everyone says they suck too. @PeterAngles-jq7gr
Exactly how I feel. But they're easy to work on. And I happen to drive a basic older car.
YAY!!!!!@PeterAngles-jq7gr
This waa a cool video Tools. Thanks for sharing it with us man... Stay 2A💪🇺🇲
Appreciate that, brother!😎👊
Good test!
I would consider this high dollar ammo. Looked up some prices and the Super Vel 380 is $32.95 for 20 and the Super Vel 38+p goes for 29.95 for 20. After watching this test , it's not worth it. Many thanks for another great jelly test.
Agreed 😎👍
Hey tools 380 was excellant expansion how did u figure it failed ?? Even know it didn't go deep it went far enough to kill someone or predator
I don"t know, Tools. Did pretty well coming from a box that looks like 1970s Gas Station ammo you get free with a fill up 😂
Gotta love the retro look of em.😎👊
I like the 380 expansion. Won't use it though.
Great expansion.
Walther PP has a 3.9” barrel vs. the LCP Max’s 2.8”. Fairly significant in that size…
Then somebody needs to change the name of these "pocket" rockets.😆 I assume they were using a PPK with the 3.3".
I wouldn’t want to use either one! No super vel for me! Thanks Tools
I expected better from the .38 for sure.
That's not the first oddly low reading that revolver has tossed, is it?
I bet that's on the tilted side of the cylinder face, ever so slightly. Assuming there's no obvious machining defect otherwise on that chamber's end.
🤷♂️
That’s what their 38+p needs the solid copper bullets
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