What are the possible reasons why the .38 FTX Critical Defense actually performed better in your gel testing than the .38 +P FTX Critical Defense loads? I would have expected the opposite. Also, in some tests, the 2-inch barrel actually performed better than the 4-inch barrel. Those results are counterintuitive. Thanks for taking my two questions.

Question

What are the possible reasons why the .38 FTX Critical Defense actually performed better in your gel testing than the .38 +P FTX Critical Defense loads?  I would have expected the opposite.  Also, in some tests, the 2-inch barrel actually performed better than the 4-inch barrel.  Those results are counterintuitive.  Thanks for taking my two questions.

Accepted Answer

Tony, there can be many reasons for these types of anomalies in testing results, and we may never be able to know the causes. +P rounds often do not penetrate as deeply as the standard rounds since, due to the higher velocity, the expansion begins earlier which will effect the depth of penetration in the same medium.  Many manufacturers take this in consideration, particularly in the weaker calibers and make the higher velocity bullet with a harder core  to slow expansion and allow deeper penetration. All of which can seemingly "skew" the comparison and be confusing.  The thing to remember is that all bullets of one design may not have the same exact construction, but may be "tweaked" by the mfg so that the bullet performs very well.  Because of this, I always advise a customer to enjoy the testing and comparisons, but focus on how well the round YOU choose performs by it's own standards.

Product Type	Ammo
Manufacturer	Hornady
Condition	New
Bullet Weight	110 Grain
Bullet Type	Flex-Tip-Technology (FTX)
Ammo Casing	Brass
Quantity	250
Ammo Caliber	.38 Special
Pressure	+P
Manufacturer SKU	90311
Primer Type	Boxer
Muzzle Velocity (fps)	1090
Muzzle Energy (ft lbs)	290
Attracts Magnet	No
UPC Barcode	10090255903116

			Median
38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds
Bullet Depth (in.)	11.9	12.4	13	13.2	15
Expanded Diameter (in.)	0.45	0.46	0.46	0.5	0.51
Bullet Weight after shot (gr.)	109	109	110	111	112
Bullet Velocity (fps)	921	925	947	961	972

			Median
38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds
Bullet Depth (in.)	10.1	10.7	11.2	12.5	12.7
Expanded Diameter (in.)	0.51	0.52	0.52	0.56	0.57
Bullet Weight after shot (gr.)	108	109	109	109	109
Bullet Velocity (fps)	1025	1041	1066	1078	1081

38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds

Overview

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Subsonic 38 Special Ammo?

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Subsonic 38 Special Ammo?

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38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds

Overview

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Subsonic 38 Special Ammo?

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - +P 110 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense - 250 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Subsonic 38 Special Ammo?

Customer Reviews

The most helpful favorable review

Write Your Own Reviews

Questions & Answers

Related Products

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