Snub Nose Velocity Test

I've been wanting to do this for some time now. This is some chronograph velocities we recorded for the Ruger SP-101 and the S&W Model 442.

Ruger SP-101
2.25 inch barrel
.357 Magnum

S&W Model 442
1.875 inch barrel
Rated for +P loads

**Note**
Factory stated numbers are tested from a 4" barrel.

**Observations**

Overall the % loss in energy with the SP-101 was 27.7%
Overall the % loss in energy with the Model 442 was 26.2%

These percentage losses are from factory stated velocities compared to our chronograph data. Most Factory .357 and 38 Spl loads are tested out of a 4 inch barrel.

Let it not be said that you don't get any benefit from a .357 Mag out of a snubnose revolver...just compare the two in the video. These benefits; however, do come at a price and that is more muzzle flash and bang, and greater recoil, that can result in slower follow up shots.

I was not surprised that the 110gr Winchesters were slightly anemic out of the snubby. This is based off of testing I'd done previously. I was however very surprised that the 158gr Speer's didn't perform as well. I had come to the assumption that the heavier bullets would maintain more energy out of the shorter barrel. In fact it lost 37% energy which was the highest percentage loss in the test. The Remington 125gr .357s performed pretty well and are typically bargained price, and should probably be high on the list for carry loads (although I do like the bonded bullet construction of the Speer's round more).

I want to get my hands on some of Speer's short barrel ammo to test in the future.

Thanks for watching and please rate and comment!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• snubnose
• snub
• nose
• revolver
• chrono
• chrony
• chronograph
• data
• velocity
• testing
• ballistics
• sp-101
• ruger
• S&W
• model
• 442
• airweight
• DAO
• wheel
• gun
• fun
• tactical
• edc
• conceal
• carry
• ammo
• pmc
• winchester
• remington
• umc
• speer
• gold
• dot
• gdhp
• cci
• 38
• special
• +P
• .357
• magnum

[xJasterx]

After watching this I made some changes to my carry load. The Remington .357 Magnum 125 grain SJHP load is quite awesome and after some research I found out that Remington's R357M1 load is the equivalent to the legendary Federal 357B load, so of course the most street proven loading is now in my SP101. 1200+ fps out of a 2.25" SP101 is impressive! Thanks!

[DocTacDad]

@xJasterx Seriously, 415 ft/lbs out of that short barrel! Who says a .357 snubby doesn't pack a punch! Thanks for watching.

[kingd3001]

great video i was wondering could you do a test on hornday critical defense 110gr standard pressure rounds in 38spl

[DocTacDad]

@kingd3001 I might be able to...I am planning on doing some short barrel loads so I'll see. Thanks for the input.

[ScoutsNOA]

-13......WOW, man you really like to shoot. I commend you Sir.

[DocTacDad]

@ScoutsNOA Well it was only about -5 at the time we were shooting, but we'd been outdoors that morning when it was -13! kinda cold. Thanks for watching!

[MrSKSkill]

Oh Man! Voted- Most Informational 2011

[IronCityBlues]

Great BUT... I'd really like to see you compare an actual 4" barrel revolver's velocities back-to-back with a snub. Everything you posted compared snubs to "Factory" numbers. I'd rather see real-world numbers. Two revolvers...shot the same day...same conditions...same chrono...same box of ammo. THAT would be one awesome test. Does anyone you know own a 4" GP100 that you could borrow?

I'd like to put in a request for Gold Dot 125 gr .357 comparison. Thanks!

[NotAnotherVictim]

I'd rather carry +P 9mm or +P+ 9mm in a controllable M&P9mm than this. 18 rounds at your finger tips

[TheBullfrog36]

why was it you think that the first shot from each string seemed to be fastest ?

[Migs4000]

Have you chrono'd any loads from Buffalo Bore?

[NCHunter79]

What a great, great video. On behalf of all snubbie guys, thank you.

[hammerogod]

How do I vote this Video as the Best Informative Video on YT?

I gave it an "Incredible" reaction vote.

Wish you would make a .44 Mag test and...well...everything else too.

At least in handguns.

I need a .38 Special round that will make my S&W 642 a "Stopper".

My .44 Mag Super Blackhawk already is but it's not a Carry gun...unless you want a suitcase size lump in your pants. (which would be ok if it wasn't all gun).

***wanders off thinking about a suitcase size lump in my pants***

[hammerogod]

Excellent comparative test. 1015 fps ain't bad for .38 Special 158 gr out of a 'Snubby'. Great if it was consistent. I can live with that if the bullet configuration allows it to expand. I am a .38 Special shooter and I shoot a shitload of the Walmart White Box ammo. No problems. Cor-Bon makes .38 Special ammo that "Promises" at least 1000 fps. Never tried it. You have to remember that all 'Snubbys" are Belly Guns. Ram it into a perps gut and let fly. No loss of energy from 1in away.

[XFLYN]

wow great vid... only thing you're missing is the Cor Bon 357 mag 125 dpx :)

 thanks for the great information

[texasbud100]

Just purchased a box (100 for $44.00)of the Remington 125gr.SJHP@ WM for my Taurus 617 2" today.after watching this vid i'm sure glad i did.

[MadDogg19841]

This was a very good video. I'd like to see how some of the more daring handloads perform on a snubnose platform, though. From an article in the late 60's-early 70's, I read that 'Skeeter' Skelton swore by a 148-grain hollow base wadcutter bullet seated backwards and long in a .38 Special case over 5.0 grains of Unique as an effective snubnose load. I wouldn't recommend this load just yet, though. Different guns respond differently to different load/powder/bullet combinations.

[polrais850xp]

Thank you for all the info, that is a big help to me, Thank you for this vid!!!!