S&W 158gr LSWCHP +P Water Test

[El Chivato]

I've been on several firearms boards asking about this .38spl ammunition which carries Smith and Wesson's name. It is 158gr LSWCHP +P. The lead does feel hard; I can scratch it with a fingernail but I cannot deform it by hand.

I decided to do a water shoot. We have a new pup so newspaper for wetpack is in short supply.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00001.jpg
Here is the setup. Prior to this test I did on with a 125gr bullet, and that bullet penetrated three jugs. I figured with the increased weight I'd need at least that.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00002.jpg
Here is my view. I figured the old computers would be appropriate.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...eport/shot.jpg
This is me taking the shot in my "Silent Bob" getup - or - I need to get off my butt and lose weight! This picture is a still taken from a video of the shot. Please forgive the quality.

I have to say here, recoil was not what I expected out of a revolver that size. It is comparable to my full sized all metal 9mm with +P loads. Now, I know someone's going to want to see the whole video. Here it is:

Click Here
Click on the pic. Just don't hold it against me! It's about 5mb in size if I remember correctly, so dialup, count on a download time of 15mins to 1/2 hour.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00005.jpg
As you can see, the first two jugs are very torn up. Taking the video of the shoot frame-by-frame, I can see the individual impacts. It's enlightening as to when the energy is actually released.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00009.jpg
The bullet penetrated through the fourth jug and came to rest between the fourth and fifth, causing no damage to the fifth jug.

The total penetration came out to about 24" of water, or about 12" of gelatin.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00012.jpg
Here's the expanded bullet. It measures right around .52"x.51" and is about .63" tall.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00029.jpg
For comparison...

As compared to the Magtech 125gr I tested a while back, this round appeals to me more, at least insofar as water jugs are concerned. While this round penetrated four water jugs and expanded to over half an inch, the Magtech only penetrated three jugs and partially expanded to a bit less than half an inch at its widest point.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../Expanded1.jpg
The Magtech, for comparison...

I plan on shooting one of these S&W rounds through four layers of denim into water as soon as I am able to gather more jugs.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t/Dsc00020.jpg
As you can see, the round overexpanded a bit. I am hoping a denim test will provide results as realistic as one can get by shooting water.

Overall, I am cautiously impressed. The S&W fodder has become my carry ammo for the time being.

Josh <><

[Hard Ball]

Is S&W currently producing this ammunition?

[El Chivato]

Hello,

No, it's 15-20 years old and is actually collectable. Just so happens that I have a source with a large supply, so I can use some for defensive purposes.

I'm 29. I thought it would be fun to test ammunition that was around during my childhood.

It's enlightening that it performs better than some modern stuff. I sometimes wonder how much progress we've really made, having done these types of tests and having read others' tests.

This ammo was loaded for S&W by either Federal or Fiocchi depending upon who you talk to.

Josh <><

[DPris]

FYI, you can find current ammo in that configuration that's neither collectible nor 20 years old, if you're looking for a carry load.
I would not deliberately carry 20-year-old ammo for defense. There's nothing to be gained, and reliability could be questionable.
Denis

[j-framer]

Thanks very much for sharing, El Chivato. Pics and videos are alway great to see.

I am interested to know what weapon that round was fired from. Did I miss it, or did you not mention?

I bring this up because 158 gr. LSWCHP +P loads are favored by many who carry snub .38 revolvers, and the performance of ammunition fired from short barrels is a much-discussed topic around here.

[El Chivato]

Hello,

I'm sorry I forgot to mention the revolver it was fired from.

It's a Rossi M68 (in my opinion, has a better trigger pull than S&W J-Frames) with a 1-7/8" barrel.

While not +P rated, I don't feel that limited amounts will put undue stress on the frame.

I've fired enought to be certain of the ammo's reliability - it's been stored well. I'm not concerned about collector status, though I might get a box to throw in with some useless nicknacks I've collected over the years.

When I change out ammo I will be going to Buffalo Bore. Though it doesn't exhibit awesome expansion, it does penetrate to about 14.5" and that's more important to me.

Josh <><

[DPris]

Still not sure I see the point in using 20 year-old ammo. I would not bet my life on it. My 158 LSWC +P loads are considerably newer.
Denis