NCJ Number
86619
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1982) Pages: 50-52,55-56
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Tests of contemporary cartridges for police handguns demonstrated that the Winchester-Westerns' 125 grain magnum jacketed hollow point from a 4 inch barrel provided superior accuracy, velocity, and energy transfer without overpenetration hazards.
Abstract
Numerous handgun cartridges have been introduced since the authoritative 1975 evaluation of police handgun ammunition conducted by the LEAA's Law Enforcement Standards Program. This study focused on .38 special and .357 magnum calibers, with the addition of a small selection of other handgun calibers, that were readily available and suitable for law enforcement needs. Data generated included bullet velocity, standard deviation of velocity, bullet energy, precision, relative elevation of point of impact, and expanded diameter of the bullet, percent of the bullet retained, and dimensions of the permanent wound cavity in the ballistic material. The testing consisted of firing 10 shots over a light-screen chronograph placed 12 feet from the firearm and 10 shots on a target at 25 yards to determine velocity and elevation. Shots were also fired into Plasticine from 5 feet. The .38 special caliber cartridges were fired from a Colt Detective Special with a 2 inch barrel and a Smith and Wesson Highway Patrolman with a 4 inch barrel. The .357 magnum caliber cartridges were fired from the same Smith and Wesson and a Colt Python with a 6 inch barrel. Performance was ranked subjectively into four categories from inferior to excellent. The tests showed that it is not uncommon for manufacturers to intentionally alter a cartridge to result in a change in velocity without informing the customer and that two apparently similar cartridges from competing manufacturers can have drastically different performances. Thus, it is recommended that procurement officers periodically re-evaluate their bulk purchases. Winchester-Westerns' 125 grain .357 magnum jacketed hollow point from a 4 inch barrel was ranked the most superior entry, although it might be too fragile to penetrate common protective covers such as automobile doors and glass. The Smith and Wesson 38+P 125 grain Nyclad hollow point semiwadcutter exhibited sporadic velocities and disappointing accuracy. The conventional Winchester 38+P+ was considered marginally superior to the 38+P+ 110 grain cartridge supplied to Federal law enforcement agencies. Tables and photographs are provided.