Was asked to join a panel on the Primary and Secondary podcast about a 357 magnum load we developed in conjunction with Darryl Bolke of Hardwired Tactical.

I got a message from host Matt Landfair asking to join the panel about half way through the podcast...at about the 58 minute mark.

With so much talk about hollow point expansion, penetration, over penetration etc., a lot of great info here on pistol ballistics in general as well.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't always need expansion...it's just the cherry on top if it happens...but not necessary.

https://youtu.be/CdyYRTWbD2M?si=ktDIkn7KUVw0dq1X

Dang . . . y'all know your shit.

Ballistics seem to take on a life of its own depending on who's pushing it.

If its the manufacturer, then the old rule of marketing usually applies...sell it to the public in such a way as to make them think they can't live without it, and go in for the monetary kill.

For the user, we tend to be testers of the fact. is that which is being pushed actually true, or are there caveats.

Some specifics that aren't written about much is the differences that can be found in the human body that can affect bullet performance. Age, physical condition, medical issues, medications and the list goes on...then there's subtle differences in not only bone density, but skin and organ elasticity that also comes into play.

Thus one can shoot 10 different people, in the same place with the same firearm, same distance, angle etc., and get slightly 10 different bullet performance results.

I'd rather have the deep penetration, than the expansion...if you get both, celebrate it!

As I mentioned on the podcast, there's a sweet spot for JHPs and each JHP is engineered for a specific velocity range to perform properly. Too fast, they open up too quick and act like a parachute and don't get the penetration. Too slow, they act more like a FMJ yet also might lack penetration because of the slower velocity.

Overall, there's way too much emphasis on JHP performance because so many people are writing about it, and manufacturers are pushing it.

If you want a great snub load for a revolver...carry 148gr wadcutters. Want a great round for the 12 gauge for home defense, get some breaching rounds...turns everything to soup.

Try not to buy into the hype being marketed. We're coming full circle on ballistics as Chuck and Caleb mentioned...and it mostly does not include JHPs.

Yes, you can get good performance out of a load without subjecting both the gun and shooter to abuse.

Jim Cirillo had some great home made examples of bullets that truly worked at a very high percentage.