I was also not surprised to find the promised penetration while still expanding. In ballistic gelatin, the Cor-Bon 110-grain DPX penetrated 15 inches. The track was straight; the bullet remained nose-forward. The expanded bullet measured almost .60 inch in diameter and kept all of its expanded petals.

This is perfect performance. Penetration was all the way to the back of the first block, 15 inches deep. Straight, nose-first and fully expanded.

Even more impressive was the heavy-clothing portion of the test. Multiple layers of denim can clog hollowpoints, making them act like solids--or at least the older designs. Modern designs have been tuned with FBI test protocols in mind, and this bullet demonstrates that. Even with a shred of fabric attached to one petal, and a small ball of it cut out and left in the center of the mushroom, the bullet went (again) 15 inches.

Lacking glass and sheetmetal for the full tests, I couldn't try the .38 against them. Given the relatively low velocity, I would not be surprised to find the .38 coming up short--but keep in mind here, we're talking about a snubbie. Outside of the movies, shooting at a vehicle with a five-shot snubbie is not a good thing to be doing.

As for accuracy, I was able to easily keep all my shots in the "A" zone of a USPSA target at 25 yards. That's a 6x11-inch rectangle. I'm sure if I shot prone (I really didn't want to be in the freezing mud that day) and learned the zero for that load, I could make some miscreant's life a short and merry hell using the Cor-Bon ammo and my snubbie. It isn't a Bullseye or PPC load, but it is plenty accurate for its purpose. The limitation is more the snubbie than the ammo, as I was able to ring the club's 100-yard 10-inch gong five of six DA shots with the six-in M19.

Hornady Rimfire Gauge
In the new handgun-ammo products category, I just found out that Hornady is offering a rimfire gauge. Those not paying attention to accuracy in their plinkers need not worry, but those seeking accuracy can find one of these a right handy tool. Rimfire handguns can be very particular about what they shoot accurately. You can spend big bucks on premium ammunition and still not be sure you're getting all you need. Or you can sort by rim thickness.

Accuracy depends on consistency. Rims of different thicknesses can cause markedly different lock times. The rim gauge lets you sort ammo by rim thickness. Now, someone will be sure to say, "That takes a lot of time." It can. However, a regular box of .22 LR costs you about $2. The premium match stuff can run $10. If you get most of the accuracy of the premium stuff for some time invested and the cost of the tool (around $25), it doesn't take long to earn back your money.

If you want to kick the butts of the guys at the club while apparently shooting inexpensive ammo, this is the tool for you.

Sources
Cor-Bon (800) 626-7266

Hornady Manufacturing (800) 338-3220