Sig .357 Magnum 125gr V-Crown in Clear Ballistics Gel.

[5pins]

Test Gun: Smith and Wesson model 65.

Barrel length: 3 inches.

Ammunition: Sig .357 Magnum 125gr V-Crown.

Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.

Distance: 10 feet.

Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.

Five shot velocity average: 1219fps.

Gel Temperature 70 degrees.

The Sig V-Crown continues to disappoint. I got a five-round average velocity of 1219fps with a high of 1238fps and a low of 1192fps.




The first round in the bare gel had a velocity of 1204fps and penetrated to 21.5 inches. Expansion at the point where the two pieces of jackets were sticking out was .58 inches but was only .42 inches at the body. Recovered weight was 124 grains. Round two hit at 1218fps, penetrated to 20 inches and expanded to .54 inches and had a recovered weight of 124.6 grains.



In the heavy clothed gel, the first round had a velocity of 1292fps and penetrated to 23 inches. The recovered weight was 125 grains with no expansion. The second round also penetrated 23 inches. Had a recovered weight of 125 grains and no expansion. It had a velocity of 1201fps.

Both bullets were recovered base forward.

 

[disseminator]

The Sig V-Crown continues to disappoint.

Pretty much sums it up. I have seen several review from different sources and the v-crown just doesn't seem that good. I'll stick with the HST.

 

[jr24]

Yeesh, that is a disappointment.

Thanks for the testing!

 

[FairWarning]

The old classic .357 loads don't do very well in gel, either.

However, they proved themselves where it COUNTS most. Still, in this day and age, Sig should be aware of how their ammo is going to be publicly evaluated.

 

[bamaranger]

slow?

I note that the test revolver was a 3" tube and most advertised .357 velocities are from 4" vented tubes these days. Seems as if I recall that the advertised velocity of a .357/125 from most all makers from a 4" vented test barrel exceeds 1400 fps by a good margin. An average of around 1219fps is not much more than .38+P+ power.

Even considering the 3" tube, shorter than the 4" factory test barrels, that is very slow for a full house .357.

 

[bamaranger]

9mm

Come to think about it, there are likely 9mm/124 +P loads that are in the neighbor hood of 1200 fps from a service length barrel!!!!!