Unscientific study:
An old 2x4 that has been sitting in the woods for years can stop 38 special wadcutters and hollowpoints.
Federal Gold Medal Wadcutters and Winchester Ranger Bonded +P Hollowpoints we’re fired from 3-5 yards.
About 1/4 of both types got stuck and the rest pushed right on through. Relevant to self-defense? Not sure.. I just wanted to see what would happen.
I suppose the lesson here is that regardless of the ammo type, bullets can be unpredictable. Therefore, you’re probably better off choosing the lower recoil round and banking on multiple hits.
Federal Gold Medal Wadcutter - I was surprised to see it mushroom.
Attachment 34363
Attachment 34364
Winchester Bonded +P Hollowpoint - One heck of a wood plug.
Attachment 34365
Attachment 34366