Patent Pending
Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Ultra Low Recoil Self‐Defense Cartridge Three 52.7gr Bullets (158gr Total Payload) Dual Cannelured Nickel Plated Casing and Nickel Plated Top Bullets Up to 49% Larger Wound Channel than Standard SWC‐ HP* Up to 11% Larger Wound Channel than +P SWC‐HP* 200% Greater Hit Probability and Wound Channel than Un‐Expanded Unitary Projectile Cartridge* * based on the testing described in this document
Executive Summary Thirteen test shots of the standard load 158gr Tri‐Plex™ were fired into calibrated 10% ballistic gelatin through heavy clothing, leather and bare gel from a 2” S&W Model 60 revolver at distances of muzzle contact, 5 and 10 feet and results compared to two baseline shots through bare gel at 10 feet from the same gun using a popular 158gr SWC‐HP bullet loaded to standard (739 fps) and +P (880 fps) velocities. Principal findings were: 1. The Tri‐Plex™ created up to 49% larger (45% avg.) ballistic wound channel than a SWC‐HP standard load to a depth up to 10.8 inches (9.2 inches avg.) when three separate penetration tracks were created which happened 100% of the time at 10 feet and 25% of the time at 5 feet or less. 2. The Tri‐Plex™ created up to 11% larger (8% avg.) ballistic wound channel than a +P load SWC‐HP when three separation penetration tracks were created which happened 100% of the time at 10 feet and 25% of the time at 5 feet or less. 3. The Tri‐Plex™ had 200% greater hit probability at 10 feet than a unitary projectile cartridge of the same caliber when all three bullets separated prior to impact which happened 100% of the time at 10 feet or 0% of the time at 5 feet or less. 4. The Tri‐Plex™ had 200% larger ballistic wound channel than an un‐expanded unitary projectile cartridge of the same caliber when all three Tri‐Plex bullets separated into three penetration tracks either prior to or following impact (7 out of 13 test shots representing 54% of the time). 5. When the Tri‐Plex™ created only two penetration tracks (6 out of 13 test shots representing 46% of the time or 0% of the time at 10 feet), the ballistic wound was similar to a standard load SWC‐HP with only a 4% smaller ballistic wound channel. 6. When the Tri‐Plex™ created only two penetration tracks (6 out of 13 test shots representing 46% of the time or 0% of the time at 10 feet), the ballistic wound channel was less than a +P load SWC‐HP with a 29% smaller average ballistic wound channel. 7. The Tri‐Plex™ created at least two separate penetration tracks 100% of the time at any measured distance.
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Introduction One of the most popular self‐defense cartridges is the .38 Special +P HP (hollow point) in various bullet configurations. However, these are not well suited for handguns with 2" or 3" barrels since the short length may not generate sufficient velocity to ensure reliable bullet expansion. HP bullets can also fail to expand due to clogging of the hollow tip with clothing. In addition, the high recoil force hinders accurate shooting and also hurts the user’s hand. This presents a problem for seniors, disabled and others with limited hand strength or manual dexterity issues who wish to employ an effective self‐defense cartridge using a controllable and comfortable platform. There currently are no commercially produced expanding or non‐frangible bullet cartridges designed specifically for point blank or close range engagement that offer reliable bullet expansion at low velocities inherent in standard pressure loads when fired from short barreled handguns. Constitution Arms has optimized an ultra low recoil triple‐projectile .38 special standard load cartridge containing two stacked nickel plated conical projectiles and a copper gas checked solid base projectile which, based on testing at close range, delivers a 158 grain payload that reliably separates into two or more penetration tracks and tumbles upon entering tissue. This provides similar or superior energy transfer and physiological effect to an expanded SWC‐HP bullet but at a lower velocity and felt recoil. Application Although the Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ was designed in conjunction with the Palm Pistol® and its intended use by seniors and disabled, the round is also suitable for snub nosed revolvers and Bond Arms® handguns where the user desires to achieve both ultra low recoil and effective stopping power at short distances. Further, when fired at distances of 10 feet, bullet separation prior to impact increases the hit probability compared to a unitary projectile cartridge of the same caliber, where one or more projectiles intersect the intended target, providing some early measure of protection. Load Research and Development Propellant load was developed in cooperation with the powder manufacturer. Chamber pressures were measured using a standard test barrel, universal receiver and calibrated piezoelectric pressure detector to verify conformance with Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) specifications. The solid base bullet incorporates a riveted copper gas check which reduces gas cutting, obturation and bore leading. The two top bullets are nickel plated to also reduce bore leading. The casing is dual cannelured to captivate the bullet stack and prevent setback during firing. Average velocity at 15 feet was concurrently measured during load development. Projectiles were glued to prevent damage to the chronometer frame. Results ranged 658‐678 feet per second when fired from two commercially available self‐defense handguns. Findings are presented in the attached tables and graphs. Page 2 of 12
Projectile Separation Analysis Bullet spread was measured at five, 10, 15 and 21 feet using a S&W Model 60, Bond Defender, paper targets and target analysis software. This automated the determination of several parameters including average to center, average spread and maximum spread. Results revealed that at distances of 5 feet or less, the three bullets do not separate in air and impact the target as a single payload. All test shots at 10 or more feet resulted in maximum separation in air of between 0.3 and 4.3 inches. These data are summarized in the appended graphs, tables and scanned images. Terminal Ballistic Gelatin Penetration Testing Independent terminal performance testing was conducted by Brass Fetcher Ballistic Testing at muzzle distance, five and 10 feet into bare 10% ballistic gelatin. Shots were also fired through heavy clothing consisting of four layers of 14.1 ounce per square yard denim fabric and leather. A total of 13 Tri‐Plex™ were fired and results compared to a popular brand of two 158gr baseline SWC‐ HP cartridge test shots at standard and +P loading. Six of these had their projectiles separated into two penetration tracks. These demonstrated a wounding potential similar to the baseline SWC‐HP of comparable loading and velocity with only a 4% smaller hole size. In the remaining seven instances where complete separation occurred prior to or following impact with the target, the ballistic wound was up to 49% larger (45% avg.) when compared to a baseline expanded standard load SWC‐HP cartridge, and up to 11% larger (8% avg.) when compared to a baseline expanded +P load SWC‐HP. Also, at 10 feet distance from the target, both the hit probability and combined surface area of the Tri‐Plex™ were 200% larger than a unitary non‐expanded projectile of the same caliber. Findings concluded the Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ ultra low recoil .38 special is capable of delivering incapacitating damage within the recommend maximum engagement distance of 10 feet, and showed considerable promise in terms of increased lethality through an increase in hit probability and kinetic energy transfer from the projectiles. Manufacturing Quality Control The Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ cartridge is manufactured under stringent quality control methods. Each casing is flared and hand loaded. 20% of the cartridge loads are manually weighed during assembly using a laboratory grade analytical balance with resolution of ± .01 GN and calibrated with an NVLAP traceable reference weight for accuracy and precision. How to Buy Sales are available direct to consumer from Constitution Arms. However, to avoid inadvertent non‐ conformance with myriad dynamic state and local regulations such as age and identity verification, caliber restrictions, Internet or direct sales of ammunition and sales tax, shipments must be though the buyers designated Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). All shipping will be via domestic FEDEX ground in conformance with DOT regulations for shipment of hazardous materials. Bulk sales of 24 packs per case are available to dealers only. Shipments to Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico and foreign exports are by quotation. Page 3 of 12
Cost Cartridges are sold in a six unit resealable plastic clamshell pack which doubles as a storage container. Cost is $29 per pack plus 11% Federal Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET), shipping and handling. Please contact Matthew Carmel, President (973) 378‐8011 or mcarmel@constitutionarms for more information. # # #
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ External Ballistics Summary Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Average Velocity (fps) at 15 Feet 700 690 680 670 660 650 640 630 620 610 600 S&W Model 60
Bond Defender
Firearm
Velocity (fps)
S&W Model 60 Vented Barrel (2.125" barrel only)
687 668 683 674 680 678 636 675 642 665 670 658 TBD
Average Bond Defender 3" Unvented Barrel (measured with chamber included, 1.616" barrel only) Average Palm Pistol Unvented 2.134" Barrel (measured with chamber included, 0.930" barrel only)
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ External Ballistics Summary (con’t)
Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Hand Held Bench Rest Average Multi‐Bullet Spread (in.) 2.5 2.0 1.5
S&W Model 60 (2 in)
1.0
Bond Defender (3 in)
0.5 0.0 5
10
15
21
Distance to Target (ft)
Distance to Firearm Target (ft.) S&W Model 60 Vented Barrel 5 (2.125" barrel only) 10 15 21 Bond Defender 3" Unvented Barrel 5 (measured with chamber included, 10 1.616" barrel only) 15 Palm Pistol Unvented 2.134" 5 Barrel (measured with chamber 10 included, 0.930" barrel only) 15
Average to Center (in.)
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0.019 0.114 0.697 0.889 0.281 0.403 0.862 TBD TBD TBD
Average Spread (in.) 0.047 0.259 1.649 1.875 0.678 0.964 2.088 TBD TBD TBD
Max. Spread (in.) 0.079 0.361 3.343 4.044 2.071 2.362 4.319 TBD TBD TBD
Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Maximum Spread and Average to Center S&W Model 60 2.125” Barrel
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Maximum Spread and Average to Center Bond Defender 3” Barrel
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Terminal Ballistics Summary S&W Model 60 2.125” Barrel
Side View
Top View
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Terminal Ballistics Summary S&W Model 60 2.125” Barrel
Side View
Top View
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Terminal Ballistics Summary S&W Model 60 2.125” Barrel
Top View
Side View
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Palm38 Tri‐Plex™ Terminal Ballistics Summary S&W Model 60 2.125” Barrel Terminal Ballistics Performance Palm38 Tri‐Plex™158gr Ultra Low Recoil Standard Load Comparison to Baseline 158gr Standard and +P Load SWC‐HP as fired from Smith & Wesson Model 60 Vented Barrel (2.125" barrel only) into Calibrated 10% Ballistic Gelatin Blocks Description Shot No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14(3) 15(4) (1) (2) (3) (4)
Distance (ft.) 5 5 Muzzle Muzzle 5 5 Muzzle Muzzle 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Condition
Impact Velocity (fps)
Avg. Penetration (in.)
Max. Penetration (in.)
Frontal Surface Area (in2)
Bare Gelatin Bare Gelatin Bare Gelatin Bare Gelatin Heavy Clothing Heavy Clothing Heavy Clothing Heavy Clothing Bare Gelatin Bare Gelatin Heavy Clothing Heavy Clothing Leather Jacket Bare Gelatin Bare Gelatin
680 677 NR(1) NR(1) 674 670 NR(1) NR(1) 647 657 640 659 556 739 880
9.0 14.3 14.9 14.9 12.9 11.2 13.7 14.3 9.8 8.8 6.5(2) 8.2 9.8 N/A N/A
9.4 15.7 15.3 14.9 13.3 12.6 14.0 14.5 10.8 9.9 6.9(2) 9.3 10.4 14.0 13.8
0.325 0.211 0.214 0.312 0.209 0.204 0.215 0.202 0.326 0.315 0.326(2) 0.302 0.309 0.219 0.294
Not recorded. One of the three projectiles failed to penetrate four layers of denim. Baseline standard load 158gr SWC‐HP. Baseline +P load 158gr SWC‐HP.
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Projectile Recovered Weight (GN) 148.5 146.3 149.1 149.1 149.4 149.4 149.1 148.5 148.8 148.3 149.2 148.9 150.3 158.6 157.9
