High Desert Cartridge Company

High Desert Cartridge Company A small quality ammunition company that also provides brass processing services.

38 Special 125gr XTP Running at around 830fpsShot out of a S&W 642Left - Bare GelPe*******on 16" - Expansion .400"Right ...
08/28/2026

38 Special 125gr XTP

Running at around 830fps

Shot out of a S&W 642

Left - Bare Gel
Pe*******on 16" - Expansion .400"

Right - 4 Layers Denim
Pe*******on 16" - Expansion .385

Both rounds flipped, which increases permanent wound channel.

highdesertcartridge.com

08/26/2026

Doc is givin our 44 Magnum round a workout...

The now famed DB 357 Load A 158gr either TMJ for the range, or the 158gr XTP for defense...both running at around 935fps...
08/25/2026

The now famed DB 357 Load

A 158gr either TMJ for the range, or the 158gr XTP for defense...both running at around 935fps out of a snub, in this case a 2.5" Model 19

This last week Mark Fricke joined me in Goldendale for some calibrated FBI gel testing. We poured 3 blocks, but only used two.

Today I retested several rounds into the 3rd calibrated block, which all will be posted in a few days.

Two people working calibrated gel test blocks is a chore, but a bit harder when you're by yourself.

Results...first two photos...158gr XTP into bare gel. 17.75" of pe*******on, and expansion of .535"

2nd two photos...158gr XTP through 4 layers of denim, then into the block. 17.5" of pe*******on, with an expansion of .485"

Remember, this is an XTP bullet which performs uniquely...in this case it performed as designed out of a snub...at 935fps, still easy shooting even out of a snub.

highdesertcartridge.com

08/25/2026

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Did some gel testing with Mark Fricke Mixed 3 blocks on Tuesday, shot on Thursday.If anyone tells you its easy to do, th...
08/23/2026

Did some gel testing with Mark Fricke

Mixed 3 blocks on Tuesday, shot on Thursday.

If anyone tells you its easy to do, they've not done it correctly.

Gel needs to be kept at a constant 39f, and bb tested every few shooting sessions for calibration to insure the blocks are in spec.
Every 10-15min, back in the ice coolers they go to keep the constant temp. I only allow + 2 degrees.

Had a great time, mostly verifying wadcutter performance in calibrated gel vs clear gel

More to come...

highdesertcartridge.com

Got featured in the NRAs publication American Rifleman.This was a surprise.highdesertcartridge.com
08/20/2026

Got featured in the NRAs publication American Rifleman.

This was a surprise.

highdesertcartridge.com

Mail call from Rob Leahy and the crew from Rob Leahy Simply Rugged Holsters.Now the 5" S&W 544 converted to 44 Special h...
08/18/2026

Mail call from Rob Leahy and the crew from Rob Leahy Simply Rugged Holsters.

Now the 5" S&W 544 converted to 44 Special has a home.

Exquisite detailed craftsmanship as always!

highdesertcartridge.com

A solid hint on what we're doing the next couple days.Working with Mark Fricke mixing gel tomorrow, making multiple bloc...
08/17/2026

A solid hint on what we're doing the next couple days.

Working with Mark Fricke mixing gel tomorrow, making multiple blocks, and testing on Wednesday.

Stay tuned

highdesertcartridge.com

Address

915 S Columbus
Goldendale, WA
98620

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 12pm - 5:30pm
Wednesday 12pm - 5:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+15097722726

Website

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