[Wolfpackin]

Which do you think is the best and why? I'm finding them hard to compare due to the ballistic stats from varying test barrel lengths.
Or do you prefer another?

Speer 135gr +P GDHP
Corbon 125gr +P JHP
Federal 129gr +P Hydrashok
Other

[M2 Carbine]

I'm not a big fan of light bullets in the 2 inch 38.
The velocity gain, with the several I've chronographed, isn't that much better than the 158gr bullet loads.
I've got a good selection of +P loads but just keep coming back to the heavier Federal 158gr +P lead SWCHP.

Federal 158gr +P= 757 FPS.
Winchester 125gr +P JSP= 802 FPS
Speer 125gr +P Gold Dot JHP= 858 FPS
MagTech 125gr +P JHP= 825 FPS



Personally, what I think is more important than which (good) defense load you choose, is attempting to be assured that, at any reasonable distance, you can put all 5 or 6 bullets where you want them.;)

[bpisler]

I voted "other" as i prefer the Black hills 125
grain +P which used the Gold dot bullet.It's
faster than the Speer load but not as fast as
the Buffalo bore version.

[Diamondback]

I voted for Speer 135gr +P GDHP in a snubbie....although I would feel comfortable with the old stand-by, LSWCHP 158gr. +p; Remington is my preference. The Buffalo Bore version takes the round near to the old Pro Load 357 Tactical Lite performance level. (Too bad Pro Load went out of business, I like that "reduced" round in a light, small frame revolver capable of firing a .357......but that's for another post.).

Truth be told, during the summer months I carry the standard pressure, mild recoiling Fed. 125gr. Nycald. While it may not be a superior penetrator through barriers, I trust it to open in humans dressed for summer heat. Long discontinued, I have hoarded a "few" boxes in my ammo locker.

I have heard good things about CorBon DPX 110gr +p, yet haven't tried it.....but Lord, it's pretty spendy :eek: ...not that I put a "price" on my life.

- regards

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm carrying Speer Gold Dot 135 gr Short Barrel rounds. I have shot a 1.5" group from 10 yards out with my S&W Model 638. (I have proof) I am impressed with these rounds especially since they were specifically designed and manufactured for use in a 2" and smaller barrel. Speer is the only manufactured to date to do so. I doubt there is another .38 +P round which can achieve a velocity of 860 fps with 222 ft/lbs of energy out of a 1.875" barrel.

Here are the results from a test of CorBon's 110 gr DPX, Speer 135 gr Gold Dot and Remington 158 gr LSWCHP+P (the FBI load) This is a "must read" since it addresses your question as if you specifically asked them to do this test for you.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38%20Snub%20Ammo%20Test.htm

All that being said, as always, shoot what you're comfortable shooting since "most" name brand modern SD ammo will do a good job, IMO.

[Nematocyst]

I voted Speer 135 gr +P GDHP.

Visit this thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658) for more info on snubby ammo.

(Caveat: the main ammo summary begins on p. 60 with post 1497 :what: )

[Jkwas]

I think from a practical standpoint they're all good reliable products. I voted other but I would have voted all. :)

I will add one more comment. The best one is the one that shoots best out of your snub!

[universal]

I voted for the Speer 135 grain load. I carry it in my S&W 640. I like Speer's products and the data on this round looks solid.

[Bear41mag]

I voted other, I have always liked the Federal 158 grain Lead HP +P and that is what rides in my .38s.

[Hobie]

FBI load.

[coach22]

Corbon DPX 38+P. Lighter, faster and much less recoil than the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel. I have them in a 49, 442, 640 (38 only) and the first 2 up in my 340 PD, followed by 3 DPX 357's.
coach22

[LaP]

I voted for the Gold Dot ammo, but I also like the Remington Golden Saber.

[trainwreck100]

Winchester White Box is hard to beat for most applications.

[Bob79]

Remington .38+P 158 grain LSWCHP

(Speer's 135 grain SB close second)

[jad0110]

I carry the Speer 135s in my snubby, as I observed that they produce little muzzle flash in a short 1 7/8" barrel, compared with the 158 LSWCHP. However, I still prefer the FBI load overall - it gets loaded in my 4" 686.

[earplug]

Don't really care if it has a hollow point or not.
Just give me A SWC of 158 grain. Shoots to point of aim.

[MCgunner]

158 grain JHP or SWCHP +P (FBI load). Can't beat a proven street record.

[103]

What about if you can't do +P? I have a 36 snubbie and I don't think it's rated for +P (still haven't asked, but I'm going to be safe until I know otherwise).

[RandomMan]

I only have one .38 special load for both my 2" Colt D-Frame and my 4" Smith K-Frame. It's the Remington 158-grain LSWCHP+P. I've contemplated getting some Buffalo Bores for the K-Frame, but I don't want to shoot them in the aluminum D-Frame, so I've put it off for now. As far as I'm concerned the "FBI" load as it's called is really the only currently produced load I'd consider carrying in a snub. While the 135-grain Gold Dot Short Barrel maybe good, I have faith in the proven street record of the FBI load. I believe it's the #3 fight stopper of all time, behind the 230-grain .45, and 125-grain .357.

-Rob

[RNB65]

FBI Load -- 158gr +P LSWC Hollow-Point

[ArchAngelCD]

What about if you can't do +P? I have a 36 snubbie and I don't think it's rated for +P (still haven't asked, but I'm going to be safe until I know otherwise).
103,
Hornady still makes a full line of Standard .38 Sp ammo.
Their HP/XTP bullets are proven performers. https://www.hornady.com/shop/?ps_session=3ac0f6621c3ab4e42b4e3bf771c94661&page=shop%2Fbrowse&category_id=3e2f45242ea2a7efdd8e971b8d14b335

[Jim March]

The Hornady XTP is a poor choice for 38 snubbies, +P or otherwise. The jacket is too thick, expansion is iffy at best. I have yet to see photographed reliable expansion in test media from 38snubs and XTP slugs.

What we really need for snubs incapable of +P is a hotter version of the 148gr full wadcutter. The flat-nose profile is devastating but it needs at least some speed to work - 800fps would be nice and could be done at standard pressures. But since everybody considers it "target" grade, you see 'em at 700fps or even less sometimes.

[Stainz]

I agree, an 800fps 148gr WC, whether LDEWC or LHBWC - or the clad equivalents, should be most effective for truely non-+P rated firearms. A call to S&W on their 800# with your model & serial numbers will reveal whether it is capable or not. Most standard .38 Specials can stand a few 'combat' loads of the 158gr LHPSWC +P's... just spend your range time with regular 158gr LSWC's, and 'carry' the FBI loads. My choice for my late-model 2" 10 is that FBI load. I also have a speedloader or two ready with them for my 6" 66 and 5" h-l 686+, should I need them.

Stainz

[HiWayMan]

I use either a Speer 146gr Semi Jacketed SWC-HP at 860 fps or a 152gr LDEWC loaded to 950fps.

I waffle between the two, but am once again leaning towards the LDEWC.

[Bob79]

If you want a heavier standard pressure bullet that has sharp edges try stars and stripes ammunition online. They have a 158 grain standard pressure round that has a LSWC bullet that travels about 750 FPS out of an actual 2" snub. Just call and tell them you want the 158 grain "self defense" load for a snub thats standard pressure.

They also have a standard pressure 125 grain flat-nose round that travels about 860 FPS out of an actual 2" barrel.

[GEM]

I bought a load of Nyclads awhile ago and they will do until I slowly shoot them out.

[Photoman]

CorBon 110 DPX or 100 PowRBall in my 2" M64.

[flip180]

"I voted "other" as i prefer the Black hills 125
grain +P which used the Gold dot bullet.It's
faster than the Speer load but not as fast as
the Buffalo bore version"

I really wish I wrote down my chrono results but the Black hills 125gr.+p was a real dissapointment. It didn't even break out of the 800 fps range. The Speer 135gr.+p averages 932 fps out of my 642. Better bullet at a better velocity.

Flip.

[103]

Thanks for the advice on the standard pressure loads and sorry if I hijacked this at all. Also, I have an box of old .38 ball for the old service revolvers. Made in 67 by Remington. I haven't really looks around, but anyone know what the pressure/grain/etc is on these?

[SeanSw]

Someone else should be able to answer you with more authority but I believe the old .38 ball round was 158gr around 750-800 fps. Not much for energy and no expansion, but fair penetration.

[kmrcstintn]

I didn't vote; my current two-legged critter load for wheelies with 1 7/8" tubes to 6" tubes is Federal Nyclad 158 grain lead semiwadcutter hollowpoint .38 spl +p; it is out of production, but I have a good supply of it and it offers me the proven track record of an FBI load without the lead fouling due to the nylon covering it has

my secondary choice for a defensive load is Winchester 125 grain semijacketed hollowpoint .38 spl +p; lower recoil, slightly less muzzle flash, and less audible report than Remington's version of the same load as I discovered during a recent informal test I did...(my results are on the 2nd page of the thread):

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/695107034/m/1871020581

[Deanimator]

Federal or other 158gr. LSWC-HP +P.

[Patrick Henry]

I choose to carry the 135gr Speer Gold Dots. Maybe it's only marketing, but as far as I know Speer is the only company to develop a load specifically for snubs. I was impressed by their presentation of the data:http://le.atk.com/pdf/SpeerTech38_135HP.pdf

I considered carrying the "FBI load" also, (much cheaper than buying Gold Dots) but I think the more modern technology has excellent test results. Otherwise police would still be using naked lead bullets like the FBI load. The reason it has a higher grain is because lead is a soft metal, and without a jacket requires more weight to penetrate the same as a jacketed bullet. Another consideration is that personally I prefer not to have an enourmous cloud of toxic lead fly back into my face when I fire my pistol. Just my preference. :rolleyes:

[gezzer]

I liked the old Federal 125 Grain SWC Nyclad. Glad I still have 9 boxws of it. It is not +P but was designed for the small 36-37 series S&W.

[JJE]

This test by Stephen Camp convinced me to try some Winchester 110 gr Silvertip HPs:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=224327&highlight=informal+test

Sorry to hear the XTPs won't expand well. Winchester doesn't sell 110 gr Silvertip HP bullets. Any other suggestions for 110 gr HPs to duplicate the Winchester load?

[Diamondback]

This test by Stephen Camp convinced me to try some Winchester 110 gr Silvertip HPs:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthrea...=informal+test

Sorry to hear the XTPs won't expand well. Winchester doesn't sell 110 gr Silvertip HP bullets. Any other suggestions for 110 gr HPs to duplicate the Winchester load?
....now that the Standard pressure 125gr. Federal Nyclads are no longer availabe....from all the test data I've seen on the 110gr. Sivertips...I think that these might be the logical successors for those who want to stick with standard pressure. The Winchesters look like they have similar performance characteristics to the old Nyclad......some expansion with not a terrible lot of penetration...but enough...maybe just enough.

Regarding the standard pressure 125gr Hornaday XTP.....every test shows just about the same results as Mr. Camp's....they barely open...but DO open a tad, to the equivalent of a wadcutter. While they may not have the full petal expansion of the new short barrel Spear Gold Cot 135gr. +p, I don't think they would be completely ineffective. For the recoil conscious I still think they're worth a look.
one thing is for certain....the XTP will go deep !

The more I think about all this......that CorBon DPX 110 +p is looking pretty
well "rounded" ......good penetration and expansion...managable recoil. Now if they would only drop the price $7 a box !

Just my musings......not worth an awful lot .

- Regards

[gaucho1]

Thank You Diamondback.

[s&w 24]

I'm still sticking with 158 LHP +P