[azhunter122]

I am going to start using mt Taurus 85 as me defense gun and I am wandering of anyone has any suggestions for a decent round to use in it's short barrel. I have Hornady 125 grains right now but they're not +p rated so I don't know.

Thanks

[azhunter122]

Sorry my, and my instead of mt and me. I'm sorry!

[sidheshooter]

Remington's version (softer lead) of the 158 gr. +P LSWCHP. That's a seriously proven choice that almost anyone agrees on. That's what is in my 3-inch chief right now.

That said, the 135 gr. +P gold dot "short barrel" load also looks promising as an alternate load (emphasis on the word "alternate").

Just one opinion.

[azhunter122]

And is that just the standard remington or is that more along the line of their golden sabers?

[jaydubya]

Sidehshooter said: Remington's version (softer lead) of the 158 gr. +P LSWCHP. That's a seriously proven choice that almost anyone agrees on. That's what is in my 3-inch chief right now.

That said, the 135 gr. +P gold dot "short barrel" load also looks promising as an alternate load (emphasis on the word "alternate").

Just one opinion.

Just TWO opinions, sir! Do not use the Federal or Winchester versions of the FBI Load in a snubby, as they probably won't expand (they will from longer barrels). The Remington version probably will (www.brassfetcher.com, hipowersandhandguns.net). That is what is in Stephen Camp's 642 Airweight and my 637 Airweight. I am impressed with what I read about the Speer 135gr Gold Dot SB, but will probably stick with what I have.

Cordially, Jack

[The_Shootist]

When I carry my M85 its stuffed with Buffalo Bore's "standard pressure" .38spl load in 158gr SWCHP configuration. A VERY accurate round, even in a snub.

[ArmedBear]

Cor-Bon has some snubbie .38+P ammo, also. Worth a test. That's what's in mine at the moment.

[indiandave]

I agree with The Shootist. I am very happy with Buffalo Bore Std Pressure.

[Shadan7]

You might also look at the results we got for .357 Mag (http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html).

Good luck!

7

[FullEffect1911]

And is that just the standard remington or is that more along the line of their golden sabers?

Here is the link to the ammo these well informed individuals are referring to:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=548921

This is also what I use in both my snub and 4" L frame. And boxes with 50 rounds! :what: Exciting isn't it.

[Andy W]

Hornady's Critical Defense ammo is designed to expand well shooting from a snub nose. There's a video with more info here (http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=785). Click on Critical Defense under 2009 new products.

[FullEffect1911]

I think the Critical Defense ammo is a really great idea, but I really wonder why they would go with such a low grain weight. Unless the extra speed is required for expansion, which is likely the case.

I would be really interested in it if they made a 158 grain +p load that expanded consistently. 158 grain is what most .38/.357 fixed sight revolvers are set for.

[phoglund]

Like The_Shootist and indiandave I've gone with the Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure (20C) load.

[sidheshooter]

And boxes with 50 rounds! Exciting isn't it.

:D

True this... the advantages just don't stop with the 'ol standby!