[Flfiremedic]

Ok...just bought a Ruger LCR. I am new to 38 Specials, and am unsure of carry ammo. The Speer Gold Dot was suggested, but what else is out there in way of comparison?

[Lord Samwise]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=476811

[Blue Brick]

I like Hornady GR HP/XTP and Federal Hydra-Shok or Classic brand. I am boycotting Winchester and I don’t like Remington Gold Sabers.

[JAV8000]

130 gr. Winchester PDX1s. They are as good as your placement.

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

I like the Federal Ny-clad 158 grain +P LSWC hollow points.

Shot 2 - Federal 158gr +P Nyclad SWC-HP. Impacted at 789 ft/sec, penetrated to 13.1". Bullet recovered at 0.543" average diameter and 159.6gr weight.

[jibbs]

Double Tap, cheaper than Speer Gold Dots and same bullet only going faster. I only carry DT.

.38 Special +P 125gr. Bonded Defense JHP 50rds
1.875" bbl S&W - 1100fps
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_57&products_id=215


Just wanted to add that 50 cost $34.95 before shipping vs. Speer which like $44 for 40. I feel it is more important to be able to shoot what you carry at a reasonable price.

[skoro]

Remington Golden Sabers
Speer Gold Dots
FBI load: 158gr lead hollowpoint +P

[DeepSouth]

I would be looking at gold dot short barrel rather than the standard gold dot.

[hardluk1]

I have been shooting the Hornady CD ammo in my 9mm and 38sp. Price is right and shoots well but if a open hp is to your likeing then Corbon DPX

[doc540]

I carry both Gold Dot SB's and CorBon DPX with 110grn Barnes bullets.

The Barnes bullet video is pretty impressive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8vGXGO1XGY

[jaydubya]

If you choose to load your new baby with the FBI load, most major ammunition manufacturers provide it -- +p 158gr lead SWCHP. For normal barrel lengths, they are pretty much alike in results. For your snubby, however, choose Remington's version. Its bullets are of soft lead, will penetrate almost twelve inches in ballistic gelatin while expanding to almost 0.6" (www.brassfetcher.com). The Winchester and Federal versions use harder cast bullets, and will not reliably expand when fired from a snubby (www.hipowerandhandguns.com). That is why my S&W Airweight snubby is loaded with the Remington version of the FBI load. The Speer +p 135gr Gold Dot SB (for Short Barrel) is specifically made for weapons such as yours, and is highly regarded.

Cordially, Jack

[B-One]

Watch the 158gr +P ammo for bullet pull. I really wanted to use the Buffalo Bore version, but the recoil caused the remaining ammo in the chamber to have the bullets to pull forward. I can't find the Rem, Fed or Win versions locally.

[indiandave]

Try the regular pressure Buffalo Bore 158 LSWCHP's. I have fired 100's through my S&W 642 never any trouble. I want to try their 150gr wadcutters next time I buy some carry ammunition.

[ttheel]

Loaded the wife's Model 60 with CorBon DPX's. She shoots them well and from what I have studied they seem to be a real performer. They are a bit expensive but that is the price for an all copper load.

[Rundownfid]

As IndianDave says the regular pressure 158 gr hp by Buffalo Bore are very nice rounds. I have shot a lot in my 638 with no problem and the +Ps in a model 19 with no problem. They are a good mix of velocity due to the natural lubricity of lead, penetration due to their weight, and expansion due to the relatively soft lead and deep hollow point.
I'm not saying these are the best load for you, but they are a good load you might consider. As a general rule I believe the American shooter has been sold a lot of hype on the efficacy of the latest supper expanding jacketed ammo, especially in hand guns. Lead is excellent in revolvers, and pretty good in most autos for that matter.