.38 Snub Nose Ammo

[kyarcher]

Ok I have a SW 642 that is my CC. I've been pondering this for awhile now. Does it really matter if your ammo is hollow point, soft point, FMJ or +P? I'm thinking at 15 feet or less there can't be that much difference in what type ammo a person uses is there? I know that a 2" barrel isn't going to be a speed demon just because you use a +P load. Wouldn't a plain old FMJ bullet be better as far as penetration over a HP or SP? Please correct me if I'm wrong in my thinking. I do have some Corbon Powerball 100gr. +P ammo I can use instead of the WWB 130Gr. FMG

 

[38snapcaps]

I've wrestled with this for almost five years of carrying a 642.

My personal conclusion is most of the talk of this bullet is better than that is mostly manufacturer hype and macho swagger. Shot placement is the most important factor and having confidence in your ability to use your revolver effectively. If you are scared of the pain caused by the latest super +P whatever you will not be your best when you really really need to be. The problem with FMJ and lead round nose bullets is they make a small hole and zip thru flesh creating too narrow a wound channel. Look at the holes in your paper target, you'll see what I mean.

I've tried them all and have settled on the 148gr. wadcutter. Why pay $30 for a box of twenty cartridges that aren't necessarily more accurate, have recoil that upsets a second shot, and hurt just to practice with? Wadcutters are very accurate, enjoyable to shoot, hence more practice, and don't need to expand. And, you get fifty rounds for half the price.

You can't brag to your pals about how cool your ammo looks, or the neat write up it got in some gun magazine, but all that won't be worth a hill of beans if the day comes when you need to pull the trigger defensively. I don't think the aggressor will be laughing and calling you a cheapskate!

 

[kyarcher]

Thanks Snapcaps. I was wondering also. How much is gained in velocity with a snub nose using +P ammo?

 

[GRIZ22]

My personal conclusion is most of the talk of this bullet is better than that is mostly manufacturer hype and macho swagger.

I agree.

How much is gained in velocity with a snub nose using +P ammo?

With a 158 gr bullet maybe 50-100fps. Not much.

In a 2" J frame I use factory 148 gr wadcutters. The bullet penetrates well, is already in an efficient shape, and easy on you and your gun.

 

[chicharrones]

I tend to run 4 different ammo types in my Taurus 85UL.

110 to 125 grn JHP for carry and practice
125 grn JHP +P to "impress" friends at the range
Any weight FMJ for range practice
148 wadcutters for my wife to shoot

 

[plateshooter]

I carry 158 lead semi wadcutters. They penetrate well, and are accurate out of my 3 snubbies. I load them to +p velocities (3.8gr Red Dot). Ben using that load since the late 60s, and it works great for me.

 

[winchester '97]

+1 to wadcutters, though i would go full wadcutters. Something about a lead bullet that is actually a perfect cylinder with a flat top seems like a wicked load. A friends grandfather who is a retired police officer told us that they went to wadcutters when the department quit issuing hollow points due to liability issues.

 

[MedWheeler]

To insure maximum energy/shock transfer from the bullet to the target, you should avoid FMJ or LRN loads. These have more of a tendency to simply "part" tissue, slip within it, and have the hole close behind it. Projectiles with at least some leading "edge", such as HP, SWC, or FWC, are more likely to do some damage as they enter tissue, as well as stop hard within the target, which delivers the energy transfer desired.
My snub has 140-grain JFN rounds, which are pretty much like a jacketed SWC.