So my "all the time" gun is a 642 I've shot it a far bit and am comfortable (as one can be shooting +p from a airweight J frame) with it. I have not yet decided on a load I've read alot about it but its all conflicting. What I have decided is I want to go on the heavier side. That pentration is far above the top concern over expansion. Which is why I don't carry 110 or 125 grain ammo. THe 135gr Gold Dot caught my eye but its very hard to find. I've read about using target 148 gr Wad Cutters as they test well but I have not heard of anyone actually using it in a shooting. I was considering the "FBI load" 158 gr LSWCHP from Remington or Winchester. I don't know what kind of pentration it gets but its reputation is solid. I know this subjects been covered alot but any help would be super. Thanks
need a load for my 642 pentration 1st expansion 2nd please advise
- Thread starter Bud Light
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MICHAEL T
Member
It may be old but its a proven round 158 LSWCHP. The new boy on the block might be good ,but Ill let someone else do the testing. Till its been proven on the street Ill stick with the old load.
tbeb
Member
I know you said you don't carry 125 gr. ammo. Anyhow, a Remington rep told me that one of their best loads for a short barrel .357 magnum revolver is the .38 special+P Golden Saber 125 gr. Brass-Jacketed Hollow Point. (If it's good for a short barrel .357 magnum then it should be good for a short barrel .38 special.)
seeker_two
Member
With penetration being your primary criteria, I'd opt for the S&B 158gr. FMJ flat-point. You get more velocity & penetration than w/ the wadcutter load, and the flat-point gives you a .35-caliber sized wound channel. 
But, for general SD use, I'd opt for a hollowpoint load (like the Gold Dots or XTP's) and keep a speedloader of the FMJFP's as backup.
Why the focus on penetration?
But, for general SD use, I'd opt for a hollowpoint load (like the Gold Dots or XTP's) and keep a speedloader of the FMJFP's as backup.
Why the focus on penetration?
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