Best Snub .38 Ammo in Current Times

Unless you run one of the special "short barrel" loads, there is a good chance the hollow point won't expand anyways at snub velocities. I think a 148gr was cutter is a viable option

Federal 130gr HST
Is the best HP option I know of .. but if you can’t find it ... 148gr LWC or 158gr SWC .. will poke holes and cause tissue damage

for 38 special, I choose a 158-grain LSWCHP
but I am fairly confident that a 148 LWC or 158 SWC would be better than a sharp stick.

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I like the Federal 120gr Personal Defense 38spl +P for my 642.

I like Hornady 110gr FTX standard pressure also
especially in my 642 ...

This article and their tests was a real eye opener for me. I had to make a decision, continue to use the most accurate ammunition from my models 442 and 36, Hornady American Gunner that doesn’t expand from snubbies or utilize an ammo that expands but is not so accurate from my guns. Check it out.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

Buckeye63 said:

Federal 130gr HST
Is the best HP option I know of .. but if you can’t find it ... 148gr LWC or 158gr SWC .. will poke holes and cause tissue damage

Click to expand...

I shot some of the Federal 130gr HST, Plus P rounds through my 442. I was very surprised at the fairly mild recoil.

I use the +P .38 Spl. Critical Defense loads in my snubs. The HST load has had great performance reviews as well.

I’d like to try the Win Ranger load, but they’re awfully scarce right now.

Stay safe.

Pat Riot said:

This article and their tests was a real eye opener for me. I had to make a decision, continue to use the most accurate ammunition from my models 442 and 36, Hornady American Gunner that doesn’t expand from snubbies or utilize an ammo that expands but is not so accurate from my guns. Check it out.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

Click to expand...

Hornady use the tough XTP bullet in American Gunner load

Buckeye63 said:

Hornady use the tough XTP bullet in American Gunner load

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Yep, it’s an accurate round, it just doesn’t expand much from a snubby per Lucky Gunner’s testing. I used American Gunner in my 9mm’s and in my other longer barreled revolvers for home protection.

Pat Riot said:

Yep, it’s an accurate round, it just doesn’t expand much from a snubby per Lucky Gunner’s testing. I used American Gunner in my 9mm’s and in my other longer barreled revolvers for home protection.

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I have a few boxes of Underwoods 125gr +P that uses the XTP bullet .. I keep them loaded in my Charter Target 357mag ..4 inch barrel

I’m sure there are many brands that will do the job. After I read Massad Ayoob’s article on how Speer designed the 135g. Gold Dot +P for the NYPD and they were pleased with its performance, I went with it. It shoots good for me.

My 640 uses Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 grain lead semi wadcutter hollow point bullets. They actually do run the velocity that BB claims from a snubbies barrel. 850 FPS
and they DO expand reliably. I use the standard pressure because BB's +P 158s have more recoil than I can manage in a snubby. They're expensive - - - - - - and worth it.
The bullets are soft lead with a gas check.
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110

I like critical defense standard pressure for the airweights, 110 gr. Accurate and fast follow up shots, carry well in speed strips.

If hiking or camping the buffalo bore standard pressure hardcast wadcutter is a good choice.

In these times it kind of depends on what you can actually get. Ive got a stock of Remington 125 gr +p from the Walmart days when it was 15/50, but it doesn't do well from a snub (it'll penetrate but not expand usually).

I personally use a 148 gr. wadcutter in my 642. It will not expand but it will cut a .38 caliber hole. It is also fairly mild on the recoil and as a result I shoot them better than the rip-snorting stuff.

Pat Riot said:

This article and their tests was a real eye opener for me. I had to make a decision, continue to use the most accurate ammunition from my models 442 and 36, Hornady American Gunner that doesn’t expand from snubbies or utilize an ammo that expands but is not so accurate from my guns. Check it out.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. Provided additional confidence in my 38 Special case 148 DEWC load at 925 fps from my 3" barrel.

i need softer shooting ammo from an airweight snubbie 38sp so i can make consistent hits. my default choice is wadcutter or magtech cbc short. both are uncommon so i stocked up.

bernie said:

I personally use a 148 gr. wadcutter in my 642. It will not expand but it will cut a .38 caliber hole. It is also fairly mild on the recoil and as a result I shoot them better than the rip-snorting stuff.

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I am working on Wadcutter loads now. I bought some Federal Gold Medal wadcutter rounds completely by accident last summer. I could have swore I saw LHPSWC on the label and when I got home I had found I grabbed a 500 case of Wadcutters. I was really ticked as the store had a strict “no returns” policy.
Anyway, I found that I really liked that load and over time I shot them up. Now I am trying to find a wadcutter load only with a little more speed along with accuracy that works well in my 442, 36 and model 10. It’s fun experimenting.

If you can find them standard pressure or +P 158 Grain LSWCHP have as good a real world track record as one could expect

I am a believer in the FBI loading of 158 grain +P LSWCHP. It was used by a number of police depts. with good real world results. It really doesn't seem to recoil that bad in lightweight snubs.

I carry regular pressure 125gr Hornady HPs in my 642.

jstert said:

i need softer shooting ammo from an airweight snubbie 38sp so i can make consistent hits. my default choice is wadcutter or magtech cbc short. both are uncommon so i stocked up.

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Although scarce try the 90 gr FTX Hornady Critical Defense Lite. Use them in both my Model 36 Chief Specials. Very manageable recoil.

From post #19

"Anyway, I found that I really liked that load and over time I shot them up. Now I am trying to find a wadcutter load only with a little more speed along with accuracy that works well in my 442, 36 and model 10. It’s fun experimenting."

Check out both Buffalo Bore 150 gr HC WC's and Double Taps HC WC's.
The BB is especially hot, but still standard pressure rated.

Best,
Rick

I use the 148gr WC or 158gr SP in my 642/637/442. Accurate and will penetrate.