Your best 38 special handload for carry.

For a S&W 36 nd snub my favorite is a Speer148gr bevel base WC (discontinued) with 3.5gr of bullseye and a Federal GM 100.

ANATION said:

I've been toying with the Hornady 110gr XTP load. At +P levels it's really accurate and the recoil is tolerable but I was thinking about something heavier. Figured I'd ask the hive what they use.

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The answer depends upon the size and weight of the gun. Pocket 38s do well with your 110 gr. The 125 is sort of all purpose, while the 140-158 I think of as best suited for full sized guns like a duty weapon. So what gun size dependent load would be useful for you? What are you shooting?

357 Terms said:

This!

Low velocity expansion and penetration.
5.3grns of Universal.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022626550

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I just ordered 500 of the 130 HST. Did you load it to the cannelure or flush like a wad cutter (in .38 SPL. cases)? I don't have Universal, but I do have a supply of Unique, which should be pretty close to your Universal load. I'm loading for a S&W 340 PD. Thanks.

FLIGHT762 said:

I just ordered 500 of the 130 HST. Did you load it to the cannelure or flush like a wad cutter (in .38 SPL. cases)? I don't have Universal, but I do have a supply of Unique, which should be pretty close to your Universal load. I'm loading for a S&W 340 PD. Thanks.

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Started loading it above the cannelure, not flush, just messing around with the first 10 to get velocity #'s.
38 cases, Universal will occupy a similar amount of space as Unique.
I've never loaded WC's so this kind of OAL is new to me. Anticipating aroumd 850-875 fps from my 640 Pro.

357 Terms said:

Started loading it above the cannelure, not flush, just messing around with the first 10 to get velocity #'s.
38 cases, Universal will occupy a similar amount of space as Unique.
I've never loaded WC's so this kind of OAL is new to me. Anticipating aroumd 850-875 fps from my 640 Pro.

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Thanks. Update the thread when you get the velocities out of your 640. I'll load to the 800+ range also. I'm taking a guess that 5 grs of powder shouldn't be compressed even when loaded flush @ the case mouth like the factory loads are. There's lots of space in that case.

Another old timer with a basic idea. A 157 grain flat fronted lead bullet with a moderate load of Power Pistol. Not fun to shoot but has great potential if delivered properly. It isn't really a wadcutter; has a solid base and seats about halfway up the bullet. Nose has just enough reduction in diameter to chamber in revolver cylinders. Should penetrate well and pushes tissue before it rather than slip through.

ANATION said:

3 inch Colt King Cobra and 2 inch Colt Cobra. Both are carry guns. I know I have the option of 357 magnum for the king but I love the interchangeability of bullets so I prefer to keep my reloading to rounds that both guns can use.

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For those I would use 125 grain, but 110 should give the velocity for better hollow point expansion. Without hollow point expansion I would throw the heaviest slug I could stand.