.38 ammo question - from my mom.

[jad0110]

A heavy bullet will add to the felt recoil. I would suggest the newly re-released standard pressure 125gr Federal Nycad .38 Special round. It is one of the best non+P SD rounds available anywhere on the planet.

I second the 125 grn std pressure Federal Nyclad, which just hit the market again after a long hiatus. If I were recoil sensitive to 38+P in my 642, the Nyclad would be my top pick.

An even lighter recoiling load that would have no problem with penetration would be a high quality 148 grain wadcutter load. Fairly light recoil and more than adequate penetration. No expansion, but penetration is the more important of those two factors anyway.

 

[woad_yurt]

I reload only one load, a .38 SPL LHBWC with 4 grains* of W231 or HP38. I could do a little more without leading but this one feels very good. The fast wadcutter is the way to go. It makes a big, long cannula.** It's damaging every time. I'm not comfortable with hollowpoints' reliability when moving in these slower velocities.


* That's what my powder feeder calls it but it actually weighs out to 3.9 gr.

** Neat word, huh? I always learn something here.

 

[doc540]

or the inexpensive, one-time-expense grip option:

Hogue Monogrip


Since it's for your mom and concealment isn't a primary issue, you might consider the big, cushy Monogrip.

OR....do both: low pressure/standard .38's and a Monogrip

I got that tee shirt and went through four sets of grips for my wife's M36.

Here's the Bantam's:


the Bantam's let the cylinder release bite her thumb


AND the showoff rosewood's

(not comfy w/+P's)

 

[christcorp]

I am also going to 2nd the 148 grain WADCUTTER. It doesn't get the respect it should. I just received in the mail today another batch of 500 that I ordered. They are one of the most accurate and effective rounds out there. Here's a great link all about the 38 special and 148 grain wadcutter. You may be surprised at how good this round is. Even as a man stopper. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_3_49/ai_97170894

 

[Bubba613]

Not mentioned has been Hornady's new Critical defense ammo in 110gr and I think 125gr standard and plus p.
These rounds have amazing expansion and retention. For a low recoil snub they should be ideal.

 

[roscoe]

Buffalo Bore makes good low-recoil .38 ammo:

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=111

I agree with the Pachamyrs - they make a huge difference.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That Buffalo Bore ammo isn't low recoil, it's standard pressure for non+P revolvers. I've found BB ammo to have a fairly stout recoil.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I would recommend the 135gr speer gold dots, but thats just based on what I have heard, I also have a question, I have a 2.5" .38, should I get the short barreled loads or would I be just as well of getting whatever for it?

 

[doc540]

As noted above:

1. Buffalo Bore is "lower pressure", not "lower recoil"

2. Speer Gold Dot's are hot, +P loads (I carry them, but wouldn't recommend them for the purposes of the OP.)

Ocelot, the short-barrel Gold Dot's will work just fine.

 

[Clifford]

My snubbie gets loaded with 158 Grn LSWC and 4.2 Grns of tightgroup. I just don't trust a hollowpoint to work at low speed.

 

[Mainer2009]

well, I bought my little lady a Charter arms off duty 38 special, snub nosed, 5-shot blued revolver a while ago, and a few boxes of 158 grain lead round nosed standard pressure ammo by Magtech, she can shoot it well, and I feel it's plenty enough gun with that load to do the trick if she ever needs to call on it for self defense. You don't need anything special, that 38 load has been around for a long time, and served it's purpose well.