38 spl Winter Load?

[The_Shootist]

Well a nasty blast of winter reality has swept into the Gulf Coast. Daytime temps of 55 deg and nightime in the low 40's. Meaning peoples wardrobes have bulked up a little from the low 80's we saw last week.

Given that, what is everyone's thoughts on a good CHL load for the .38 spl? Usually I carry either my G19 or my 1911 when winter rolls around, but tonight I'm too lazy to dig them out of the safe and have to content myself with my SP 101 in 3 1/3" bbl (.357 config).

I have both the Speer 135 gr "short barrel" load and the FBI load, but I'm inclined to load the Ruger with the somewhat stouter FBI load. Of course because I can't make up mind, both speedloaders will have the Speer load

Or maybe should I just stuff the Ruger with 145 gr .357 Silvertips (what I normally carry in my 686).

 

[Cosmoline]

Daytime temps of 55 deg and nightime in the low 40's.

I'm sorry, but we just got through a sub-zero cold snap in mid November, so that brings a smile. For .38 Special I'd go with SWC lead or the FBI load in the 158 grain range. The biggest problem isn't penetration so much as expansion. Clothing will gum up the HP.

 

[45+]

I carry the "FBI Load" from Cor-Bon year-round in town in my snub 38's and 357's. I like the additional penetration (not excessive in a 38 snub) over other 38's, and I prefer the control and fast recovery over other 357's.

This is not a new load by any stretch, but I find it to be a good, proven load. I have bigger bore revolvers and bigger bore semi's, but this is the load for my 38 and 357 snubs.

 

[kmrcstintn]

I'm a bit off the beaten path with my choice: Hornady XTP 125 grain .38 spl (non +p)...

I own a S&W airweight snubby and I originally chose the Hornady load based on experience/input from former LEO's that work at a shop I used to frequent; the non +p load doesn't have as much muzzle flash, audible report, or recoil as +p loads and allows for faster aquisition for a followup shot; as far as overcoming winter clothing...

the Hornady XTP in 125 grain has a relatively shallow hollowpoint which allows the bullet to penetrate deeper and faster than it expands; you can read the results about it in this article that was written a few years ago*:

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/pocket_dynomite/index.html

*this article predates the advent of the new Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +p loading; I also have not done much testing (accuracy, low light~~muzzle flash & audible report, follow up shot acquisition) with the Speer load since it flys off shelves from shops around here

 

[tango3065]

125 gr winchester silver tips year round here.

 

[GunNut]

You're carrying a .357 magnum, load it up with 145gr Winchester Silvertips and forget it.

I've never found that round to be very abusive even in my S&W 640 that I traded.

Steve

 

[TOADMAN]

S&W 642 is loaded year round with - the Remington 158grn+P Lead Semi Wad Cutter Hollow Point or the Speer Gold Dot 135grn+P JHP short barrel ammo.

 

[Leanwolf]

In my opinion, it is extremely unwise to try and change your self defense ammunition "by season," to second guess whatever the possible bad guy is wearing that day.

Select one good cartridge that shoots well in your self defense handgun and STICK WITH IT! That way, you know exactly where that round will strike, and at what distance... providing you practice with it.

If you shoot well, it will do just fine to handle some attacking bad guy.

L.W.

 

[Haywood]

Carry in my SP101?

My SP101 gets the same load year round as all my 357s. Corbon 357 Mag. 125grn.
If it's a 38spl. I use Corbon 38spl. 125grn.+p

 

[Starter52]

+1 for the FBI load.

 

[VA27]

FBI load if you just gotta have 38 Special. With the longer barrel on the SP, I like the 145gr Silvertip or the 158gr GoldDot 357.