38spl CC ammo choice?

[bdb benzino]

I have aquired what I believe to be the two best loads for a 38special, and am wondering what the experts believe would be better out of a snub nose for carry.

1. Buffalo Bore LSWCHP 158gr +p

2. Speer GDHP 135gr +P short barrel


I have other good +p loads as well but consider these two the cream of the crop. I doubt it would make that much difference in effect as they are both great loads, but I just wanted a few opinions.

So which would you carry in an 2'' barrel aluminum framed 38spl+p revolver?

 

[Gary A]

I would, and do, go with the Speer load.

 

[rcmodel]

I think the 135 grain GD might be a little more controllable for fast follow-up shots in an Air-weight then the 158 BB loads.

I have carried what basically are +P 150 grain Keith SWC handloads in my steel J-Frames for years.

rc

 

[snooperman]

I also carry the Speer Gold dot load...

as has been stated , it gives quicker follow-up shots for me too.

 

[357mag.]

I would carry whichever one shot the best out of your carry gun.If you can keep both on COM, then i'd go with the 158gr BB's.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Either load will do the job as long as you hit your target. I prefer the standard pressure BB 158g LSWCHP as it provides a lot less bark with plenty of bite.

 

[336A]

The other option not listed which should also include the Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP. Buffalo Bore ammo is great but I can't afford it. At least with the Remington version which ain't exactly cheap either you get 50rnds per box. Of the two that you have however i would carry the Speer as it would allow faster follow up shots if necessary.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would try both and see which shoots better in yout revolver. I've been carrying the Speer 135gr Short Barrel ammo lately but I've also carried the FBI Load in my J frames. Choose the one that you can shoot best and is most accurate in your revolver.

 

[skoro]

I carry the Speer Gold Dots in my snub, but my full size 4" k-frame revolvers are loaded with the Buffalo Bore rounds.

My take: the Buffalo Bores are very intense when fired from a snubby. Try it before you decide to carry it.

 

[Manco]

The Buffalo Boar +P load may well be the most effective .38 Special factory load, but it must be like shooting a somewhat light .357 Magnum load in terms of recoil and blast. Some folks obviously prefer lighter loads for faster and more accurate combat shooting, and there are lighter 158 grain LSWCHP loads available from Winchester and Remington, for example.

The 135 grain Gold Dot load in this caliber gets about 11" of penetration in gelatin, and expands to a diameter about 0.577" in the process. LSWCHP bullets will generally penetrate a few inches more (like 14" depending on barrel length and the bullet material) and expand somewhat less--I personally favor them for this reason in addition to the heavier bullet, although the Gold Dot should be effective, too.

 

[rdrancher]

The +P Buffalo Bore round has a bit more bite than I like in the 642 so I carry the BB Standard Pressure round with GDHP's in a speedloader. I can reload the GDHP from a speedloader a smidge faster. I have a completely unscientific observation in the Behind the Barn link below if you're interested.

rd

 

[Taildragger-J3]

Another vote for the Speer Gold Dots. They're in mine right now.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Both are excellent.
I would see which one shoots better in the gun being carried.

 

[joeq]

I carry the Buffalo Bore 158 Gr LSWCHP +P. I keep these loaded in my S&W 442 I carry everyday. I don't have a problem controlling them and they are plenty accurate in a snub. They might be a bit snappy in an Airweight for some folks.

 

[LawofThirds]

I use the buffalo bore 158 gr LSWCHP +P's. Recoil isn't that bad out of a power ported 2" J frame. Noise....well, that's another story.

Why settle for a 135g going 880ish when you can have a 158 going a full 1000?