9mm, .38 spec., .357, .40, and .45 ACP

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I would actually prefer the 10mm when it came to penetration of tough barriers, but amongst the "holy trinity" of the more common service calibers (9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP), I would lean towards the 9mm and .40 because of the increased velocity. If it came down to the revolver cartridges of .38 Spl/.357, I would definitely choose at least a 158-grain .357 Magnum. These reportedly worked well against the North Korean body armor used in the Korean War.
 
McCall911 said:
I would actually prefer the 10mm when it came to penetration of tough barriers, but amongst the "holy trinity" of the more common service calibers (9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP), I would lean towards the 9mm and .40 because of the increased velocity. If it came down to the revolver cartridges of .38 Spl/.357, I would definitely choose at least a 158-grain .357 Magnum. These reportedly worked well against the North Korean body armor used in the Korean War.
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It's the 125 grain .357 that has the street record.
What about .38 spc?
 
It's the 125 grain .357 that has the street record.
What about .38 spc?
Click to expand...

I see I overlooked your other questions. Sorry.
125 grain JHP is what I used exclusively for SD in my Dan Wesson. As I recall, the 158 loads I shot were pretty much on the warm side! :eek:'
For .38 Special, my preferred load is a 158 JHP +P. In other words, the FBI load.
It's boring I know, but I like the tried and true. :D
 
Honestly, I have no I idea, but I'd believe that's highly unlikely. You may need to shop around a bit. My guess is it's rather popular.
 
Stinger, the ones on that page are unloaded. They sell the shell by the hundred to hand loaders. I haven't seen the short barrel in boxes bigger than 20 or 25.

I think this thread has provided a lot of information. This thread, plus google, should result in more than enough information to make an informed choice. Then you just need to buy a couple of rounds and see what you like.

In .38spl try the Gold Dot Short Barrel, Winchester Ranger 130gr+P Bonded, Remmington Golden Saber 125gr+P, Double Tap 125gr+P SJHP, Federal Hydra-Shok 129gr+P, Federal LE 158gr+P LSWC-HP, Winchester Super X 158gr+P LSWC-HP, Buffalo Bore 158gr standard pressure LSWC-HC, and Buffalo Bore 125gr+P HP.

I carry the Federal LE load in a 3" barrel .38spl. I would carry any of the loads I listed. They will all give you nearly everything a .38spl will deliver. If you want a good start try those. Then when you find the one you like, stick with it.

Research different places to purchase ammo. There are many on line and they don't all carry the same things. You might have to visit four or more websites to get everything on the list above.
 
I have all the calibers and then some listed by the OP. That said my primary SD handguns are the Glock23 and Glock 21 and 36. I like Golden Saber in 165 grain in the .40 S&W and Golden Saber 230 grain in the .45 ACP. All my kids are grown and left the nest so it's just the wife and I in a CBS single family residence so I really am not to concerned with over penetration. I use the same loads indoors and out. Could I feel comfortable with any premium American made SD ammo. Absolutely. Like so many have stated it's the hits that count and there are no magic bullets.
 
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For me its the proven round over decades. The "FBI" load in 38 special. I have three speedloaders of the Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP +P. I have four revolvers either S&W or Ruger I can use. All are 4 inch in barrel length. The Buffalo Bore round is rated at over 1100 fps in a 4 inch revolver. I have practice with this round and its accurate out of a 4 inch revolver. Recoil is stiff but controllable. In most SD or HD situations this round will get the job done providing shot placement is good. I don't think many people would get up after being hit say three times by this round. Penetration is very good. There is very good information by Buffalo Bore and on the internet about this round. The storied 125 gr 357 magnum HP round by Federal and other manufacturers is great but most people will have trouble getting hits especially followup hits. I have experience shooting this round and a person has to practice a lot to get good at body hits. I would much rather use the Buffalo Bore FBI load.
Just opinion,
Howard
 
roaddog28 said:
For me its the proven round over decades. The "FBI" load in 38 special. I have three speedloaders of the Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP +P. I have four revolvers either S&W or Ruger I can use. All are 4 inch in barrel length. The Buffalo Bore round is rated at over 1100 fps in a 4 inch revolver. I have practice with this round and its accurate out of a 4 inch revolver. Recoil is stiff but controllable. In most SD or HD situations this round will get the job done providing shot placement is good. I don't think many people would get up after being hit say three times by this round. Penetration is very good. There is very good information by Buffalo Bore and on the internet about this round. The storied 125 gr 357 magnum HP round by Federal and other manufacturers is great but most people will have trouble getting hits especially followup hits. I have experience shooting this round and a person has to practice a lot to get good at body hits. I would much rather use the Buffalo Bore FBI load.
Just opinion,
Howard
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What does LSWCHP mean? Which of the 3 .38 loads is this?
Is this the BB load that is rated at 1,000 fps?
 
roaddog28 said:
For me its the proven round over decades. The "FBI" load in 38 special. I have three speedloaders of the Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP +P. I have four revolvers either S&W or Ruger I can use. All are 4 inch in barrel length. The Buffalo Bore round is rated at over 1100 fps in a 4 inch revolver. I have practice with this round and its accurate out of a 4 inch revolver. Recoil is stiff but controllable. In most SD or HD situations this round will get the job done providing shot placement is good. I don't think many people would get up after being hit say three times by this round. Penetration is very good. There is very good information by Buffalo Bore and on the internet about this round. The storied 125 gr 357 magnum HP round by Federal and other manufacturers is great but most people will have trouble getting hits especially followup hits. I have experience shooting this round and a person has to practice a lot to get good at body hits. I would much rather use the Buffalo Bore FBI load.
Just opinion,
Howard
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I have shot that .357 125 grain load in BB rated at 1,700 fps, I shot it in a Model 66 4 inch and I have never seen anything kick like that.
 
MikeNice said:
Stinger, the ones on that page are unloaded. They sell the shell by the hundred to hand loaders. I haven't seen the short barrel in boxes bigger than 20 or 25.

I think this thread has provided a lot of information. This thread, plus google, should result in more than enough information to make an informed choice. Then you just need to buy a couple of rounds and see what you like.

In .38spl try the Gold Dot Short Barrel, Winchester Ranger 130gr+P Bonded, Remmington Golden Saber 125gr+P, Double Tap 125gr+P SJHP, Federal Hydra-Shok 129gr+P, Federal LE 158gr+P LSWC-HP, Winchester Super X 158gr+P LSWC-HP, Buffalo Bore 158gr standard pressure LSWC-HC, and Buffalo Bore 125gr+P HP.

I carry the Federal LE load in a 3" barrel .38spl. I would carry any of the loads I listed. They will all give you nearly everything a .38spl will deliver. If you want a good start try those. Then when you find the one you like, stick with it.

Research different places to purchase ammo. There are many on line and they don't all carry the same things. You might have to visit four or more websites to get everything on the list above.
Click to expand...
Wow! Now that's quite a selection. I will definitely try the .38 spc. Gold Dot short barrel version in 135 grain and the Winchester PDX-1 in .38 spc. I found these for sale.
 
Olde School said:
I have all the calibers and then some listed by the OP. That said my primary SD handguns are the Glock23 and Glock 21 and 36. I like Golden Saber in 165 grain in the .40 S&W and Golden Saber 230 grain in the .45 ACP. All my kids are grown and left the nest so it's just the wife and I in a CBS single family residence so I really am not to concerned with over penetration. I use the same loads indoors and oput. Could I feel comfortable with any premium American made SD ammo. Absolutely. Like so many have stated it's the hits that count and there are no magic bullets.
Click to expand...
In your Glock 23 they also have .40 in 180 grains.
 
LSWC-HP is Lead Semi Wadcutter Hollow Point.

Check Cheaper Than Dirt, SG Ammo, Ammo To Go, Sports Man's Guide, and Midway USA for ammo and prices. You might be suprised at what type of deals you find. For Buffalo Bore or Double Tap ammo go straight to their web site.

Winchester PDX-1 is about $20 for a box of twenty in most places. That is $100 for 100. You can get Winchester Ranger Bonded ammo for $32 per 50. That is $64 per 100 rounds. A savings of about $0.34 per bullet. Yet it is pretty much the exact same bullet. The Ranger Bonded is 130gr+P hollow point and designed nearly identical to PDX. The main difference is buying PDX you get handed the civillian mark up.
 
MikeNice said:
LSWC-HP is Lead Semi Wadcutter Hollow Point.

Check Cheaper Than Dirt, SG Ammo, Ammo To Go, Sports Man's Guide, and Midway USA for ammo and prices. You might be suprised at what type of deals you find. For Buffalo Bore or Double Tap ammo go straight to their web site.

Winchester PDX-1 is about $20 for a box of twenty in most places. That is $100 for 100. You can get Winchester Ranger Bonded ammo for $32 per 50. That is $64 per 100 rounds. A savings of about $0.34 per bullet. Yet it is pretty much the exact same bullet. The Ranger Bonded is 130gr+P hollow point and designed nearly identical to PDX. The main difference is buying PDX you get handed the civillian mark up.
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I found Buffalo Bore 158 grain +P .38 spc. wadcutter 1,000 fps if this is the one you meant for $25.00.

Double Tap isn't that Hornady brand just like Critical Defense?

The Ranger bonded 130 grain +P I haven't seen maybe it's in above websites you mentioned but that is a much better price than the PDX-1 for the same bullet.
The PDX-1 in 9mm can be found easily at Wal-mart for 19.00 for 20 which costs more.

Now how about in .40 Cal in weight? 155, 165 or 180 grains?
Brands?
Federal HST in .40 180 grain vs. Gold Dot either in 155, 165 or 180 grains?
 
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Double Tap is a company that specializes in a niche similar to Buffalo Bore. They are not afiliated with Hornady in anyway that I know.

I am not teribly familiar with .40S&W numbers. I have never been extremely interested.
 
I run 9mm hornady tap fpd 124 grain. I recently switched from 45 to 9mm and I'm happy with it. 16 in a glock 19, spare mag with 15 and 2 mags in the truck...one of which is fmj.

I honestly hope that if the guy I need to be shooting at is hunkered down and not coming out...I have time to backtrack and get out.
 
.40 S&W rounds vetted by Dr. Roberts:


.40 S&W
Barnes all-copper bullets (140 & 155gr) loaded by: Cor-Bon (DPX40140)
Winchester Ranger 180gr JHP (RA40T)
Winchester Ranger 165gr JHP (RA40TA)
Winchester Partition Gold 165gr JHP (RA401P)
Winchester Bonded 180gr JHP (Q4355)
Speer Gold Dot 155gr JHP (53961)
Speer Gold Dot 180gr JHP (53962)
Federal Tactical 165gr JHP (LE40T3)
Federal Tactical 180gr JHP (LE40T1)
Federal HST 180gr JHP (P40HST1)
Remington Golden Saber 180 gr JHP (GS40SWB)
 
Corbon DPX in every caliber listed in the OP. After shooting literally tons of VYSE ballistics gel through various barriers I am convinced it has an edge over the rest of the field.
 
AZ Five seveN said:
.40 S&W rounds vetted by Dr. Roberts:


.40 S&W
Barnes all-copper bullets (140 & 155gr) loaded by: Cor-Bon (DPX40140)
Winchester Ranger 180gr JHP (RA40T)
Winchester Ranger 165gr JHP (RA40TA)
Winchester Partition Gold 165gr JHP (RA401P)
Winchester Bonded 180gr JHP (Q4355)
Speer Gold Dot 155gr JHP (53961)
Speer Gold Dot 180gr JHP (53962)
Federal Tactical 165gr JHP (LE40T3)
Federal Tactical 180gr JHP (LE40T1)
Federal HST 180gr JHP (P40HST1)
Remington Golden Saber 180 gr JHP (GS40SWB)
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Is this the order of preference or performance?
How about Winchester Black Talons?
Here it seems that the heavier bullet is preferred over lighter bullets of same caliber.
 
451 Detonics said:
Corbon DPX in every caliber listed in the OP. After shooting literally tons of VYSE ballistics gel through various barriers I am convinced it has an edge over the rest of the field.
Click to expand...
That particular ammo is $30.00 plus.
 
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