Ammo question

[momano]

Wal Mart here in metro StL has Remington UMC 38 Special +P 125 gr. SJHP for $34/100rds. Same price as WWB FMJ. Is this a suitable round for both SD and range ammo? My 442 is in my EDC rotation. Thanks.

 

[PabloJ]

If that gun is improved J-frame (or +P compatible) for SD would pick up box of 135gr +P Speer Gold Dots if I were you.

 

[2wheels]

I think it would work, but since we're talking revolvers and you don't need to shoot a bunch of it through your gun to make sure it feeds reliably I'd shoot the UMC stuff as practice ammo and find a premium 125gr. +P JHP to actually carry, like Remingtons Golden Saber.

That way at least your carry ammo and practice ammo are pretty similar in how they handle, I think that UMC stuff is meant more as practice ammo, JHP or not. I trust the premium stuff to perform better.

 

[PabloJ]

It pays to try some ammo at the range. I shot some std. .38 Hornady stuff through 2" S&W 12. One load was 110gr??? (I want to forget) 'Critical Defense' the other 158 XDP or XTP JHPs. While recoil of both loads was about equal the 158gr load had almost no muzzle flash while 'Critical Defense' stuff produced small bucket full every time trigger was pulled. The 158gr is obviously better load to use. I mentioned Speer Gold Dot above because it's the gold standard for JHP ammo.

 

[Remllez]

Momano,

You can use it for both...I know a few people that do just that with that ammo. The best way is of course testing it for expansion, but at Plus P velocity I'm sure it would work for you.

Ammo doesn't need to cost a buck a round to work for self defense...Heck, buy a box and see how it shoots for you. If you shoot it well then I don't see a problem using it for both applications.

 

[PabloJ]

Yeh like he says why buy "Gold Standard" ammo that always performs instead of inexpensive stuff that may not work.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Pablo makes a good point.

 

[splithoof]

Don't get too wrapped up about "premium ammo that always works" vs "inexpensive stuff that may not work". After observing a fair number of patients/victims of various GSW's, I think a lot of it is market hype. From what I have actually seen in emergency response situations, the location of the bullet wound is more important. Lots of folks never knew if they were hit by a premium bullet or some cheaper lead bullet. Buy what you want, but spend your money on good training first.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There's nothing wrong with that 125gr SJHP ammo. I like the Remington HP bullets. They have that classic rose pedal design and they work very well. You don't always have to spend $30+ on 20 rounds of ammo to protect yourself well. There are plenty of good ammo brands out there that don't cost a ton of cash. The manufacturers don't want you to think anything less that $1 a round will stop a bad guy but it will. I mostly carry the FBI Load and they cost only $20/50 rounds and it's a time tested successful round...

 

[momano]

Thanks for all the good posts and advice. I appreciate it!

 

[pharmer]

http://www.sgammo.com/product/feder...ederal-158-grain-lead-semi-wadcutter-ammo-38c
This is what I put in my 642. Ain't plusP but plenty effective. Joe

 

[Remllez]

LOL Pablo,

The last time I looked at Gold Dot or any other premium ammo I didn't see an expansion or your money back guarantee. I think you missed the part in my post referencing "testing that ammo for expansion."

That buck a round Kool-Aid must affect reading comprehension.