anyone use either of these older defense loads in their snubbies?

[kmrcstintn]

I speak of Federal Nyclad 125gr lead hollowpoint non +p and Remington 158gr lead semiwadcutter hollowpoint +p...I have a decent stash of both, but the trend seems to point toward +p jacketed hollowpoint loads in the 110gr to 135gr range...guess I am just an old fogey at heart

 

[saemetric]

I use the Federal Nyclad in my SW 637

 

[fastbolt]

I've long since used up my older Fed Nyclad 125gr +P and standard pressure loads, although I found I do have most of a box the Fed Nyclad 158gr SWCHP +P left over.

I also have some boxes of the Rem 158gr LHP +P load, which I switched to after several years of using the W-W SPD load, and which I still use upon occasion.

However, increasingly more of my recent defensive ammunition purchases for my snub wheelguns has been ammunition in the 110gr (Airweight not rated for +P), 125/130/135gr +P bullet weight range. Some of the newer bullet designs arguably seem to offer more consistent and robust opportunity for expansion out of the short barrels than the old lead loads.

Isn't Fed making the Nyclad again?

I still place more emphasis on maintaining my skills with the diminutive wheelguns than worrying overly much about the specific loads. I can't tell you offhand which of my several J's have which loads in them without looking. Just depends what box was closest at hand when I was loading them. As a matter of fact, I notice the same thing when looking at my handful of speedloaders and speedstrips.

Some folks still seem to prefer the old 148gr HBWC target loads, for that matter.

Getting consistently accurate & effective hits on the intended target is pretty critical in the way of priorities ...

 

[Ken Rainey]

Yep, Federal is making the Nyclad in 125 grain. I've got some Winchester Ranger 130 grain +P JHP in my model 60 and some standard pressure Remington 158 grain LSWC in my two inch model 12 (which is amazingly accurate in this revolver, even at 25 yds). My model 60 is very accurate with 148 grain lead target loads and I'd even use them for defense if necessary. I have some 158 +P LSWCHP for use in my steel K frame revolvers - all things considered, it doesn't get much better than that.

I tend to like a heavier bullet to insure adequate penetration out of the shorter barrels. I'd even feel comfortable with 158 grain LRN if it shoots to point of aim. I've noted that some 158 grain FMJ ammo is advertised at faster fps but not rated +P ...such as S & B rated at 889 fps and Fiocchi at 930 fps...whereas most standard pressure 158 grain ammo is rated around 755 fps..even Fiocch's 158 LRN is advertised at 880 fps but not +P rated. CCI Blazer aluminum 158+P FMJ is advertised at 850 fps. I have a 3 inch model 64 that shoots the S&B fmj to point of aim where all other ammo that I've tried shoots to the left ... guess it likes the faster jacketed bullets ??

I've read that in the distant past ammo was faster than it is today, seems that the foreign manufacturers are still going by the old recipe! - thumbs up to them.

Yep, guess I'm an old fogey too, but hey, whatever works.

 

[451 Detonics]

I did in the past but have currently use only CorBon DPX in all my carry guns. I have heard good things about the Speer Gold Dot, 135 gr., Short Barrel ammo made just for snubbies but haven't done any gello testing on it.

 

[jon86]

Yup, I use the Remington 158 +P LSWCHP. I used to use the speer gold dot 135 grain short barrel, but the good ole remington shot closer to point of aim.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Ive kept my RG loaded with the new Nyclads in the past. I tested them in gelatin through denim. They opened up to a tuba like shape of about .50-.55 cal, and penetrated 13-15 inches. Not too bad for a standard pressure load, and with the nickle cases and coated bullets, they stay slick and clean for a lot longer than most ammo.

 

[Sport45]

I still carry the Remmy 158gr LSWCHP +P and see no reason to change.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I use the 158gr LSWCHP +P in all my 38 Specials.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The 125gr Nyclad (non +P) was designed especially for the Chief Special. I've carried the 158gr +P in the past, but have changed over to the 135gr +P Gold Dots...which were also designed for optima performance out of the J-frames short 1 7/8" barrel

 

[sidheshooter]

One more vote for R-P 158 gr LSWCHP+P; that's what's in my 36-1 right now.

No reason to fix what isn't broke.

 

[trickyasafox]

158 gr LSWCHP +P for me- I think mine is federal right now, and I have some Georgia arms also.

 

[Cosmoline]

Can't go wrong with 158 LSWCHP. Soft lead, reasonable velocity, excellent expansion. Nothing fancy to go wrong. The lighter, faster loads do not have sufficient penetration from the tests I've seen. And I don't trust their ability on winter clothes.

 

[kmrcstintn]

thanks everyone; my faith is restored in tried-n-true loads that have a good reputation

 

[Paladin38-40]

Tried & true

I carry the 125 grain Nyclads in my S&W 37 airweight and my wife's K-frame (mild recoil round), 158 gr SWCHP +P by Winchester and Remington in my S&W 36/60 (moderate recoil round), and Buffalo Bore 158 gr +P SWCHP in my K-Frames. The Buffalo Bore is definately warmer than the others but mild by .357 magnum standards.

 

[wristtwister]

I've got a little Rossi .38 that fits in my pocket for walking around the yard. It's loaded with standard wadcutters. No +P or +P+... just plain old wadcutters. They'll get me back to the house...

WT

 

[silversport]

Federal 125GR Nyclad in both the Smith 642 and the Colt Cobra...
Bill

 

[CDawg]

I only use Federal Nyclad 125gr HP or Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP (standard pressure) in our snubbies. Whatever shoots to point of aim better. Both the wife and I can shoot them well in double action and those are what I have around the house for unexpected varmints.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Another 158 user here, mild recoil and does the job.

 

[357 Terms]

Are the Nyclads available to reloaders? where is a good place to find LSWCHP 158gr bullets?

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

I have been carrying a 1952 colt detective with 158 grain round lead for the last week and I love it.

 

[trickyasafox]

someone asked where to find 158 gr LSWCHP as components- midway has them, not sure how their prices compare to other places:

Hornady (link)