Best defensive 38 spcl (std) defensive ammo

[85win]

I just bought an older Rossi 88 with a 3" barrel. Could anybody please give me a little feedback because this is my first 38. From what I have read I need to stick to standard pressure {but see #5}. This is what I had in mind:

1. Federal 110 Hydra-Shok. I have heard one person on the internet say the actual velocity is much lower than published velocity, hence underpowered. Wish they made one in 125.

2. Federal Nyclad 125. I have never seen one, heard great things about them, but prefer to stick with a metal jacket.

3. Hornady 125 grn XTP. This appeals to me because I prefer to use 125-135 grn bullets, but I have never heard any feedback on these.

4. Speer LE standard pressure 38 125 grn Gold Dot. These come in the 50 round packages. Could not find any feedback on these--wonder if they expand/perform okay.

5. Speer 135+P Short Barrel Gold Dot--Very interested in this one. Was wondering since the Short Barrel line is designed for low recoil if this was close enough to standard pressure to use okay in my revolver. Catalog data shows 880 FPS/222 ft. lbs. at muzzle with 2" vented barrel. Does anybody know if this is close enough to standard pressure?

Thanks in advance for any replies--much appreciated.

 

[doc540]

CorBon DPX with Barnes all-copper bullets work well

 

[sidheshooter]

My opinion, FWIW:

just shoot whatever you want. *you are not going to blow up the revolver with limited use of any commercial +P ammo. *If you wish, practice mostly with low pressure stuff, but if you're carrying for defensive use, may as well use what is best (proven). *The gun will most likely be fine and, on the off chance that you spring it saving your own hide, it will have been worth it anyways.

But I doubt you will.

Check out this link for more info:

http://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/2009/01/p-phenomenon-by-saxonpig.html

If you still have concerns after reading that, then check out this link instead:

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=23

hth.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I also carry with the Corbon DPX. My second choice would be Speer Gold Dots.

 

[ssyoumans]

In terms of energy, nothing will beat the standard 38 Special 158gr LSWC HP from Buford bore. Proven deep penetration too.

Their +P is really nasty with almost as much energy as a 9mm out of a 2" revolver.

2nd choice would be either the Corbon 110gr +P or Speer Gold Dot +P short barrel. The later is designed to work at the lower short barrel velocities.

 

[dscampbell]

Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 grain LSWCHP is what I carry in my 1972 model 36. POA=POI

 

[sm]

Old School here.

I ain't that old, just started way too young mind you.

Standard pressure, 158 gr, lead semi wad cutter.

 

[Gary A]

This is not prevailing thought but...older saami limit for plus P was 18,500 psi and 17,000 psi for standard pressure. Some guns were recommended to avoid plus P at 18,500 for various reasons. Newer saami limit for plus P is 20,000 psi. Seems to me that a gun not recommended for use with 18,500 psi would not be recommended for 20,000 psi.

Speer technical data for the 135 grain +P load says maximum average pressure is 21,500 psi but an email from Speer told me the maximum pressure is 20,000 psi. Either way, as much as I love that load, I don't use it in guns that I don't wish to shoot with plus P rounds. Were I to do so, I would use 158 grain LSWCHP+P which are loaded to the older spec of no more than 18,500 psi and also lead instead of jacketed.

I do like the Nyclads.

I'm not a fan of Buffalo Bore and anyone else is obviously free to do as he/she chooses. As far as I can see, sm is on the right track.

 

[ssyoumans]

Older thread of interest.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=374950

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use several different brands of ammo in my J frames. Depending on which one I'm carrying I will load Speer 135gr GDHP, Federal Nyclad or the FBI Load.

Right now the revolver I'm carrying is loaded with the 135gr Speer +P load. (S&W M442)

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Handloaded 158 gr. LSWC's using +P data are what's in my .38 snubs. I have full confidence in them and have no fear of an "what ifs" of any sort regarding using handloads.

 

[Salmoneye]

This is not prevailing thought but...older saami limit for plus P was 18,500 psi and 17,000 psi for standard pressure. Some guns were recommended to avoid plus P at 18,500 for various reasons. Newer saami limit for plus P is 20,000 psi. Seems to me that a gun not recommended for use with 18,500 psi would not be recommended for 20,000 psi.

Weren't the old specs (18,500) in CUP, and not PSI?

 

[Gary A]

Salmon eye, I'm far from infallible about such things, but I don't believe so. Perhaps more knowledgeable folk will respond.

 

[HiWayMan]

I use a handloaded hardcast 148gr double ended wadcutter. Cirillo's writings effected my choice. Always wanted to try his SafeStops, but Fuzzy quit making them before I could get some to play with.

 

[xXxplosive]

I like Buffalo Bore Wadcutters..........Yup.

 

[CSA 357]

the ones you can hit with, my airweight is loaded with 158 swc

 

[BADUNAME37]

I like the speer short-barreled HP's. I believe they are 125 grain or thereabouts. My 642 shoots them nicely at 7 yards. It also likes the LSWCHP 158g Speer bullets I load for it. Those are a bit calmed-down over factory loads.

 

[CSA 357]

i dont think its very likly to find a hollow point that will open up at the vel you will get from a std 38 spec , my handloaded 158 swc shoot to point of aim in my j frame so thats what i carry in it 5 hits are better than 10 misses!

 

[Gary A]

i dont think its very likly to find a hollow point that will open up at the vel you will get from a std 38 spec

Agreed, and the same is true of most plus P loads from a 1 7/8 inch barrel.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I have a fairly low-velocity 158g LSWCHP that I shot my 38 Special into the end of a maple firewood log in my basement. It penetrated hard rock maple 2" and opened up to 3/4" wide. I wouldn't have believed it, had I not taken the time to split that log open to retrieve the bullet!

It not only hit the log in solid wood, it penetrated 2" (going into the end grain of the end of the log)!

 

[CSA 357]

that would be fine if you can get a mapel tree to attack you, lol !

 

[BADUNAME37]

LOL, Right!

I was thinking, though, if that bullet had hit bone, it would make quite a mess of the bone and most likely what is beyond that bone, by the looks of the deformed lead projectile, I have it here, somewhere.

 

[roaddog28]

The old Federal Nyclad 125 gr was the standard in revolvers with 2 inch or shorter barrels back in the day. Law enforcement used this round in their S&W 36 and Colt detectives for years. The reason is the round would expand at low velocities. Unfornately, this round is very hard to find. Buffalo Bores standard pressure LSWC is rated high but does not have the history yet.
I believe if I were to use a self defense load in my S&W 36 I would order the 150 gr cast wadcutters from Buffalo Bore. They do not depend on expansion and punch a maximum hole with deep penetration. The problem with a short barrel revolvers is lack of velocity. With a lot of the current ammo they depend on light grain and high velocity for maximum expansion. Other than the Federal Nyclad round which has the history, I have concerns about whether the current ammo would get the job done in a life or death situation.
For me I would rather load my 36 with a heavier grain round that penetrates deeper. A wadcutter with a 150 grains traveling at 750 to 800 fps in a 2 inch revolver would do more damage than a lot of the hollow points that are suppose to expand.
Just my opinion,
Howard

 

[beatledog7]

Generally, any .357 or .358" bullet of 110gr or more striking a person in the forehead at ~800 fps will accomplish the goal of stopping that person.

I carry 125gr Nyclads and will probably never find out firsthand whether the above is correct.

 

[gamestalker]

Since you don't reload and are buying factory stuff, don't concern yourself with excessive pressures. If I was going to buy factory SD for 38 spcl I would go with the Speer Gold Dot 110 gr. or 125 gr.. of the highest velocity they offer it in. Or just pick up a box of any high performance JHP's.

I shoot my reloads, 110 gr. XTP's loaded with Longshot producing a MV of 1250 fps through my S&W 10-5 with no problems what so ever.