Do the new 130gr 38specs perform better than the 158gr 38specs?

[black_powder_Rob]

Just got back into shooting a 38spec again and noticed that the 158 gr bullets are not as common now, it seems that most ammo makers have gone to the 130grs. I was just wondering if they performed better or are they just cheaper to make and give the ammo company a better profit? Thanks in advance for all who respond.

Rob

 

[Jim Watson]

If you are loading a million rounds, a 28 grain saving per bullet will mount up.

If your customers tend to whine about recoil, a lighter bullet kicks less unless you run the velocity well on up there.

Win-win for the ammo companies.

 

[willypete]

IIRC, the 130 gr FMJ round is the same as the old military M41 Ball .38 Special cartridge. 130 grain FMJ bullet at 950 fps from a 4" model 10. Perhaps it was easier/cheaper to load this round than the 158 grain LSWC. Also, it is less likely to foul the bore than a lead bullet.

The trend has also gone to 125 grain bullets in .38 special defensive ammunition, and I'd imagine the 130 grain bullet performs much more like this weight of fodder than a 158 grain bullet.

 

[MAKster]

I think the reason why you mostly see 125 and 130 grain bullets is because almost all 38 specials being sold today are J frame size. People are looking for less recoil out of these small guns.

 

[JohnBT]

If they drop the weight a little more and jack the speed up some they will have reinvented the 9mm.

Oh, and the original Air Force M41 was 130 grains going 775 fps iirc. It didn't work out so they revised it a half a dozen years later to 950 fps.

 

[Waywatcher]

It is also risky to load 158 jacketed in standard .38 special. With a large cylinder gap, or a slow barrel, it is liable to get a stuck bullet. If you look around you wont see hardly any company loading 158 jacketed in standard pressure.

158 lead, on the other hand, is almost unheard of to stick in a barrel at standard pressure.

Thus, in standard pressure .38 loadings, you will see the lighter jacketed bullets, and heavier lead bullets.

 

[rcmodel]

It is also nearly impossible to get a .38 Spl 158 JHP going fast enough to make those picture perfect mushrooms they like to show in all the advertisements.

Thats the main reason right there.

rc

 

[black_powder_Rob]

Hmm, so in a since it is to get getter performance for the more common snub nose revolvers out there now. Interesting that some one mentioned if they lowered the weight little more and increased the speed you would have a 9mm. My other revolver is a Taurus 905, and man does that revolver have some snap to it with a 115gr bullet.

 

[amd6547]

Aguila 158gn JHP shoots great for me, and it is cheap...very accurate in every gun I have tried it in...model 10, 19, 686, and J frame Bodyguard.
Wish I had a chronograph...stuff seems to have some zip.

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

Buffalo Bore Heavy Standard Pressure .38 Special 158 grain lead semiwadcutter hollowpoints with gas checks, 850 fps out of a 1⅞ inch barrel S&W Model 37, 950 fps out of a 3 inch Model 13-3. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

ECS

 

[Deaf Smith]

Buffalo Bore Heavy Standard Pressure .38 Special 158 grain lead semiwadcutter hollowpoints with gas checks, 850 fps out of a 1⅞ inch barrel S&W Model 37, 950 fps out of a 3 inch Model 13-3. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

ECS

My feeling to!

Deaf