Federal Hydroshoks in 342PD
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gggman
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I don't have the answer, but I've been carrying this gun/ammo combo for about 5 years, so I would certainly like to know, myself.
I love the 342PD. I carry it in a Don Hume pocket holster, and the gun, ammo and holster weigh less than 16 ounces combined.
I love the 342PD. I carry it in a Don Hume pocket holster, and the gun, ammo and holster weigh less than 16 ounces combined.
Al Thompson
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Hydra-shoks in .38 do not have a good reputation. Regardless if your a Facklerite or a MS fan, the one load that covers both is the 158 +P LSWCHP.
I'm not familier with the 342, is this one that has to have jacketed bullets? If so, the 125 gr Gold Dots get good press on THR. I don't have any need for them as I haven't gotten one of the new gen J frames.
I'm not familier with the 342, is this one that has to have jacketed bullets? If so, the 125 gr Gold Dots get good press on THR. I don't have any need for them as I haven't gotten one of the new gen J frames.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Ran a search and Jim March recommends the 125 GD and 130 gr Winchester. IIRC, the 147 gr Hydrashoks are the iffy ones. Not sure on the 129s.
George, I agree. I'll stick with my M38.
George, I agree.
I'll stick with my M38.Jim March
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Al, I recommend those two AND the 158+P LSWC-HP from either Winchester or Remington - or old-stock Cor-Bons if you can find 'em. The Georgia Arms might not be too shabby either.
Border: the lead hollowpoints based on a semi-wadcutter profile (158+P LSWC-HP) might fail to open from a 2", although their odds aren't too bad.
Still, even when they "fail", the resulting wound looks EXACTLY like a semi-wadcutter of the same weight and speed.
What I mean is, there is NO reason to ever go with SWCs. None. Nada. If you think a modern JHP isn't going to expand, and it's quite true that many won't from a 2", then go with the LSWC-HP 158+P. Just don't use old-stock Federals. They stink - pathetic powder charges, as low as 750fps from a 2" and that's the "+P" variant
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Of the various JHPs in 38+P, the ones I trust the most are the Gold Dot 125s and Winchester 130 Supremes. The Federals would be my last pick.
With rare exceptions, Federal doesn't make very good handgun ammo. They suck, in fact. They're coasting on the rep of the Hydrashock, which was the first of the modern JHPs but it's had it's doors blown off in the performance race a long time ago. Meanwhile, they consistently wimp out on the velocities.
Yes, there ARE exceptions. But for damnsure not in 38Spl.
Border: the lead hollowpoints based on a semi-wadcutter profile (158+P LSWC-HP) might fail to open from a 2", although their odds aren't too bad.
Still, even when they "fail", the resulting wound looks EXACTLY like a semi-wadcutter of the same weight and speed.
What I mean is, there is NO reason to ever go with SWCs. None. Nada. If you think a modern JHP isn't going to expand, and it's quite true that many won't from a 2", then go with the LSWC-HP 158+P. Just don't use old-stock Federals. They stink - pathetic powder charges, as low as 750fps from a 2" and that's the "+P" variant
.Of the various JHPs in 38+P, the ones I trust the most are the Gold Dot 125s and Winchester 130 Supremes. The Federals would be my last pick.
With rare exceptions, Federal doesn't make very good handgun ammo. They suck, in fact. They're coasting on the rep of the Hydrashock, which was the first of the modern JHPs but it's had it's doors blown off in the performance race a long time ago. Meanwhile, they consistently wimp out on the velocities.
Yes, there ARE exceptions. But for damnsure not in 38Spl.
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