Has anyone fired a 340PD with Speers SB

[florida1098]

Just wondering if anyone tried firing a scandium J frame with Speers Gold Dot Short Barrel 135GR Short Barrel ammo. I have two that i never fired with that ammo, (or any ammo for that matter). When I had to qualify with my off duty J frame it was always with +p 38's. Not great, but could always hit the target at 15 yards one hand unsupported.
Recently picked up the above mentioned ammo and put it into service in both 340PD's. My question is has anyone fired a J frame scanium/ti revolver with other ammo and then found the Speers SB more manageable?
Thanks, if you see any of my other responses/posts please disregard the typos, it was 4AM.

 

[jfh]

For a good discussion of carry ammo in the S&W lightweights, see the "M&P 340" thread here, or the "642 Club Part Deux" here.

This post takes you to a comment directly about the GDSB ammo. Do a search (use Google to search) this forum, or the Reloading one, for such terms as "Gold Dot Short Barrel," "GDSB," or "38+P 135-gr.", and you should turn up more discussions of both the 38+P and 357 Magnum loads.

Generally, the GDSB 38+P 135-gr. is a favored carry round in the lightweight j-frames. Its velocity runs about 860-900 from the 2" barrels and its recoil, though firm, is solid, without the punch the 357 version has. A poll has even been done, and IIRC the 38+P round was the favorite for carry (in all weight short-barrel revolvers) by about a 2:1 margin.

Once your hand is conditioned and you have practiced enough, either round is manageable. Personally, I carry the 38+P variant and feel confident in it.

Another reputable round carried by some in the lightweights is the traditional "FBI load"--e.g., a 158-gr. LSWC-HP that, in its 38+P Remington or Georgia Arm's variants, runs about 800+ to 820 fps.

 

[SAWBONES]

Yes.
I own two 340PDs, employed for pocket carry, and both are loaded and shot with Gold Dot's "short barrel" .38 Special+P JHP load, which turns out to be the load with which they show best accuracy and precision.
The load hits to point of aim, and felt recoil is minimal.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

I use the SBGDHP 135gr in my 17oz UL. The recoil is stiff, and 5 rounds makes my hand ache. They aren't something you plink with.