Mixing Ammo in a 642

[CTGunner]

I would like to get thoughts/opinions on two loads. Between Speer Gold Dot 135grain +p and Winchester 158 grain LSWC, which round will 'penetrate' more effectively.

 

[Gryffydd]

I'm curious, why is "penetrate" inside quote marks? Are you talking about something other than the standard, in context definition of penetration?

The 158gr LSWC will likely be the better penetrator as it's heavier, has a better SD, and is non-expanding.

That said, conventional wisdom frowns on mixing ammo in a single cylinder or magazine, for a whole host of reasons.

 

[CTGunner]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I was referring to penetration through multiple layers of clothing, like winter jackets. Can you elaborate on why it's not a good idea to mix loads in a revolver. I understand the potential feeding issues associated with doing this in an auto but not sure what the downside would be in a revolver.

 

[Gryffydd]

Given that you're talking about two pretty effective and relatively similar bullet designs the downsides are much smaller than many ammo-mixing schemes. The really poor ideas are the ones that start out with ineffective rounds like shotshells in order "scare" an attacker away.

With this combination the main downsides will be the difference in POI between the rounds and the fact that in a firefight you're not likely to be cognizant of what round is next out of the gun. However, given that you're talking a 642, you're not likely considering 25-50 yard shots, so the POI issue isn't as big of one either. The other possible downside is inconsistent recoil making it theoretically harder to keep a consistent rhythm of accurate rapid fire.

So far as penetration through heavy clothing goes, the LSWC will pretty much always win on penetration. In fact, it's probably pretty much the best penetrating handgun bullet design. However, the thing about hollow points is that against heavy clothing their penetration tends to increase, while their expansion decreases.

 

[CTGunner]

Thanks for your thoughts. Good point on the penetration of the HP increasing with clothing. I will probably stick with the Speer round.

 

[Haywood]

I read that the 135 Grain Gold Dot was designed for the New York Police Department. The article stated that they were happy with the performance of the round. It worked well out of Two inch guns as well as Four inch. The article also stated that their report was so positive that another Police Department is using the load. I think it was San Francisco but, I can't remember who it was for sure. Evan Marshal also gives this load a good rating although he likes Corbon DPX the best. I bought the Gold Dot for my 442.

 

[gordonagain]

The 135gr Gold Dots penetrated and expanded well in my informal wetpack tests. The Remington 158gr LHP did great as well. Either would be an acceptable carry option.

 

[bigred0383]

I alternate 135gr GDs and the Rem 158gr LHP in my jframes, and the 125gr GDs and the Rem 158gr in my 4" home revo.

After taking them to the range, they hit nearly the same in POA/POI and their recoil/noise/flash are nearly identical. These are distances between 3 and 10 yards mind you.

I wouldn't alternate rounds that had a difference in POA/POI and recoil/noise/flash though.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If the OP was referring to the 135gr +P Gold Dot and the 158gr LSWC are factory velocities, I would agree that their POI and recoil is pretty close out of my M642 too.

If he was referring to the 158gr LSWCHP load at +P velocities, the old FBI load, that round has a very different recoil characteristic and I would not mix that with the 135gr Gold Dot