+P OK in older S&W M38?

[Dollar An Hour]

I'm purchasing a NIB S&W M38 and M649 and normally carry Speer .38+P 135gr SB Gold Dots in my 442 & 340. Will these loads be too much for these older guns? The M38 is from 1974 and the M649 is from 1985.

I figured the heavier stainless 649 should be OK, but wonder about the Airweight M38.

On one hand, I have heard that older .38 Special was loaded to higher pressures anyway and todays +P stuff isn't as hot as older ammo.

On the other hand, I don't want to damage these older guns.

Should I stick with non-plus P ammo from Buffalo Bore, etc? Maybe 158gr is a good idea maintain penetration?

Input appreciated.

 

[Blue Brick]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=332421

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Okay, a thread about +P+.

How about plain ol' +P Speer SB Gold Dots in a M38 Airweight and M649 chambered in .38 Spl?

The 649 feels like it should be able to handle it. The M38 is 14.5 oz, but it's also built using 1973 metallurgy, so I'm not so sure.

 

[cslinger]

According to an older Smith and Wesson 686-4 manual I have, NO it is not ok to shoot +P through a 38.

The 649 yes.

Chris

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Are there any respectable loads in standard-pressure .38 Special? Otherwise maybe I'll just hang on to the 649...

 

[cslinger]

I wouldn't want to be hit with a 158 grain lead semi wadcutter or wadcutter HP standard pressure or not.

Chris

 

[rdrancher]

Here's a read for you on the Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158gr LHC. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=337288

Brassfetcher's test is here. http://www.brassfetcher.com/Buffalo%20Bore%20158gr%20(non%20+P)%20SWC-HC.html

I use this load in my 642-1, M36-7, and Vintage Charter Arms Undercover.

rd

 

[hoptob]

I think Osprey on S&W forum went for great lengths to destroy his 1973/4 M12 with .38 spl +P ammo - http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/3481091842. So far to no avail, but he keeps trying...

--M