SD ammo for Ruger LCR .38

[WrongHanded]

I've had an LCR for a few years, and carried it mostly as a backup, loaded with the Hornady 110gr FTX .38 Special +p. I have no good reason for carrying that ammo besides it being easily available. POI is quite a bit lower than POA for me with this load, as I was reminded today at the range. So I'm looking for options in a heavier grain weight.

Anyone care to share their preferred factory load choices for the LCR?

 

[SteadyD]

While I don't own an LCR in 38 any longer, I always favored the 135 grain +p Speer Gold Dot short barrel and the 125 grain +p Remington Golden Saber, and still do in my other 38/357 snub nose revolvers. They seemed to generally shoot POA for me.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I have never been a fan of expanding ammunition in velocity challenged rounds like a snubby 38 or 380 ect

When I carry my 2" 38 I have a vintage box of Winchester 158g LSWC +p ammo I use

 

[WrongHanded]

I have never been a fan of expanding ammunition in velocity challenged rounds like a snubby 38 or 380 ect

When I carry my 2" 38 I have a vintage box of Winchester 158g LSWC +p ammo I use

Not a bad thought. Perhaps I should look into a some LSWCs from Buffalo Bore or Double Tap.

 

[SteadyD]

Lucky Gunner has recently done ammo testing on 38 special from a snub nose barrel, and others have done similar testing as well. Given that some hollow points do perform at the lower velocities, I certainly wouldn't write them off.

 

[R.W.Dale]

The problem isn't the lack of expansion it's the lack penetration should expansion occur

 

[MedWheeler]

I keep Winchester's "Defend" 140-grain JHP in my Charter Arms Undercovers. This is not a +P load.

If I actually carried any of the guns more, though, I might check out the GD from Speer; it's at least made to extract a little more from the combination of a +P round and a short barrel.

 

[Water-Man]

Corbon DPX 110gr +P & Remington Golden Saber 125gr. +P.
Both penetrate and expand well.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

Buffalo Bore 150gr full hard cast wadcutters.

 

[Wishoot]

Buffalo Bore 150gr full hard cast wadcutters.

Even though I carry 135gr +P Gold Dot's now in my J-frame, I'll probably be switching to full wadcutters (Non +P). Easier to shoot and easier on the gun.

 

[WrongHanded]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I decided to take advantage of Double Tap's 30% off sale, and try some 158gr LSWC +p. I'll see where POI is with those and go from there. If they end up hitting too high, I'll figure out a middle ground in the 125-135gr HP from some of the offerings mentioned.

 

[_N4Z_]

Winchester Ranger 130gr +P load. Please refer to Luckygunner website, 38 special short barrel test to better understand my choice.

 

[Redfisher60]

Lucky Gunner has recently done ammo testing on 38 special from a snub nose barrel, and others have done similar testing as well. Given that some hollow points do perform at the lower velocities, I certainly wouldn't write them off.

I just looked at that chart.
I recently got some of those CD Lite 90gr for my wife to shoot because of her weak wrist. (job related) I was really doubtful about it, but it penetrates to my standard (organ depth), and expands decently!
I may get a box of the 110gr just to see if she can handle the recoil. I would rather her get multiple hits that go 10" with decent expansion than maybe one hit out of 5!

 

[Crowman]

158 grain JHP should shoot to point of aim. Most 38 revolvers' fixed sights are factory regulated to that bullet weight; hence, usually 110's shoot low and 180's shoot high. 158 grain hits the sweet spot, whether jacketed or hard cast. That is why I carry 158 grain loads. I used to play with 110 grain screamers, but really had to crank the sights if adjustable.

 

[SeanSw]

I like standard pressure 158gr lswchp from Underwood and and Buffalo bore, as well as their standard pressure hard cast full wadcutters. They suit my preferences well and don't recoil terribly in my .38 special only LCR. Tip of the hat to the Remington Golden Saber 125gr +P for being good and affordable as well.

 

[Redfisher60]

I saw a Remington round that looked just like the Golden Saber in Bass Pro the other day. It was lots less $$. I can't remember what it was called though. I googled it at the time and folks were thinking it was most likely the same in a newer packaging.

 

[Terminatorret]

158gr LSWCHP +P or 158gr hardcast SWC standard pressure.

 

[SteadyD]

I saw a Remington round that looked just like the Golden Saber in Bass Pro the other day. It was lots less $$. I can't remember what it was called though. I googled it at the time and folks were thinking it was most likely the same in a newer packaging.

It was likely the Remington Ultimate Defense. I've found 38 special Golden Sabers at sgammo for something like $12.50 for a box of 25. Last time they had them I bought 250 rounds just to have on hand.

 

[NMPOPS]

I like Federal or Remington +P LSWC-HP. Whether they expand or not at snubby velocities but they do penetrate, and +P ain't what it used to be so I really don't worry about it beating up my 642.

 

[Sistema1927]

I used to carry the "FBI Load" until I read the Lucky Gunner reviews: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

I changed over to Winchester 130 Ranger Bonded +P for my snubbies.

 

[Spats McGee]

FWIW, I carry Remington Golden Sabers, but I don't recall the weight.

 

[WrongHanded]

Update:

I took the DT 158gr LSWC .38 Special +P ammo to the range. It kicks pretty hard in that little LCR, I was honestly a little surprised. But POI was at POA at the 7 yards I previously shot 3-4" low with the Hornady 110gr FTX +P. So I think this load will work.

 

[Crowman]

Update:

I took the DT 158gr LSWC .38 Special +P ammo to the range. It kicks pretty hard in that little LCR, I was honestly a little surprised. But POI was at POA at the 7 yards I previously shot 3-4" low with the Hornady 110gr FTX +P. So I think this load will work.

Yup, fixed sight 38's are generally factory regulated to hit POA with 158 grain bullets. Lighter bullets like 110 grain will shoot low. That is why I carry 158 grain JHP for humans, 158 grain hard cast SWC for critters.

 

[WrongHanded]

Yup, fixed sight 38's are generally factory regulated to hit POA with 158 grain bullets. Lighter bullets like 110 grain will shoot low. That is why I carry 158 grain JHP for humans, 158 grain hard cast SWC for critters.

Given the advancements in projectile design in the last few decades, one might be tempted to think that a newly designed snubbie like the LCR would have its sights engineered to shoot on target with a lighter projectile than 158gr. Oh well. I'll probably pick up some 158gr HP ammo at some point.

 

[Artym]

The sights on many Ruger revolvers are regulated for a 6 o'clock hold with 158gr lead +ps. They will shoot high if you want them to be dead on. Also, you need to check for bullets jumping the crimp with loads like the Remington 158 +p lead hollow point. I have seen this.
I would try the Speer short barrel 135+p or the Remington Golden Saber 125 +p 38 loads, or similar options. The Speer 135 load has a track record and can be recommended. Every revolver will have preferred loads. Some like the Speer 38 SB load and some may shoot better with other loads.
I would not rely on a LHP load without checking for bullets jumping the crimp. The manual tells you to do this.