SD ammo question

[Handyman]

I have been using 125 gr. jhp 38+p and 357 ammo for my sd ccw ammo . I practice shooting with and have my sights adjusted to Sellier & Ballot 158 gr. jsp - it's the only ammo the range sells . I especially don't like shooting the 125 jhp +p with my 5 shot snubby - stings my hand .
I'd like to "carry" the same type of ammo I practice with . Do you all think the 158 jsp would be "OK" for sd ? Wouldn't the benefits of practicing with and using the same round outweigh the benefits of the "better" sd ammo?
I also like to keep things simple and would like to keep a supply of just 1 type of ammo .

 

[.41Dave]

I wouldn't. 158grain jsp ammo won't expand at .38 +p velocities. My personal choice is the 135 grain .38 +p Golddot JHPs specifically meant for snubbies. A good second choice would be the old "FBI" load, the lead 158 grain SWCHP.

 

[Jkwas]

Handyman

I have a supply of the 158gn S&B Jsp in 38spl myself. As a standard pressure load, I would have no problem carrying them for self defense. Many people recomend LSWC standard pressure for older revolvers and the S&B seems a little hotter and has a flat point as well. Are they the best? Probably not, but they will punch deep holes and if you can deliver them on target and feel comfortable shooting them then do it. I use 125gn+p, but my wife is "recoil sensitive" and uses 110gn hydrashock low recoil standard pressure in her snub, and the recoil is equal to the 158gn target rounds. You might want to try these or Hornady makes 158gn standard pressure loads as well.
Hope this helps.

 

[GunNut]

I prefer to only use quality self defense ammo that has been tested.

In general self defense ammo like Winchester Ranger will be held to a higher quality control than regular old plinking ammo, IMHO.

Steve

 

[Steve C]

I agree with GunNut. I practice mostly with handloads and inexpensive factory ammo but for carry and self defense I want something that has the best chance of working well. I'm not really picky about which premium ammo to use having my various pistols loaded at different times with Federal HS, EMFJ's, Nyclads, Remington Golden Sabers, Express, Winchester SXT, Ranger, Super X or Silvertips, Honrnady HST, Eldarodo Starfire's, Speer GD's etc. It all shoots close enough to the same point of aim that practice ammo does it makes no difference.

 

[Jim March]

There are various fmj ball 130gr rounds for both 38Spl and 357 that make reasonable stand-ins for either 125gr or 135gr defensive JHPs. Bullets that weigh the same tend to print to about the same elevation regardless of power level differences - within reason of course!

Basically, you need to pick a matched set of practice fodder and "good stuff" - and I agree with various comments saying "get ahold of the best stuff you can" for potential defense.

But.

You don't mention which snubby you have. IF it weighs 15oz or more, Remington sells a really nice plain lead 158gr 38+P hollowpoint that expands well out of snubbies. If you MUST use the S&B 158s as practice, the Remmie 158s as carry should match it well.

Up to about a 4" barrel the Remmies still work OK, but they're starting to show signs of coming unglued per Brassfetcher's data:

http://www.brassfetcher.com/38 Special.html

Check out the 2nd item from the bottom, data on 4" barrel loads. The Remmie's whole nose almost came off. Winchester sells the same load with a harder lead compound - same performance, bullet weight and shape otherwise. If your barrel is 4" or especially more the Winnie starts to look good. Snubbie, go with the Remington variant.

Don't shoot heavy plain lead 38+P in an ultralight snub. Recoil may yank them out of their shells, tying the gun up if they poke out the front of the cylinder. Lead is slick and facilitates this malfunction all too well. In an ultralight, the Gold Dot 135 is king of the hill.

 

[DawgFvr]

While the gold dot is made for snub noses...snubbies were made for Corbon DPX.

Read this than decide: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38 Snub Ammo Test.htm

Me, I prefer the much faster and lighter all copper bullet that expands & penetrates well out of my 642. It has less recoil than the gold dot, thus, my follow up shots are much quicker and, I for one, am much more accurate with this light/speedy bullet. It also does not frag, like so many clad bullets and it produces no lead fouling in the barrel or chambers, thus cleaning is a breeze. Look...fire both and you will immediately see what I mean. I highly doubt you will return to clad bullets in any of your weapons. Now...if I could only reload copper barnes bullets for my M1 Garand I would be the happiest of men!