SP101 with 2 1/4" barrel - what ammo?

[dave3006]

I just bought a brand new .357 magnum SP101 with a 2 1/4 barrel. I have heard they shoot the heavier bullets best. Can anyone recommend ammo for the following purposes:

1. 38 spl for target practice (low cost)

2. 38 spl for self defense (wife)

3. .357 magnum for self defense (me)

Thanks,
Dave

 

[P95Carry]

1) I use homeload .38spl with 158 cast bullets - over 2.8 Bullseye.

2) My own carry in this is Cor Bon .38 spl +P, 110 grain - probably suit your wife. I'd prefer a heavier bullet but these things have quite a zing ... bit of practice - no problem.

3) 357's - Again Cor Bon - the 140 grain offering. I have carried these too but find the delay in getting second shot quick enough draws me back to the +P stuff.

 

[Magnum88C]

1.) Don't know, I target shoot with magnums.

2.) 135-gr Gold Dot +p. . . .specifically designed for snubbies.

3.) 158-gr Hydra-Shok, it's what I carry.

 

[Ringer]

My two cents:

I carry the same gun frequently.

1. Winchester USA 130 gr FMJ, roughly $7 - $8 per 50
2. Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P
3. Speer Gold Dot 158 gr

I plan on testing some Winchester 145 gr Super-X Silver Tip Hollow Points soon, but haven't yet. I agree with P95Carry on the follow up shots and currently carry #2 above. Recently practicing more with 158 gr .357s because that is what I really prefer to carry especially in the winter.

 

[stormyone]

1. I use whatever is cheapest at Walmart at the time.

2. I would use the Speer GDHP 135gr 38 +P. Its what I carry in my 642

3. I carry Speer GDHP 158gr. I always make sure to shoot a couple cylinders full of them when I practice with the cheap stuff from Walmart.

 

[logical]

I have a 3" SP. It may not be made any more but I have a few boxes of Cor-Bon medium velocity .357...I think it's 115 grain. Sort of like a real hot +P+ .38 but in a .357 case.

I use .357 at the range. I am not a big fan of shooting .38 out of a .357

 

[Kamicosmos]

1. Lighter handloads.

2. See #1 above

3. I carry mostly 158 grain Mag loads in my SP101 for daily CCW (S&B 158 SP right now). I have the Federal Premium Defense 125 grains, but man....those have some wicked snap on the recoil! The 158s aren't nearly so wrist breaking.