Speer .38 Spl 135gr Gold Dot +P in Vyse Ballistics Gel

[5pins]

Test Gun: S&W M442
Barrel length: 1 7/8 inches.
Ammunition: Speer .38 Spl 135gr Gold Dot +P (53925)
Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 848fps
BB Calibration: 4 inches.

https://general-cartridge.com/2022/06/15/speer-38-spl-135gr-gold-dot-p-in-vyse-ballistics-gel

 

[Autodidactic]

View attachment 1084203

Test Gun: S&W M442
Barrel length: 1 7/8 inches.
Ammunition: Speer .38 Spl 135gr Gold Dot +P (53925)
Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 848fps
BB Calibration: 4 inches.

https://general-cartridge.com/2022/06/15/speer-38-spl-135gr-gold-dot-p-in-vyse-ballistics-gel

Great results. Glad I have a few boxes of this . As we speak, my 642 is loaded though with the FBI load, 158 grain +P lSWHP

 

[Slamfire]

Great data! Thanks for presenting this to the community

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry that load in my M442 all the time which is my daily carry. Its good to see it still performs.

The new G2 GDHP ammo is even better with a polymer tip to insure the HP doesn't clog.
(I have too much of the original to buy the new ammo yet)

 

[BJung]

This is my results with a 38-135GD Speer, 6.8gr AA5, Speer Case, CCI primer shot into two 1-gallon jugs of water. I don't have a photo of a target.

 

[SeanSw]

Looks good! Thanks for the test. I'd be comfortable with this load in a snubby.

 

[defjon]

Those are good results. How is recoil with this load in the airweight?

I've been looking for this or the federal HST 130 grain wadcutter looking load for years, no luck on the shelves..

 

[BJung]

I shot the test load through a S&W Model 66 with a 6" barrel so it might not be comparable to your handgun. I'd say the recoil was moderate.

 

[Autodidactic]

Those are good results. How is recoil with this load in the airweight?

I've been looking for this or the federal HST 130 grain wadcutter looking load for years, no luck on the shelves..

It's manageable. Definitely hot ammo, but it feels like basic +P, not let's say Buffalo Bore/Underwood.

It's starting to trickle back into stores, but may need to find it online.

 

[wcwhitey]

The Speer load was specifically designed to be used in 1 7/8” Snubbies for Law Enforcement during the transition from .38 Service Revolvers to 9mm and other caliber autos. The only .38’s still being used were Off Duty and BackUp Snubbies. The 158 Grain loads were lacking in the shorter barrels. It is and always was a good choice. It has been around since the 90’s. And it was called the Short Barrel load. I won’t say that others have not come close or surpassed it but it’s a solid choice. I have quite a few 50 round boxes still. It plain old works and works well.

 

[5pins]

Those are good results. How is recoil with this load in the airweight?

I've been looking for this or the federal HST 130 grain wadcutter looking load for years, no luck on the shelves..

Recoil was snappy but manageable and not punishing.

 

[SteadyD]

Those are good results. How is recoil with this load in the airweight?

I've been looking for this or the federal HST 130 grain wadcutter looking load for years, no luck on the shelves..

Less bang, flash, and recoil than a 125 grain +p Golden Saber. More than HST.

 

[BJung]

For Reloaders, as I recall, there is a 135GD bullet for regular .38 specials and another for snubbies.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For Reloaders, as I recall, there is a 135GD bullet for regular .38 specials and another for snubbies.

No, all the 135gr GDHP bullets are made for the short barrel .38 Special and the short barrel .357 Magnum loads.
The other ammo is made with 125gr and 158gr GDHP bullets.

I load a lot of them and did check with Speer when they first came out. If you're not sure contact Speer and get the info from the maker.