Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite

[Alan Fud]

Does anybody know for CERTAIN if the Taurus 85 Ultra-Lites are +P rated. According to their website, shooting +P's isn't a problem but the manual that comes with the gun and found online doesn't say that. Instead, it warns against using "high pressure rounds" -- which is what +P's are.

Anybody know for sure?

 

[dawei]

All Taurus® 38's made after 1996 or 97 are +P rated I believe. Why don't you just call Taurus® customer service to be sure?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

YES, they are +P rated just like the links you provided state. Many manufacturers use the same manual for all the models in the same line. They also use old manuals which may not reflect changes that don't pose a danger to the user. I'm guessing you got a manual that isn't quite up to date or they are telling you not to use hand loaded rounds that are over +P specs.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The compact 5 shot self-defense favorite built on a hammer-forged frame +P Rated for Duty Use! The Taurus UltraLite models in Blue or Stainless steel make for uncomplicated carry and the Total Titanium models make for a lighter sturdier package, even when confidently packing extra powerful .38 Special +P ammunition. Concealed hammer and double-action only options on the steel models feature comfortable rubber grips and trouble-free low profile sights. For those who need a dependable partner on and off-duty. The Model 85 is also available in our Special Edition.

 

[MCgunner]

Bought mine in about 96 and I made sure it was +P rated before purchase. I've fed it a couple hundred rounds, maybe out of the 4K or so it's fired. It's still tight as ever. I don't feed it a constant diet of +P, but I don't think there was a limited use clause in the manual, just that I like shooting wadcutters and light loads for practice, whip out the +P stuff occasionally just to remember how they shoot and feel.

 

[Alan Fud]

Thank you.

What's an effective non +p choice for self defense?

 

[dawei]

Aguila® 158gr JHP
Hornady® 158gr XTP HP
MagTech® 158gr JHP

 

[Alan Fud]

Hornady® 158gr XTP HP aren't +P's? That's good to know.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Alan Fud,
Don't be afraid to fire +P rounds from your 85. You know the drill, you should practice with the same round you will carry. The extra you get from a +P round is a good idea for a short barrel.

I suggest you give Speer's Gold Dot 135 gr .38 Spl +P Short Barrel ammo a try. Great stuff with even greater numbers. It was specifically designed for a 2" barrel in 2003. http://www.speer-ammo.com/products/short_brl.aspx

 

[Alan Fud]

That's what I use in my 642 ...

​

... so, you are saying that I can safely & regularily shoot them out of my 85 Ultra-Lite as well?

 

[MCgunner]

... so, you are saying that I can safely & regularily shoot them out of my 85 Ultra-Lite as well?

Yes, you can, it's rated for +P and I shoot +P in mine, but I do limit them. Rated or not, it's an alloy frame, so I like to shoot standard pressure stuff for most of my practice and fire +Ps in it sparingly. It is full +P rated, though, and does NOT void the warranty.

 

[Wolfpackin]

Attn: Alan Fud

Somehow I Knew MCgunner would respond. I was waiting for his response. I recently purchased a Taurus 85 SSUL and he helped me out a lot. Go with his advise, be safe and have fun!
I like: Remington Golden Saber 125 JHP +P and Speer Gold Dot 135 JHP +P

 

[Glockman17366]

I've got the 85 Multi-Alloy (aluminum frame, titanium cylinder and barrel shroud). This one is also +P rated.
I'll agree with MCgunner...a limited use of +P's would probably be best for these little alloy framed guns.
This one is my primary carry piece due to it's light weight. I do prefer a bigger gun, but in a real world SD situation, 5 rounds of .38 +P (and a speedloader just in case) should be quite sufficient.