Guys, I am getting an order together for Ammoman.com. I am ordering 100 rounds of LE 00 for the 12 gauge. I want to know a couple of proven SD loads for the wifes 642 and for my M&P340CT. I have to order in larger quantities so I want to go with proven self defense loads in these specific revolvers. I will end up shooting a lot of .38 in my 340, but want to carry it with good .357 rounds. Obviously, I will practice with the carry loads enough to become proficient with them. So, is there a consensus "best" carry load for each revolver?
What ammo is proven for SD in 642 and 340?
- Thread starter jmt1271
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I use 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint in .38 Special. (The "FBI Load") In .357 snubbies, I would say the 145-grain Winchester Silvertip is good and has a track record, though I personally often just use the same 125-grain Federal as in my longer-barreled sixguns, for convenience and for its track record. I do not think I would use magnums in a J-frame. There is a huge difference, in my hands, between the way a J-frame and my SP101 snubbies handle recoil. Your hands may vary. Speer advertises a .357 JHP load tailored toward snubbies, and some like it. I will wait until I hear of some real-world terminal results before recommending anything new, especially as its real-world velocity is quite low.
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I meant to mention this in my original post. I have searched and read many posts on this topic, but I am just wanting to get the most current info. I have heard a lot of talk about the newer "short barrel" ammo and am curious about it.
Speer 135gr short barrel Gold Dots. You can't go wrong with them in either .38+P or .357 out of a snubby.
I am not trying to start an argument, but wonder how many bad guys have been shot with the new Speer stuff. NYPD may have some real-world results; does anyone here have knowledge of that? Once again, I am not trying to start an argument! 
My problem is that if I order online from my usual source, I have to order in bulk. Maybe I will just grab a few 20 packs of the various rounds of the ones suggested and find out which ones work best for me and go from there.
Out of those two little wheelguns your best bet especially the scandium J-frame is gonna be +P .38's. I know it sounds old but the 129gr Hydra-shock +P is the best penetrator I've ever seen out of sub 2-inch barrel's. I've not been very immpressed with the 135gr Gold dots that I've shot into wet phone-books, they seem to open up to quickly for good penetration, but hey my methods ain't exactly scientific.........Good luck
Proven? Well, the ancient FBI load has statistically been better than the original .38 special hardball (widow makers) that birthed the snubby. Shot placement is the real key to effectiveness...all else is opnion. My opinion is: Corbon DPX 110 grain + P.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38 Snub Ammo Test.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38 Snub Ammo Test.htm
I hear a lot about the new speer gold dot short barrel, but I really like the Remington FBI load... Stephen A. Camp has a great article on it, I think. Tried and true stuff and great out of snubbies... similar velocity to the GDSB but heavier. Plus, cheap enough to practice with, which is a definite bonus in my book.
In the 340 I believe resident expert Jim March (I'd consider him an expert, anyway) said that the lightweights are better off with Speer-type loadings.
In the 340 I believe resident expert Jim March (I'd consider him an expert, anyway) said that the lightweights are better off with Speer-type loadings.
Is the FBI load really dirty though? I seem to recall shooting some out of my Ruger and the ammo was plain filthy.
Right now my 340PD is loaded with 125gr+p Golden Sabers. That is until I can get to Cabelas and purchase the Speer Short Barrel load.
If I remember right, and that is not a foregone conclusion, the lightweight J-frames have a disclamer that, more or less states that the heavier 158s are not recommended due to heaver recoil of the light weight frame 'pulling' the heavier bullets out of the case during recoil and thus tieing up the revolver.
For that reason, I have light weight +P JHP in the Airweight and 158 LSWC in the Mdl 60.
That stated, I have been wrong before...like yesterday.
salty.
For that reason, I have light weight +P JHP in the Airweight and 158 LSWC in the Mdl 60.
That stated, I have been wrong before...like yesterday.
salty.
DAdams
Member
Buffalo Bore
If you like the "FBI" load you may want to try some Buffalo Bore Plus P.
Heavy .38 Special +P Short Barrel Low Flash .
"Item 20A/20 is the terrific SOFT lead semi wad cutter hollow cavity bullet, however we've added a gas check to stop the leading that this load typically causes with other manufacturers version of this bullet."
Item No. 20A/20 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P.--G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.)
Per Box of 20 $22.04 direct from BB.
This is BB vs. Winchester SWC. Greater ability to eat cloth with a wider mouth.
I just checked my M&P 340 CT to see what was on board....
SGD .38 spl Plus P 135 gr.
My wifes 642 CT is charged with 38 spl Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure LSWCHP 158gr.
If you like the "FBI" load you may want to try some Buffalo Bore Plus P.
Heavy .38 Special +P Short Barrel Low Flash .
"Item 20A/20 is the terrific SOFT lead semi wad cutter hollow cavity bullet, however we've added a gas check to stop the leading that this load typically causes with other manufacturers version of this bullet."
Item No. 20A/20 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P.--G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.)
Per Box of 20 $22.04 direct from BB.
This is BB vs. Winchester SWC. Greater ability to eat cloth with a wider mouth.
I just checked my M&P 340 CT to see what was on board....
SGD .38 spl Plus P 135 gr.
My wifes 642 CT is charged with 38 spl Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure LSWCHP 158gr.
DAdams
Member
Buffalo Bore
If you like the "FBI" load you may want to try some Buffalo Bore Plus P.
Heavy .38 Special +P Short Barrel Low Flash Printed Order Form
"Item 20A/20 is the terrific SOFT lead semi wad cutter hollow cavity bullet, however we've added a gas check to stop the leading that this load typically causes with other manufacturers version of this bullet."
Item No. 20A/20 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P.--G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.)
Per Box of 20
$22.04
Order Now
This is BB vs. Winchester SWC. Greater ability to eat cloth with a wider mouth.
I just checked my M&P 340 CT to see what was on board....
SGD Plus P 135 gr.
My wifes 642 CT is charged with 38 spl Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure
Item No. 20C/20 158gr. very soft lead cast, SWC-HC gas checked bullet — 854 fps (256 ft. lbs.) from S&W mod. 60, 2 inch barrel
If you like the "FBI" load you may want to try some Buffalo Bore Plus P.
Heavy .38 Special +P Short Barrel Low Flash Printed Order Form
"Item 20A/20 is the terrific SOFT lead semi wad cutter hollow cavity bullet, however we've added a gas check to stop the leading that this load typically causes with other manufacturers version of this bullet."
Item No. 20A/20 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P.--G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.)
Per Box of 20
$22.04
Order Now
This is BB vs. Winchester SWC. Greater ability to eat cloth with a wider mouth.
I just checked my M&P 340 CT to see what was on board....
SGD Plus P 135 gr.
My wifes 642 CT is charged with 38 spl Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure
Item No. 20C/20 158gr. very soft lead cast, SWC-HC gas checked bullet — 854 fps (256 ft. lbs.) from S&W mod. 60, 2 inch barrel
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