What SD ammo do you use in your .38 Special?

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I usually do the Speer short barrel 135-grain, especially for a snub.


In years past I have carried 158-grain SWC and never lost a wink of sleep.
Still wouldn't if I did now.
 
I have switched to Golden Saber +P for my 2" and 3" Carry Guns after reading the Lucky Gunner Testing. I have tried Gold Dot SB, Critical Defense and there are others that will do the job equally as well I'm sure. If you want expansion, nothing beats a soft swaged hollow point like the Rim Rock 158gr SWCHP and I think its the bullet Buffalo Bore uses for their light defense load or if you want expansion and penetration go with a jacket bullet and there are some good ones that work at low velocities and you don't need a magnum to get great results. the Lucky Gunner test did have a big influence on what I chose, but the main reason I use the Golden Saber is it shoots real well in my carry guns and with very manageable recoil. If I had to recommend a round for SD, I would say whatever you can handle well especially with follow up shots. I think too many people get carried away thinking they need a magnum load for SD. Maybe a good theory for the first shot if you shoot it accurately, but if you need a follow up shot and the gun is pointed straight up from massive recoil, you are screwed. I say a hit from a .22 will be much more effective than a miss from a 44 Magnum. Big booms don't stop attackers, hit do.
 
I have been using the Federal Nyclad 158 LSWCHP +P but I only have 20 rounds left and Federal quit making them. I have 2 boxes of the Remington version that I will be switching to. I have also been known to carry Federal 148 gr Wadcutters also.
 
Critical Defense in my Taurus 85UL and my 9MM stuff as well.
A firearms instructor which I admire uses Federal Guard Dog, says it's the best. I bought my Critical Defense before I heard him say that. However shot placement is everything.
 
Indigo22 said:
Although my revolver is a 357 I chose to load it up with the already mentioned Federal HST 130 Micro's along with two speed strips of the HST 's. They are quite accurate in my Ruger Police Service Six. They get good reviews and meet the standards put out by the FBI for penitration.
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I'm carrying the same 38+P HST micros in my 2.25" 357 and speed loader w/ Remington 125 grain 38 spl+P SJHP for quicker/easier reload than micros.
 
I’ve carried everything from lightweight 90 gr to 158 gr loads, and plenty of +P varieties of all. In my mind it depends on the scenario expected. The 38 is just such a pleasant and useful cartridge I don’t see how you can go wrong. Decide on what you might encounter and load accordingly.
 
Underwood 158gr standard pressure 158gr swchp for me, Remington golden saber 125gr +p for her. The Golden Sabers test pretty well in a snubby and I would be okay carrying them except it has more felt recoil and since the snub is usually a winter carry gun I prefer a heavier bullet. I have also carried 150gr hardcast wadcutters and felt it was a reasonable choice for the snubby platform. If I were using a 4" or longer barrel indoors in a larger gun I would absolutely move up to the hottest and heaviest .38+ P available.
 
For my J-frame snubbies I use the Buffalo Bore 158 gr. Soft Lead SWC-HC "Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Ammo".
If it's larger than a J-frame it is most likely loaded with .357's.
 
Handrolled 125 gr SJHPs running at the cusp of standard and +p with Power Pistol.
 
SteadyD said:
How is POI on those? They’re really lightweight, correct?
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Yes, only 77 grains. It’s not a small bullet, just light because it’s a polymer and copper powder blend. Not the most accurate, but not bad. I was hitting a little high compared to 125 and 158 grain bullets. Still within my normal spread. I’m not a very good shot with a snub revolver, so it’s hard for me to compare the accuracy of different rounds.
 
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SteadyD said:
How is POI on those? They’re really lightweight, correct?
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In my experience at self defense ranges (ritchheer to 7 yards) I can't tell much difference compared to my 124 and higher cartridges. Beyond about 7 yards the POI seems slightly higher, as expected from a light weight high velocity round.
 
Where do you gents typically purchase them? I don’t see them around in stores. Do you have a preferred place online to get them?
 
SteadyD said:
Where do you gents typically purchase them? I don’t see them around in stores. Do you have a preferred place online to get them?
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I’ve been ordering them from Midway. The available stock changes frequently. Out of stock Inceptor ammo is often available within a couple of weeks.
 
31FA04FB-08A0-4B6E-A335-2623E092AA36.jpeg Just tried out the Federal 130 grain +p micro HST in my LCR, very impressed with the accuracy! This was 5 shots at 7 yards, slow fire. I think I will be buying more of it. Recoil wasn’t bad at all, my LCR is the 357.
 
Against all the internet sage's advice I load 158gr LSWC to +P and if I am carrying a 38 revolver that is.
Twice the rounds in a similar size and weight package Glock26 makes more sense to me.
 
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