What SD rnds in your .38 spl snub-nosed revolver?

[steak-knife]

I've been switching around between Remington 158 gr. HPs and Speer Gold Dots 135 gr. HPs, both loaded in +P. I also have a bunch of Federal Hydro-Shocks +P+ that I only shoot through my SP101.

However, Buffalo Bore non +P rounds seem to be the way to go these days, especially for my 642. which I shoot a lot. I figure I'd go easy on the J-frame before it starts to rattle apart.

 

[jjohnson]

Speer 135 +P

I bought some of these at a good price - and figured that with the short barrel type ammo, premium manufacturer, and just a bit more ooooomph than the 125gr HPs so many of us like.

From where I sit, I like to actually shoot that premium ammo more than I like to pay for it. I figure a buck a round is a little steep. So what I wind up doing is buying "fairly priced" premium ammo (like the Speer instead of, say, Magsafe) and shooting my carry ammo a couple times a year to keep it fresh.

I know you could argue that the very best (most expensive) premium ammo might be somewhat better ammo. I would argue that I'm comfortable shooting my somewhat cheaper ammo more often, and still sticking with better than average ammo.

 

[AStone]

Wow, hadn't checked in here in a while.

Looks like those 135 gr SGD+P
are the current rnd of preference,
even if our buddy JT might disagree.

 

[Haywood]

I shot some of my old Corbon Ammo I have, 38SPL 125G+P 1150FPS from a 2". I forgot how hot this stuff is, shooting it out of my 642, holy crap. Had to hang on for dear life. It feels wilder than shooting full house 357s in my 605.

 

[Camjr]

Speer Gold Dot 135gr +p for me.

 

[awoodpd13]

BuffBore 158gr. LSWCHC *NON* +P...

 

[swampshooter]

.38 snub

federal 129gr. hydro-shoks. 900 fps in my scandium s&w snub with less recoil (which is a factor in scandium snubs) than +p loads.

 

[george29]

Friend of mine made me three defensive batches, one is 148 IHBWC, the second is 125 JHP, the last is 140 JHP +P

 

[1/7GRUNT]

Another vote for Speer GD +P 135gr.

 

[creativetownsman]

I've decided to compromise and carry a mixed load of three 135 GD +P followed by two Rem 158 LHP +P in my 442.

 

[JERRY]

what i like about the Remmington 158gr. +p LHP is that it give more of a push in the hand when fired versus the lighter +p rounds that give more muzzle flip and twist when fired in my 642-1s.

 

[gwillis6]

Steroids for your snub!

Practice with 158 grain standard pressure loads. But carry these.
1,000 fps and 351 ft./lbs nothing even comes close.

 

[wjh2657]

125 gr Hornady XTPs. I picked them because of accuracy and recoil (My primary carry is a S&W642 Airweight) I can get more holes and faster on the target with this round and that is what I am after. I am a firm believer in penetration and shot placement with a light practical to carry revolver. If I was after a bigger hole I would carry a .45 ACP which makes a bigger hole.

 

[novaDAK]

125gr Gold Dots at 1000fps, have stowed away more 158gr Hornady LSWCHP at 900fps. (out of my 4" gun) if I run out of gold dots.

 

[357sigRog]

Double tap 125gr +p gold dots

 

[Shawnee Gene]

Glaser Safety Slugs, both Blue and Silver, & Hornady XTP 125 & 158. I carry Blues and 125s in the warmer months & Silvers and 158s when it gets colder. These are all Standard pressure loads. I have an old model S&W 37, & I do not use +P loads in it.

 

[earplug]

To cheap for factory

I found that a handload of WW 231/HP38 and a good cast 158 LSWC will penetrate and hit to point of aim,
I practice more and hit better when the ammo cost is less.
Its not magic bullets its hitting the magic parts,

 

[jt1]

Hey Nem, look's like this thread is alive and well...

For my 642/442 its Buffalo Bore 158gr +P (20A) for carry, and any 148/158gr WC for training.

But you already knew that......

 

[EdTeach]

Speer 135gr+p for carry in my Taurus ultra-lite. Proven short barrel sd round from what I've read.

 

[thunder173]

Federal 129 gr Hydra Shok JHP +P,...because that's what most of our LE folks use for their off duty,...including our State Police and Conservation Officers. Defensible AND effective.

 

[Eightball]

I make my own, but I'm always on the look out for better recipes.

 

[altitude_19]

Pow'R Ball all the way!

 

[Oyeboten]

1940s, maybe early '50s, 'Peters', 'Police Load', 158 grn, RNL, Nickel Cases...with that light blush of 'White' on the Lead, which they sometimes get when old enough...

 

[Cpt. America]

158 grain Remington wade cutters.

 

[DAdams]

Let's kick this excellent thread BTT and see if there are any additions.

Someone surely will need to add Federal Nyclad to the list by now?