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

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

  • 110 gr. Cor-Bon DPX +P

    Votes: 42 5.1%
  • 110 gr. Federal Low Recoil HS/JHP

    Votes: 48 5.9%
  • 125 gr. Remington Golden Saber +P

    Votes: 56 6.9%
  • 125 gr. Speer Gold Dots +P

    Votes: 74 9.1%
  • 125 gr. Winchester JHP +P

    Votes: 38 4.7%
  • 125 gr. Buffalo Bore jacketed hollow cavity

    Votes: 8 1.0%
  • 129 gr. Federal Hydra-shok JHP +P

    Votes: 58 7.1%
  • 130 gr. Winchester Supreme STX +p

    Votes: 8 1.0%
  • 135 gr. Speer Gold Dot +P

    Votes: 236 28.9%
  • 148 gr. Federal Gold Medal Match full wadcutter

    Votes: 21 2.6%
  • 150 gr. Buffalo Bore hard cast wad cutter

    Votes: 18 2.2%
  • 158 gr. Buffalo Bore FBI +P

    Votes: 36 4.4%
  • 158 gr. LSWCHP FBI +P (specify brand)

    Votes: 153 18.7%
  • 158 gr. Magtech Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) +P

    Votes: 12 1.5%
  • 158 gr. Speer TMJ +P

    Votes: 13 1.6%
  • Other: please specify

    Votes: 108 13.2%

  • Total voters
    817
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Either the 130 grain Winchester +P or the 158 grain Winchester LSWHP +P, in that order,of what I'd ask for first. I like the velocity of the 130 from my snubbies, and I like the inertia of the 158 as well, so it seems to me like a close tie. The 158 +P LSWHP are the old, police stand-by and are found in many many stores, so easy to find and restock personal supplies. Depending on how "liberal" your local prosecutors are, if you get into an SD situation, I like the possibility of my attorney arguing "This type of ammunition was used by local law enforcement here in [insert jurisdiction name] for twenty years." Yeah, it sounds stupid, but use the hottest, newest, coolest packaged ammo (or your own reloads) and the anti-gunners will try and make you out as having fired mercury tipped, cyanide coated, nuclear launched, home made death pills, instead of simple defense ammo. At least here in the PRoM.

LD
 
I have thought about ordering some if and when any come available. I carried the NYCLAD load for years in my S&W 36. I have gotten so used to the Hornady 125 gr XTP/JHP load now that I don't really know if I want to change. Better loads have come available in recent years in all of the brands.
 
I like the 125 gr Hornady XTP with a +P load of Bullseye.
These are the only cases I trim and hone the flash hole. Also I weigh each charge to what the gun likes.
 
The BB 158 FBI Load performs well out of my Ruger SP 2 inch at 848 fps
which is plenty for inside my house.
I have some Speer 135 gr +p also.....which are hotter at 992 fps last time I shot one.
 
Remington 125gr FNEBs (kind of like a semi-jacketed semi-wadcutter), standard load, in my CA Undercover. During winter, when clothing is heavier, I sometimes switch to a Winchester "target" round that is basically a fully-jacketed semi-wadcutter weighing 148 grains (or is it 158? Hmm.. can't remember.)
 
I use Hornady 158 grain XTP hollow points in R-P cases with a Vihta Vuori N340 load halfway between the specified starting load and max. Charter Arms "Undercover" 2" wheelgun and it hits point of aim at 10 yards.
If I do my part, group size is under 2" at 15 yards. Does the same out of a friend's S & W Chief's Special.
 
I carry the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P short barrel in my S&W 37-2 Airweight. I actually prefer heavier bullets in .38 Special, and my preference would be to carry one of the 158 grain LSWCHP +P loadings available (probably Federal's). However, here are my reasons for carrying the GDHP 135 grain:

1) Its available in my area in 50 round boxes
2) I am required by policy to carry the same round (or qualify with both bullet weights) in the gun and for reloads. I would prefer to carry the LSWCHP in the revolver and carry the 135 grain GDHP in my speed strips. The GDHP is less prone to damage than the soft lead SWCHP and has a smoother profile for reloading. However, I would rather have the heavier SWC profile bullet in the gun.

I have tested the 135 grain GDHP, including chornographing it from my revolver. It averages about 850 fps out of the 1 7/8" barrel. Overall, I'm happy with it.
 
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