Where is the EFMJ for .38 special?

[ChristopherG]

Many a thread confirms the ubiquitous popularity of the .38 snub as a carry gun; and many of those same threads include knowledgeable caveats about the limitations of .38 special performance from a 2" barrel. We have, it seems, but two real options for defense rounds: either a range of relatively lightweight hollowpoints that attempt to make the speed necessary to expand, and thereby potentially sacrifice adequate penetration (though these are admittedly improving); or the classic LSWCHP in a 'full-size' 158 gr. bullet that will penetrate, but which, soft and mushy as it is, still does not appear to give very reliable expansion.

So my question: Why hasn't Federal recognized that they could sell a boatload of their new EFMJ product if they put it in a .38? Wouldn't the perhaps unspectacular but apparently reliable expansion of the EFMJ be attractive? Mightn't they package it in a heavierweight bullet that split the horns of the .38 snub ammo dilemma? What think you, oh wise ones?

Getting by on inadequate and/or aged projectile technology,
ChristopherG

 

[Jim March]

You are absolutely 100% correct. I've been thinking the same thing ever since the E-FMJ came out...124grains is just fine for a 38, just need to re-size it a hair.

Federal seems to be fixated on how these are easy feeders in slideguns and haven't produced ANY wheelgun variants. Nor have they made 'em available as components.

Cor-Bon is saying they're going to eventually convert to the Pow'R'Ball concept completely, including revolver calibers. Let's hope. But in 38/38+P, esp. from a 2" tube, the E-FMJ is probably the better answer.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the main advantage of the EFMJ is feeding in pistols and sub-guns and meeting meeting "political correctness" in not being an "evil hollow point.

a wheelgun doesn't have limitations in it's profile because it doesn't "feed". i can use as aggressive a hollow-point and as soft a medium as it needs to achieve expansion. one of the finest (reliable expansion, controlable recoil and accuracy) .38 special (not even +p) rounds designed for the 2" snubbies has just been discontinued by federal...the 125gr jhp nyclad "chief's special" loading.

hhmmm...maybe the .38 special EFMJ is coming

 

[Jim March]

In addition to feed-ramp issues on slideguns, the other big plus is that they can't "clog" on clothes, and they open very rapidly at even moderate speeds (full expansion in 1" of gelatin at 800fps, anyone?).

 

[ChristopherG]

Jim, I'm glad you, in particular, concur--that means it must make some sense. I wonder what speed the EMFJ has to make to exand? As far as I know, it's only available right now in 9mm & .45, and the slower of these (.45) is still billed at 1050 fps (though ammolab shows consistent expansion at 950-1000 fps). If that's close to the minimum speed, it'd be hard to make out of a snub .38. Seems to me, though, like they could make the serrations, or whatever you'd call'em, a little thinner if they need to--I mean, a .38 doesn't have to have the strength required to ram up a feed ramp and into a chamber at warp speed. Hmmm. At least I know now I'm not the only one to have wondered about it.
cg

 

[Jim March]

No, I said exactly the same thing back on TFL.

Somebody posted a nice stop-time shot of a 9mm E-FMJ in flight, right after blowing through a 1" thick "pane" of gelatin, at a claimed 800fps muzzle velocity. It was fully expanded, about 1" past the gel sheet in flight.

Wish I could remember where though, it was a while ago.

If that pic was accurate and at the speed claimed, it means we've got the perfect 38+P snubbie load if Fed will ever get off their butts .

 

[Greybeard]

Some of the new loads seem a little slow comin' this way. Looked hard for some of the 9mm Powerball or EFMJs at major gun show in Dallas last weekend. No luck.

Big distributor said Corbon 9mm not out yet (altho shown on web site) and that Federal to package EFMJs in boxes of 20 soon instead of 50 ... Said he bought all remaining boxes available of 50, but had none in 9mm.

I was there noonish Saturday and got the last box (20) he had of .45 Powerball ... $17.50. Ouch, but the only other guy there that had 'em was getting $20 for .40 and .45 and was almost sold out ...

So yea, I too think there are so many "snub people" out there that Federal and Corbon would both be missing an opportunity if they don't offer 'em for the 5-holers ...