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Old 07-15-2016, 09:36 AM
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chief38 chief38 is offline
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A few years back I returned 3 boxes of that Winchester (FBI load) because they were mis-marked (+P) standard velocity loads. I Chronographed them and instead of the +P velocities, I got low 730's. Winchester sent me a letter of apology and a refund check.

Even if they were the +P version, they are vastly watered down and out of a 2" M60 don't expect more than high 700's. The Remington FBI load is only marginally better.

My suggestion would be the Buffalo Bore FBI Load which is the same 158 grain LSWCHP but out of a 2" Chiefs Special you WILL GET 1000 - 1025 fps consistently. From a 4" bbl. you will get 1130 fps or so. A 6" barrel yields close to 1200 (more of a Magnum if you will for 158 grain bullets). They also make a non +P version that will give to around 860 fps. from a 2" Chief's. Buffalo Bore's listed velocities are exact and you will actually achieve what they say and sometimes a hair more. I have NEVER seen that from any other ammo manufacturer! Both penetrate and expand well.

Another viable defense load is CCI/SPEER Short Barrel 135 grain +P Gold Dot. It will actually chronograph (around 830 - 840 from a 2" Chief's) a little less than their stated velocity but will still give you adequate velocity and very consistent expansion. Penetration is acceptable as well. One of the best expanding .38 Specials I know of - if not #1.

Last edited by chief38; 07-15-2016 at 09:42 AM.
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