.38 special for snubbys

[Chubbo]

Having just acquired this S&W Mod. 38, a light weight Bodyguard, I am wondering about how heavy a load would be safe to use in this revolver.
This is my first aluminum frame revolver, and it set me to thinking about how strong this lightweight frame is. It sure is a nice light piece to carry in your pocket. For those of you that are firmiliar with this revolver, what would be your preferred type of holster to carry conceiled?
Thanks.
Chubbo

[Red Tex]

My 642 is a lightweight pocket revolver similar to yours. I use Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P or Remington Golden Sabers and both work very well. I've used three different holsters, but the best is from Robert Mika.

Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.

[geneboy]

corbon 110gr +P, low recoil no flash and over 1100 fps.

[stevieboy]

Buffalo Bore short barrel 150gr. hardcast wadcutters. They're rated at about 900 fps.

[captainjohnsofd]

I actually stretched out the frame of my old Model 38 by firing about 5 boxes of W/W .38 Special +P 158 SWC-HP'S. The firing pin would not reach the primers of the rounds in the cylinder. The S&W factory would not touch it so a local gunsmith repaired it by shimming the cylinder and moving the barrel back one turn in the frame. Was almost as expensive as a new gun. Sold that one to a friend who loves it and uses only standard .38 Special's in it. Bought a new Model 638 that is rated for +P's. Just my two cents- for what it is worth.

[ContinentalOp]

For a standard pressure loading I'd go with Federal 125gr Nyclad HP. They won't beat up the gun (or the shooter) but still have a good track record in stopping violent attackers. I also like them because ballistically they're similar to most manufacturers' 130gr FMJ loadings, making them a good practice round.

As far as holsters, I prefer strong-side belt carry, preferably IWB. I like the products from Seth's Gun Leather. I have their Wraith IWB holster for my 3" 65 and have one on order for my 642. I also like the holsters from Sideguard Holsters. I have a Tuck Snap for my 642 but am considering replacing it with a Quick Clip. On the rare occasion I pocket carry I use a DeSantis Nemesis holster.

[badge 851]

Originally Posted by Chubbo

Having just acquired this S&W Mod. 38, a light weight Bodyguard, I am wondering about how heavy a load would be safe to use in this revolver.
This is my first aluminum frame revolver, and it set me to thinking about how strong this lightweight frame is. It sure is a nice light piece to carry in your pocket. For those of you that are firmiliar with this revolver, what would be your preferred type of holster to carry conceiled?
Thanks.
Chubbo

IMHO I would not shoot any +P rounds in your older S&W® Mdl 38. Here are the two loads I use in my Airweight®.....

• Buffalo Bore® Std Pressure 158gr LSWCHPGC
• Federal® Std Pressure 125gr NHP

[Chubbo]

Thanks All, for the information. It gives me a lot of things to speculate on, such as the best grips.
Chubbo

[BugEater]

That is one nice looking Bodyguard!

[Jamie]

Speer Short Barrel 135gr +P, designed for the snubbie

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry either the FBI Load or the short barrel 135gr Speer .38 Special +P ammo in my J frames depending on which shoots better in the revolver I'm carrying.

[photoman]

Some ammo to try:

Federal 125gr Nyclad HP
Remington 110gr SJHP
Federal Gold Match 148gr wadcutter
Winchester 110gr Silvertip

CorBon 110gr DPX (+P)

[zellerSC]

Hornady Critical Defense 158 gr JHP.

Not +p, so you should be GTG, if you so choose in your seasoned gun.

[HCA]

[QUOTE=zellerSC;136098205]Hornady Critical Defense 158 gr JHP.

The only Hornady Critical Defense load for the standard 38 SPL that I've found is 110 gr.

[Triggernosis]

I'll add Speer Gold Dot non+P (item # 53722) - you can find it under Speer's law enforcement line of ammo, ATK: LE - Home

[zellerSC]

You can check out Midway. Although I got mine from a local pawnshop.

[QUOTE=HCA;136098227]

Originally Posted by zellerSC

Hornady Critical Defense 158 gr JHP.

The only Hornady Critical Defense load for the standard 38 SPL that I've found is 110 gr.

[HCA]

Sorry, I looked at Midway, and the only list 110 gr for the Hornady Critical Defense load in .38 Special, both standard and +P. I do not see a 158 gr .38 Special load for the Critical Defense line.

[zellerSC]

Sorry HCA.....the 158 is not critical defense. It's their "custom ammo" which doesn't have the red center thing.

Originally Posted by HCA

Sorry, I looked at Midway, and the only list 110 gr for the Hornady Critical Defense load in .38 Special, both standard and +P. I do not see a 158 gr .38 Special load for the Critical Defense line.

[Horace & Daniel]

I've got the same gun. My Model 38 came off the line in 1983 and, like your older one, is NOT +P rated.

Until I find some Nyclads, I'm going with Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr FTX rounds. Should get the job done without beating up the gun too much.

[Horace & Daniel]

Chubbo,

What kind of grips are those on your M38? While not as concealable as the original wood grips, they certainly look handsome. How do they handle?

[LOBO]

CorBon 110gr DPX (+P)

Make sure it hits pao/poi, clean it, load it, & you'll be well protected

[medxam]

I too, want to know about those grips! I need some for my bodyguard. Please tell us all where you found them!

[wharvey]

Federal 125gr nyclads is my choice for a snubby. Is you like pain shoot 158 gr bullets - way too much recoil in a light gun. 110 gr just too light in my opinion.

Are those boot grips?

[Chubbo]

The grips shown are Altamont I think. they are just right for my hand, but are short and compact for easy concelment. I might work up a good reload to try for a perfect load
Chubbo

[Maximumbob54]

She sure is a looker. I used to load my Airweight with Federal Hydrashok 110's in standard pressure. It usually just sets in the safe now though.

[IvanW]

+1 on the BB Standard Pressure .38 loads. Nyclads would be a good second choice. Put it in a Mika pocket holster and yo9u'r set.

[one eye joe]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

For a standard pressure loading I'd go with Federal 125gr Nyclad HP. They won't beat up the gun (or the shooter) but still have a good track record in stopping violent attackers. I also like them because ballistically they're similar to most manufacturers' 130gr FMJ loadings, making them a good practice round.

DITTO.......

[Steve in Vermont]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

For a standard pressure loading I'd go with Federal 125gr Nyclad HP. They won't beat up the gun (or the shooter) but still have a good track record in stopping violent attackers. I also like them because ballistically they're similar to most manufacturers' 130gr FMJ loadings, making them a good practice round.

Very accurate and a fine SD round. I have a 40+ year old 36 and this is my primary cartridge. I could shoot +P ammo, but why would I risk it? The 36 is as good today as it was out of the box and I want to keep it that way. The NyClad will do all you want it to.

[badge 851]

Originally Posted by Steve in Vermont

Very accurate and a fine SD round. I have a 40+ year old 36 and this is my primary cartridge. I could shoot +P ammo, but why would I risk it? The 36 is as good today as it was out of the box and I want to keep it that way. The NyClad will do all you want it to.

The performance of the Nyclad™ round far surpasses the paper ballistics.

[chief38]

BUFFALO BORE 158 grain SWCHP (standard pressure) 850 fps out of a 2" bbl.

[VaRecon]

I like Federal Hydrashoks 129 gr out of my 638-3

[Pointblank2U]

I use Nyclads in all my older 38s and usually Corbon DPX in the newer ones.

[Triggernosis]

I shot some of the standard-pressure Speer Gold Dot 125's in my M37 today and hell-fire, I'm danged sure glad they weren't +P! Even with my 3" barrel, they were a handful...pretty much my controllable limit in that gun. And rapid-fire - I couldn't hit schit with them.

[What the]

I'm with the Nyclad for the older lightweight guns....Perfect....I use and like the Biancchi Professional #100 IWB for my model 49 Bodyguard, after a while I don't even notice I'm carrying.

[jtpur]

I have watched as many ballistic tests as I can find and I am finding more and more that the Hornaday 110 FTX is a great round. I have bought that particular bullett for my .38 the FTX 140 grn for my .357 and Yesterday I just bought a box for my 9mm. I had 100 grn Pow-r-balls +p in the 9mm and I like the velocity of that round but noted that the Hornaday got more penetration and expanded better than the pow-r-ball... I also noted that the pow-r-ball seemed to have more impact at initial contact so I wonder if the impact or the penetration will do the most damage. The pow-r-ball is approaching speeds equal to or darn close to .357

[wharvey]

I'd go with penetration over impact, at least that has been my experience with 4 legged critters. That's why I think 110 gr is just too light in a 38. Also go with 124 gr in 9mm for same reason.

[one eye joe]

If it's rated for +P, it should be marked as such on the barrel (like the 642 is). If it is marked simply .38 Spl, I would ONLY shoot standard pressure loads thru it. IMHO, the BEST +P load is the Speer 135gr JHP for short barrels. The Best standard pressure load is the Federal Nyclad 125gr HP. BOTH penetrate well, expand reliably, and will not beat up your hand or your revolver.......

[Social Outcast]

Originally Posted by one eye joe

The Best standard pressure load is the Federal Nyclad 125gr HP. BOTH penetrate well, expand reliably, and will not beat up your hand or your revolver.......

What he said.

[Rob1109]

Beware of light-for-caliber load and flame cutting on the inside of the top strap. i.e. <125gr.

Locate IOWEGAN on the RugerForum for a full explanation.

I had it happen with Win. 110gr. .357mag.