Looking for advice on self defence and target loads. I have hornby 38 spcl 110 grftx critical defence and pmc 38 sp 132 grs. fmj.

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rogerb

I'm a big fan of 135gr Speer Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammo for self defense. That load is very accurate in the J frame revolvers I shoot. The bullet is designed to expand reliable at the slower velocities associated with a short barrel revolver.

I am not a fan of Buffalo Bore ammo. IMO it costs too much and it's hard to believe what they say. They claim super high velocities but low pressures. That's very hard to believe. You never get something for nothing.

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SWCA #3437

Speer Short-Barrel GDHP would be my first choice for a snub load in a +P-rated gun. It has an excellent track record in actual shootings. However, the recoil may be a bit much for some people when fired from an airweight snub like a 638. For a lower recoil carry load (or a carry load to be used in a non-+P-rated gun) I'd go with Federal 125gr Nyclads. It's a very good snub load with a good track record and I think it makes a great companion to 130gr FMJ loads as a carry/practice combo; they have similar shooting qualities. FYI, I use the PMC 132gr FMJ for the bulk of my practice shooting.

While I'm a fan of Buffalo Bore ammo, I limit their use to steel-frame guns. There's too much recoil for me when fired from an airweight snub, even in their standard pressure loadings. If you can handle their recoil, though, I see nothing wrong with using it as carry ammo.

+1 for the 135gr Speer in the summer, and any factory 158gr SWCHP in the winter (for getting passed heavy clothing). I carry a 642 or 649 as my duty backup. As far as practice, I reload 148gr WC or 158gr SWC (whichever I can get cheaper).

Federal Nyclad has been reissued and makes a nice alternative in lightweight guns. It is low recoil and accurate.

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