Either load will perform well; trying to determine which is likely to perform optimally vis-a-vis penetration and expansion from the neither-snubby-nor-service 3" K-frame.

Ordinarily I'd reserve +P loads for snubbies to make up for lost velocity, and the original FBI load has a quality history in barrels from 2" to 4".

The wildcard here is BB's standard version of the FBI load makes numbers comparable to the "old" FBI load in +P, hence it would seem BB's standard version is the preferred choice in this application, and their +P might produce more than ideal velocity from a 3" barrel, risking premature expansion and underpenetration.

Thoughts?

Ideally I'd have ballistic gelatin, a chronograph and a place to use them with this specific revolver; I don't, so the deductive extrapolation and/or experience of others is sought.

I can tell you from experience that the +P version of this load is stout with a capital S and generates more recoil than a number of .357 Magnum loads. Even out of a 4" K-frame, the +P load isn't for the faint of heart. Unless you've trained yourself to handle that kind of recoil, I'd suggest the standard load in your snub-nosed revolver.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

I use the standard load in my snubbie's and swear by it.

Hi Hap, from your original post, you seem to have a handle on things. Just checked the BB website and, as you say, the 'standard' LHP load seems to be the equivalent of the original W-W LHP of the early 1970s. Their +P loading seems to rest in the low-medium .357 range, if their figures are true.

Carry the heaviest load in your weapon with which you feel comfortable. Go for Minute-Of-Pie-Plate at 5-7 yards. I know BB's loadings are expensive, but pick up an additional box or 2 so you don't worry about firing 6 (5?) a year for familiarization purposes.

Good chatting with you again!

Kaskop49
Shield #5103

I'm with Steve^^^

The standard BB load is, IMO, more than enough to get the job done from a snubby. I do carry the +P version in most of my K frames...especially my M65-2 3in and my M66-1 2 1/2in, but I am fine with the standard loading in my J frames.

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

I use the Buffalo Bore standard pressure .38 Special 150 grain DEWC. Why? Because Buffalo Bore doesn't make a +P version.

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I believe in the wadcutter.

I've switched to carrying the standard-pressure BB 158 gr, LSWCHP-GC, and loading my house gun with it, since I learned that Remington's "new and improved" version of their FBI load I carried for many years has been watered down significantly.

Arthritis makes even low-end .357-comparable loads impractical for me, much less Magnum loads. I've had confidence in the older FBI load for a long time, and a lot of people's tests show the BB stuff virtually identical to the good old Remington.

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Oh well, what the hell.

After reading about Buffalo Bore ammo -- mostly on this forum -- I bought a box of each just to evaluate in a 2-inch J-Frame. The gun is rated for +P.

#20C Standard Pressure, Short Barrel, Low Flash, Heavy. 158-grain Lead SWC-HP. 850 FPS published.

# 20A +P 158GR Soft Cast Lead SWC-HP. 1000 FPS published.

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John

J frame = std

K frame = +p.


Charlie

I use the +p BB in K frames and the standard pressure in my Jframe snubbies which are actually 3". BB says that standard load is doing 920fps out of a 3" bbl.

In my 640Pro I use BB's downloaded 125gr 357 @1225 it's a good load for a Centennial all steel gun.

I've chronoed BB loads including all those above and 44Spl and they perform as advertised.

Plus one on this. I use the standard in my 640-1 and 342 Ti. The SP 101 and 65 3" get the +P.

There was a test floating around You Tube a bit back. It featured a penetration test on the standard BB. The gentleman shot it through denim into ballistic gelatin from a M36 I believe. Penetrated 18" IIRC. I think performance like that is all we can ask from non +P.

I don't shoot a 3", but I do use BB

158 gr kieth hard cast. They call it +P outdoorsman.
Shoot it in my Heavy Dutys and carry it in my 37.

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Halfway and one more step

I carry this load in my LCR .357 Mag when I am working on our hunting lease which has lots of black bears roaming around. I love BB ammunition!!! Always consistent and meets specs.

NC

In a 3 inch K frame the +P should be no problem. I consider it ideal for my M64 3 inch. Might have too much recoil from a J frame.