Does anyone know who might have the Federal Personal Defense standard pressure 38 special 125 grain nyclad HP for sale? What would be the closest equivalent round available?

I'm sorry to say that this round is just about the most difficult thing to find thing out there in firearm land. I believe Federal discontinued production. It's a shame because it was considered to be a fantastic round.

There's a box of 100 for sale on GunBroker right now. They're asking $100 (plus $15 for shipping).

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-Mike-

I thought Nyclads were a novelty way back when but after a long time coated bullets are getting to be very popular. Beats plated and conventionally lubed bullets. Some full ammo makers may be supplying these soon if not already. If not, maybe try making a foray into reloading and you can buy all the coated bullets you want for cast bullet suppliers. Or if you know a reloader that can work up a batch for you you could impose on them. Anyway, what I'm saying is don't go spending big money on Nyclads as there are other ways to get the same thing now.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Well said. Back in the day, the Nyclads were produced by Federal Cartridege (purchased from Smith & Wesson) as an answer to airborne lead issues in indoor firing ranges. They were cheaper than jacketed bullets and did not procduce airborne lead (although these did not address lead produced by primer detonation). The distinctive navy blue nylon coating also prevented leadding of the barrel.

Today we are seeing coated bullets, either powder coated or Hy-Tek coated available to hand loaders. I have personally tested the Hy-Tek coated bullets from Bayou Bullets in my .44 mag and found them to be outstanding. The virtually have eliminated the smoke issue and leave the bore pristine clean after shooting. If you are a hand-loader I would HIGHLY recommend them. If you don't handload - at a buck a round for a purchased, coated bullet, it might be time to consider jumping into hand loading.

GEC

And some of the coatings have PURTY COLORS.

https://www.google.com/search?q=coat...s%3B1305%3B973

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Thanks for the feedback and info. Have about 100 rounds of the +P & like that. Relatively low recoil and accurate. Was hoping to try the standard pressure at some point. Too bad this stuff's so hard to find. It''s still listed on the Federal website which seems odd since it's been discontinued for so long. Probably won't be hand loading anytime soon. Just not at that point yet. There seem to be some good alternative manufactured loads out there. The gun show's here next weekend so I'll see what I can come up with there. Maybe one of the vendors will have some standard pressure Nyclad stashed away that they're willing to part with. Unicorns are real, right?

I think these coated bullets will be available in the future from commercial loaders instead of lead.

I have used them, Less hassle, no leading , Good accuracy,more fps in both pistol and rifle.

I bought them because the lead thing. I have had enough in my lifetime. Results were far better than expected.

The 125 gr standard pressure load worked well in the 2 inch barrels. Good expansion at around 770 fps from a 2 inch.

I am wonder when the major makers are going to get around to the 38 Special leads loads with the polymer coating? A +P LSWCHP that does not lead the barrel would be nice. A bullet similar to the 125 gr Nyclad HP pushed about 1000 fps should work great. Or, how about a lead version of the Hydra Shok with Nyclad or coated bullets? Dead soft lead could be used.

Every thread needs at least one related picture...

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C & L

According to Federal, Nyclad isnot available

Great Pic! I'm shooting a new 649-5 with 21/8 barrel. Love it! The Standard Pressure rounds keep the recoil low for the wife and still seems to be effective for home defense. Still wish Federal would start up again with the Nyclad again. They're great rounds. Currently using Hornady Critical Defense 110 Grain Standard Pressure. Thinking about bumping up to Buffalo Bore 125 grain Gold Dot HP though I like the plug in the Hornady round. Maybe splitting hairs here. Either way, it's fun to test some of these new fangled rounds.

Not what they told me...
• Federal Premium Ammunition - Handgun

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

It's silly how low the velocities are for a lead 125gr, but 830-850fps is still good for some expansion and ~10" penetration in gello....a fair load for something like my older Colt Cobra or someone seeking low recoil "best case .380" performance.

Todays SD minimum in a 2" is the standard pressure.........
win 110gr
Fed 110 low recoil
Hornady 110 CD (not Duty)

With the short barrel +P speed is almost always needed for proper bullet expansion with jacket bullets.

The 125gr Rem GS would be my minimum in a J frame snub nose, if I had to use a light bullet, after all the test that I have done. You can upgrade with Speer or Cor-Bon but at 900fps plus there is more recoil.

I have several original boxes on the Nyclad HP .38's and I try not to shoot any of them. I'm holding on to them for when I carry my old Chief's Special, they are the perfect carry ammo for that revolver IMO.

About 6 years ago I came across 12 rounds of SWC Nyclad ammo without a hollow point in a old box of mixed loose rounds. I didn't know those were ever made.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Great find...................

Solid Nyclad's........... woa baby.
I do think they would get deeper penetration than the HP for
winter use and heavy clothing.

Thanks for sharing, I did not know that type of ammo was made, either.

E-mailed Federal about the Nyclad and got a couple of responses indicating they keep it listed on the website because there are still a few dealers with small amounts of inventory, though they were unable to tell me who or where. Sent one more E-mail inquiry about whether they intend to manufacture the Nyclad again. No response yet. Those Non-Hollow Points look excellent. Thanks for the pic. I'm definitely rationing the 75 rounds of +P I have left. Would like to get to try the standard pressure rounds at some point if I can ever find them.

Is that head stamped as Federal or as S&W brand? Is it Plus P?

I may have seen that, but, not, I think, as a Federal Chief Spcl. round. I think those were all non Plus P, a 125 grain HP at a nominal 825 FPS.

how do the 158gr nyclads shoot in a short bbl?

I have about 5 boxes of 158 grain Nyclad ammo. The NYPD issued them. 2 boxes of jacketed rounds and 3 of the hollow point. All +P. Never gonna shoot them. They're a dying breed and I want to pass them down one day to my son.

IIRC the 158gr Nyclad .38 was a +P hollowpoint, struggled to hit 800fps in a 2" gun.

Full jacketed,not +p,I bought 5 boxes from Buds in 2011 I just haven't shot any of them

Herters TNJ total nylon jacket. I know they make 9mm, 40S&W, 45acp. They are aluminum case non reloadable. Cabellas bought the herters name so that's where to get them.

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A republic if you can keep it

I've used Herters TNJ and like it. Good ammo at reasonable price.

Last E-mail from Federal indicated they have no plans to make anymore Nyclad. Really too bad. The Herter's look good, but don't seem to come in 38 special? If anyone comes across any of the few remaining dealers that still have Nyclad inventory, pass it along. Here's my contribution to the thread pics.

Attached Images

SWNyclad2.jpg (73.2 KB, 103 views)

I still have a box or 2 but I'll keep them, thank you, LOL.

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BrewsterII

At SHOT show this year, I asked a Federal LE Factroy Rep about the 125 gr. Nyclad. He advised (for what it is worth) they make them in runs and will do so again somewhere down the road. I know they did a batch about 2 years ago as I bought several boxes.

When I first heard they were dropping the line, I bought a case of the 125 gr. HP non +P. I use it as a standard carry load. I shoot any I damage the HP on or the 12 I carry once a year during my LEOSA qual.

At that rate I should have enough to last me my days of gun carrying. I know this does not help now but at least it may give you hope.

Oh, I also have 1 box of 148 gr. Nyclad HBWC, mint. Wish they still made those also.

I did not shoot the new Nyclad ammo from Federal. I had 2 boxes of older Nyclad ammo and I shot a half box in a M36 I acquired a few years ago. Right around the same time I was able to find 2 more boxes at a gun show for a good price. I will not shoot that ammo because it's carry ammo for my M36.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Gotta hope what the Federal Rep said was accurate about a future run. Will hit the Gun Show in March to see what I can scrounge up. Haven't found any dealers or classifieds with stock yet. Hanging onto the 75 rounds of +P I have left. In the meantime the Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain Standard Pressure will have to do.