I've seen lots of discussion and test results for BB's lead hollow point (e.g., FBI load).

But has anyone tried BB's 38 special standard pressure 125 grain JHP?

I'm referring to product number 20E/20.

I've heard this load uses the gold dot bullet, but that may change from time-to-time depending on where BB sources the bullet.

Should be a good load, but it would be nice to see some gel tests, or chrono tests, or something.

It's interesting that lots of people use the Buffalo Bore 38 special (both the +P and std pressure version) of the SWC hollow point soft lead load.

But no one seems to have tried the BB jacketed hollow point defense loads.

The JHP's seem like superior loads also.

For example the 125 gr JHP shows 921 fps (235 ft. lbs.) for a standard pressure load.

And the +P version are much higher velocity and energy.

Makes me wonder if I'm missing something.

This is above any other standard pressure load I've seen info on.

You asked about the standard pressure version, but I've used the 125gr JHP +P version when I first got my 642-1 about 5-6 years ago. What I recall was strong recoil, strong enough for me to decide not to use it and stick to either Speer 135gr SB-GDHP +P or the standard pressure BB 158gr LSWCHP. Both of those loads are more controllable. I haven't used BB's 125gr standard pressure JHP.

I don't have any info regarding chronographing or gel results with either of the 125gr loads. While I think terminal performance is an important consideration, it doesn't mean anything to me if I can't get quick hits with the ammo.

I suspect the Speer 135 grain Short Barrel loads work so well in both .38 and .357 that few order the harder kicking Buffalo Bore, which is expensive, like the rest of their line.


Those wanting the lead HP round probably find the BB offering hotter than other brands. The Plus P version seems ideal for K-frame guns that owners don't want to expose to excess wear. But it allows what amount to the old, hot .38-44 ballistics with a better bullet. It should be ideal for those still operating true .38-44 guns. (Last listed in 1966.) That's hot enough for defense against humans and will deck a cougar or probably, a bear , with precise placement.


BTW, Speer told me that the Short Barrel loads are meant to be optimal in 2-3 inch barrels, but perform okay from four-inch. The man on the phone suggested that barrels over four inches might find issues with excessive expansion limiting penetration. And barrels of four inches or more should expand their conventional Plus P 125 grain load.


There is no point to firing non Plus P JHP ammo, as one needs the higher velocity to open the bullet in flesh. Plus P and Magnum ammo is not for range use on a routine basis. It is meant to kill things, not punch paper targets. This point seems to elude many new handgunners.


With that in mind, a modest diet of Plus P will not materially affect gun life. Shoot a lot of it, and you'll need gunsmithing for such things as cylinder endshake and timing problems.
I am not interested in current S&W revolvers, so buy only guns made at least 15-20 years or more ago. I don't want to pound them into premature repairs, so haven't sought out BB ammo. But for the intended use, a modest amount is probably a good thing.


Has anyone here experienced pressure signs when firing this brand? The similar Underwood, about which I know almost nothing?

If you want to shoot a 125gr JHP in a 38 snub nose...........

Try the Remington Golded Sabor loading.

The six section Gold Dot 125gr is for 3-4" barrels that can get 915fps minimum........ to guarantee expansion every time.

The GD 125 did not work in my J frame snub nose in test.

Local post exchange put their 3 boxes of BB full wad cutter standard 38 special on clearance. Purchased all of them and took my wife to the range with my 10-6. We fired one box, and it shot poi using a six o clock hold on the 10 ring at 15 yards. It had more than manageable recoil, and grouped very well. Wish I had brought my 15-1 instead. The other boxes will be set aside for some type of fun as deemed by my better half as I think I just lost my heavy barrel 10 to her today.

Not a bad self defense load. The BB wadcutter load has a nice bump in muzzle energy over the usual target wadcutters from other manufacturers.

That it absolutely did. While not target load recoil, it was less than the factory 130gr FMJ Estate loads, and my 158gr LSWC loads using Unique and Win SPP. I was happy with it, and more importantly, the Mrs was too. She got lights out after I had her dry fire a cylinder to identify her tendency to anticipate recoil. Pretty amazing how putting a few empties in place of live ammo without notification shows the shooter better than any explanation in between cylinders.

At one time, others also loaded full speed WC rounds. The late gun writer Maj. G.C. Nonte recommended them, although they were by then discontinued.


This is probably one of the better .38 loads, especially in Airweight frames.