|
|
03-29-2017, 10:00 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Alabama
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
Liked 61 Times in 31 Posts
|
|
What magnum ammo are you carring in your j-frame snubbies?
I was carrying the Hornady Critical Defense FTX in 38 +p. It shoots easy and hits POA in my 649, but I kept feeling like it wasn't adequate.
So I decided to start carrying .357mag loads. I decided on 158gr. because I feel it will have less bluster than the 125gr loads and I prefer more penetration. I had a couple boxes of Federal 158gr HydraShoks and took them to the range. They print a tad high, but well centered, so I think that's the load I'me going to use. I also brought a small supply of Win Silvertips, but the Federal load groups better.
Some may feel it will over penetrate. I want to make sure that in the event I ever have to fire it, the bullet's going to have enough juice to accomplish it's purpose. Personally I feel that the over penetration fear is over played. There's much more chance of simply missing than worrying about an over penetration. I don't need someone's hand or arm being the reason I'm dead.
What do you guys prefer to carry?
__________________
Qoheleth 12:13-14
Last edited by Brasso4; 03-29-2017 at 10:04 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-29-2017, 10:19 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 949
Liked 826 Times in 488 Posts
|
|
Groo here
Remington express 125gr sjhp "flame throwers!]
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-29-2017, 11:42 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Posts: 10,580
Likes: 3,066
Liked 22,564 Times in 5,845 Posts
|
|
Until I ran out of them a few years ago, I was carrying the 357 Magnum Hornady Custom 140 XTP-HP in all of my J-magnums.
With all the ammunition that gets shot up in classes, demos and qualifications I switched to the 357 Magnum Remington 125 SJHPs due to easier availability. Averaging the performance of the Remington ammunition across 5 different J-Magnums, those 125 SJHPs leave the barrels in excess of 1200 FPS.
Do not fear, your 158s will not over penetrate when fired from your snubby. I have only chronographed the CCI 158s from the J-magnums and they run right under 900FPS. The Hydrashok is a bit faster according to factory specifications and will most likely be more in the 950FPS area
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 12:15 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Reedley Ca. U.S.A
Posts: 425
Likes: 11
Liked 537 Times in 220 Posts
|
|
Buffalo Bore 38 +P 158 soft lead SWCHP. Makes over 1000 fps out of my 640 Pro. I know you wanted 357, but I like these so much better. Nothing I can point to though. I kind of see them as a modern 38/44.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 01:35 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,800
Likes: 7,843
Liked 25,708 Times in 8,687 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike in Reedley
Buffalo Bore 38 +P 158 soft lead SWCHP. Makes over 1000 fps out of my 640 Pro. I know you wanted 357, but I like these so much better. Nothing I can point to though. I kind of see them as a modern 38/44.
|
Was going to post the same thing but Mike beat me to it!
In 158 grains and out of a TWO INCH BARREL (1 7/8" actually) the 158 grain Buffalo Bore 38 Spl. +P (#20A) is actually FASTER than Winchester, Remington and Federal 158 grain Magnums! Yes you heard me - the .38 Spl. actually out performs the .357 158 grain in really short tubes as it was NEVER designed for them and much of the powder is burned OUTSIDE the barrel doing nothing to help propel the projectile. It was meant for 6" barrels. You can get lower grain weight Mag. bullets that are faster or BB Magnums, but I would NOT shoot them from a Chief's Spl. 2" bbl. The BB .38 Spl +P 158 gr. LSWCHP-GC has way less recoil, less flash, faster follow-up shots and will not beat you and your small gun up. It is a really fantastic round!!!
Last edited by chief38; 03-30-2017 at 01:38 AM.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 02:24 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Reedley Ca. U.S.A
Posts: 425
Likes: 11
Liked 537 Times in 220 Posts
|
|
I mark the +P BB with a Sharpie line across the base and primer so they don't get confused with non +P BB and find their way into a non +P rated J frame.
|
03-30-2017, 04:34 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Fort Knox, Kentucky
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 5,783
Liked 3,678 Times in 1,016 Posts
|
|
Federal 158gr HydraShoks are what I have been using in my 640-1, but based on what Mike and Chief have said the Buffalo Bore 38 +P 158 SWCHP deserves a look. I prefer 158 grain loads as I feel the 125 grain ones are rougher on the gun and on me.
|
03-30-2017, 04:42 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: CSRA
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 869
Liked 1,629 Times in 779 Posts
|
|
Original Super Vel Police 38SPCL ammo from Shelbyville lndiana
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 05:23 AM
|
|
Moderator SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
|
|
My M640 is most accurate with 145gr Winchester Silvertip .357 Magnum ammo so that's what I carry in it.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 05:51 AM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,880
Likes: 980
Liked 18,995 Times in 9,295 Posts
|
|
There is 158 gr .357, and there is 158 gr .357 . Best to have a bullet designed to expand at the velocity achievable at your barrel length, not FMJ or RNL practice ammo, but I'm guessing if you carry a .357 snubby you already know that.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 08:29 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: N.E. Wisconsin
Posts: 622
Likes: 965
Liked 1,137 Times in 339 Posts
|
|
I carry Remington 125 grain Golden Sabers in my 640-3. They are a "mid range" .357 load, advertised velocity is 1220 FPS (don't know the tested barrel length). In my 640 they are accurate and controllable. I checked my records and for some reason have yet to chrono this load from and of my snubbies. I'll have to correct that soon.
The Buffalo Bore .38 special +P 158 grain LSWC HP is nothing to sneeze at either. That load clocked an average of 1003 FPS out of my 640. I'm using this as my carry load in my 340 M&P.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 08:46 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: central Florida
Posts: 798
Likes: 1,203
Liked 1,015 Times in 391 Posts
|
|
I carry Speer Gold Dot .357 Short Barrel 135 grain JHP in my 640-1. I don't know if it is the ultimate carry round but, it sure as the devil is gonna hurt!
Last edited by Jdavis; 03-30-2017 at 10:46 AM.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 09:05 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 299
Likes: 13
Liked 271 Times in 129 Posts
|
|
My M640-3 has a daily diet of Hormany Critical Defense .357 Magnum FTX.
|
03-30-2017, 09:13 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 2,281
Liked 3,482 Times in 1,030 Posts
|
|
Winchester PDX1 Defender 38spl +p, 130 grain in my Mod.36 and Mod. 60-15.......
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 05:27 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SC
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 589
Liked 3,637 Times in 1,627 Posts
|
|
Plain ol' .38 Special. I like skin on my hand/fingers.
__________________
I've still got it made.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 07:17 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Alabama
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
Liked 61 Times in 31 Posts
|
|
You all convinced me. I ordered some Buffalo Bore. Look forward to popping a few off.
__________________
Qoheleth 12:13-14
|
03-30-2017, 07:23 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,807
Likes: 4,238
Liked 15,203 Times in 4,161 Posts
|
|
I ran 5 rounds of .357 through my 340 M&P at the range and was disabused of that notion, and I was wearing padded weight lifting gloves on my shooting hand.
__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-30-2017, 08:10 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Alabama
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
Liked 61 Times in 31 Posts
|
|
The 649 is all steel. The recoil itself isn't that bad. It's the blast that gets you.
I had a 340 but sold it. I would never even entertain the idea of putting mags in that one.
__________________
Qoheleth 12:13-14
|
04-04-2017, 10:28 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oxford, MS
Posts: 265
Likes: 90
Liked 261 Times in 106 Posts
|
|
Remington HTP in a 125 SJHP. This stuff is burning at 1200 fps from my M&P 340.
|
04-04-2017, 10:50 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 160
Likes: 65
Liked 127 Times in 67 Posts
|
|
+1 on the 125gr Remington SJHP. I carry it in a 649.
__________________
Useless political propaganda
|
04-04-2017, 10:58 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 104,950
Liked 22,296 Times in 4,529 Posts
|
|
Like jdavis, I carry Speer Gold Dot .357 Short Barrel 135 grain JHP. (In my snubby 357 Magnums - I do cary other guns occasionally). At about $1.60 per round its a bit pricey, but hey, what is my life worth?
Trouble is that it has been pretty hard to find for the last year or so. Fortunately, I have a pretty good stash.
Best Regards, Les
__________________
SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064
|
04-04-2017, 11:19 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,800
Likes: 7,843
Liked 25,708 Times in 8,687 Posts
|
|
BTW a short barreled .357 Magnum fired inside the house, car or building will damage your hearing well beyond that of a .38 Spl. - just so you know.
I know survival is #1 in a gun fight and most won't be worrying about hearing in a crises, but out of a 2" snubby a BB #20A +P LSWCHP-GC will deliver 1,025 fps, penetrate 12 - 18 inches, reliably expand and deliver 361 foot pounds of energy. All without excessive flash recoil and noise. Not exactly quiet, but compared to a Magnum round I'd consider it much less disturbing to the ear. Remember - you will NOT be wearing learning protection. Just saying..................
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-04-2017, 09:31 PM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,387 Times in 11,802 Posts
|
|
I'm arthritic and a couple of quarts low on masochism. If I owned a J Magnum it would be loaded with .38 Special.
__________________
Oh well, what the hell.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-05-2017, 10:13 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NC, Yadkin County
Posts: 6,218
Likes: 25,660
Liked 8,546 Times in 3,196 Posts
|
|
My pocket gun is a "J" frame .38 Special and I load a 158 gr. SWC, and 5 grs. of Unique at 712 FPS. The load is not difficult to shoot.
Awhile back after reading about what people shoot and recommend I decided that my load probably wouldn't leave a mark if a person was even wearing a shirt.
I killed a grown doe deer with a rifle so I could test meat and bone. The first pistol shot went through the near shoulder blade, missed bone on the off shoulder and was against the skin. The second shot broke the big bone in the near ham and lacked a 1/4 in. of reaching the hide on the off side. The bullet holes were large enough that I probed with my finger.
I believe that is a good enough load for an old geezer pocket popper. Larry
Last edited by tops; 04-05-2017 at 10:21 AM.
Reason: lacked
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-06-2017, 06:49 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Northern IL
Posts: 67
Likes: 70
Liked 88 Times in 32 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike in Reedley
I mark the +P BB with a Sharpie line across the base and primer so they don't get confused with non +P BB and find their way into a non +P rated J frame.
|
Hey, as far as j-frames are concerned, have you found they the same rule of thumb along with the k frames of : If after 1957 and has model number +p is ok.
Have you found other results, I have a model 36 Flat Latch, and i do not want to load it with +p if it going to mess it up.. nor my Kframes for that situation?
|
04-06-2017, 11:22 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 644
Liked 287 Times in 95 Posts
|
|
Speer Gold Dot .357 Short Barrel 135 gr. in my Model 60 with 2.125" barrel. The Short Barrel round is mild for a .357 and I find it to be manageable in a steel J-frame.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-07-2017, 01:00 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Reedley Ca. U.S.A
Posts: 425
Likes: 11
Liked 537 Times in 220 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave IL
Hey, as far as j-frames are concerned, have you found they the same rule of thumb along with the k frames of : If after 1957 and has model number +p is ok.
Have you found other results, I have a model 36 Flat Latch, and i do not want to load it with +p if it going to mess it up.. nor my Kframes for that situation?
|
I have a number of J frames. Unless they specifically say +P on the barrel, I don't chance it. BB makes the same load in non+P.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|