Speer LE 38SPL+P 135gr GDHP #53921

[noshow]

Hi gang! Today I was gifted 3 50 round boxes of this ammo from a local Sheriff who I became friendly with. It appears to be highly regarded from what I have gleaned on the net, but I have a question about it's application. I am an elder with a preference for revolvers. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I think I would like to standardize on this highly rated cartridge, but would like to hear input from those members more sophisticated than me in that area. I presently own three(3) revolvers that will accept these rounds: 1) a 2" Model 36 no dash, 2) a 4" Model 10-6 HB and 3) a 6" Model 19-3. At present, I only use factory loaded Remington ammo in these home defense revolvers as follows: Mod 36 158gr lead SWC, Mod 10 158gr +P SWCHP(FBI Load) and the same in my Mod 19. I think the Mod 10 could digest this ammo without concern, but question the safety of it's use in the Mod 36 and the Mod 19(forcing cone cracks). If this Speer product would allow all three revolvers to use the same load, it would make things more simple. I welcome your replies, thanks for reading this long winded post

[hlwjr1947]

Well regarded ammo, however some Winchester Ranger ammo did better in Lucky Gunner tests. Check their website for further info.

[muddocktor]

Don't even think of worrying about running that through your model 19. It's 38 Special ammo, not 357 Mag and the pressures are so low as compared to 357 ammo that the forcing cone issue with the model 19 doesn't apply. It was only with 125 grain 357 ammo that possible issues with the forcing cone cracking were encountered.

[murphydog]

The factory used to state any steel K frame in .38 or .357 was OK for + P .38 Special. Your steel J frame model 36 is fine with this load and you may consider restricting it to occasional use, but definitely try it for function and sighting in.

[ContinentalOp]

It's my first choice for carry in my 642-1. It's established a very good track record in actual shootings as it's been in service with at least a few police departments, including NYPD. Gel tests are good to consider, but I wouldn't ignore actual results.

It should be fine to run through your guns. I might use it sparingly in the 36, fire a few cylinderfuls to make sure you can shoot it well and that it's reliable in the gun, then use standard pressure ammo for practice with occasional +P loads. You don't have to worry about safety with the 36, but it may accelerate wear; occasional use of +P shouldn't cause any problems. This is more of an issue with the lightweight guns than the steel guns like your 36, but being an older no-dash I might want to err on the side of prudence. Others with more knowledge/experience may know better than I would.

You can run as much of them through your K-frames as you want.

To me, the Speer load kicks about the same as FBI loads, maybe more of a snap than a push, if that makes sense.

FYI, getting this ammo can be tricky at times. Speer produces it in cycles, every 3-4 months if I'm not mistaken. Just something to keep in mind for the future.

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't think you ever gave to worry about shooting a .38 Special round in a .357 Magnum revolver like the M19. Of the three revolvers you mentioned that would be my least fear.

[chief38]

noshow,
that is IMHO one of the best SD loads you could use! The only one that might be a bit better would be the Buffalo Bore #20A 158 grain LSWCHP-GC +P. In a 2" Chief's Special it will give you 1025fps, from a 4" about 1100 fps. For a heavy bullet to do that is low end Magnum performance without the Magnum recoil, flash, noise and excessive penetration indoors.

It might be a bit stout for your 2" M36, but for the other two guns - perfect!

Still, the Speer GDHP will work well in them all too - and have less recoil then that of the BB load. Just less speed and less foot pounds of energy - but still quite capable for SD / HD.

[petepeterson]

That's a pretty nice gift!

I think all of the loads you have will do the job. It's a matter of preference. The difference in effectiveness between the "new" Speer load and the "old" FBI load is probably very little, providing you put the bullet where you want.

Having that much on hand, you have enough to check them in all 3 revolvers, then load up. Or you can stay with what you have. I wouldn't lose any sleep either way.