I have both the Remington FBI 38+p
and the Federal FBI 38G. I also have the LE 38+P 125GR Hi Shock. Which is the best for
my Model 36 Snub? Which of these would you choose to carry and why? I am thinking the Remington would be best because it is the softest lead. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I have both the Remington FBI 38+p
and the Federal FBI 38G. I also have the LE 38+P 125GR Hi Shock. Which is the best for
my Model 36 Snub? Which of these would you choose to carry and why? I am thinking the Remington would be best because it is the softest lead. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Any of those loads will be a hand full in a Model 36, but should be effective. I would choose the one that shot closest to point-of-aim. A trip to the range is in order!

Just last week, I fired my 642 using the loads you mentioned.

I found that the Federal Load worked better in my gun. Yours maybe entirely different. As n4zov said, a trip to the range is in order!

Best

Bob

For the FBI load the choice is simple, Winchester or Remington. Federal doesn't load it any more. I would prefer either to any jacketed load regardless of bullet weight out of a 2" .38 revolver.

Everyone seems to be hung up on the "Whatever shoots best in your gun". At justifiable self defense ranges this simply isn't a critical issue. n4zov's point about which is closer to POA is good, but anywhere within 3" at 7 yds is completely adequate, and almost anything will do that.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Ammunition To Go has 38G in stock at $29.95 for a box of 50.

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Centennial Every Day

Stephen Camp has an article on the FBI load on his website, www.hipowersandhandguns.net. In his informal testing (soaked newsprint), he concluded that, from a snubby, Federal and Winchester 158gr LSWCHPs probably would not expand -- too hard an alloy. However, the Remington version, with very soft lead bullets, probably would expand when fired from a snubby. For more formal testing, check www.brassfetcher.com. Their ballistic jelatin test of the Remington, fired from a snubby, was very impressive. From longer barrels, the Winchester and Federal bullets should expand, but from snubbies they just don't have enough get up and go.

Cordially, Jack

Before going with one of them Check out Buffalo Bore They have a 158gr swchp plus p that is very powerful.For a J frame they have a standard pressure 158gr swchp that is a stong round but it will be easier to shoot and control.

I would go with Buffalo Bore before using the current production Remington.

The last few boxes of R38S12 I purchased were VERY different than the older production ammo. The bullet was either radically redesigned or improperly seated to the point of being too long for some revolvers. I can't recommend it at this point in time.

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Centennial Every Day