Thread title pretty much says it all. What would you load your 10-5 snubby with for self-defense use? Occasional carry or a nightstand gun. Thanks.

__________________
'Merica!

Frankly, the same as for my J-frames...

Cheers!

All my .38 Specials get the same load for offense, defense, targets, winter and summer. 158 gr. SWC and 5 grs. of Unique. I have a simple mind so keeping things simple works better for me. Larry

I'd use the Speer Short Barrel 135 grain 38 Special +P load, same as I use in my 640-1. This load worked well for the NYPD, can't see why it would not work well for me.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

I always carried regular 158 grain lead round nose in my 649-1, but that gun is not rated for +P.

__________________
'Merica!

I'm with you. Either factory +P 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter loads or equivalent heavy hand loads using cast lead 158 grain semi-wadcutter bullets fueled by suitably heavy charges of Unique. The old so called "FBI load" if you will. It's the most appropriate "performance" load for all .38 Specials of all barrel lengths whether short or longer. All carry .38s here are so loaded.

No light weight bullet loads, no "short barrel loads," and no jacketed bullet loads need apply.

Been using Hornady Critical Defense ammo for my edc .38s and .380.

Buffalo Bore +P 158gr SWCHP GC.

I carry a snub Model 12 most days. It is currently loaded with Fiocchi standard velocity 158 grain semi-wadcutters.

It doesn’t bother me to use +P in this gun, but this stuff hits exactly to the point of aim and is pleasant to shoot so why bother? Bullet type is way down my list of things to worry about.

If I ever run across any of the 135 grain stuff people are enamored with I’ll give it a try.

Attached Images

A248A0D9-57A8-4869-B689-6520C10038F9.jpg (93.3 KB, 41 views)

__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

As some others usually mention the best performing and accuracy is to be had with the 38 Spec. Speer 135 grain short barrel +P. I use it in my 637 no dash and for practice in my 66-1 2.5". For carry in my 66-1, I use the .357 Mag Speer 135 grain Short Barrel +P. People are enamored with it because it works. It's around but you have to look for it.

I carry Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P in my snubby. Because it hits to point of aim for me, and 158gr loads don't.

Just shot some of my Federal 130gr JHPWC reloads at the range: 4.5gr Unique and they shot just great & to point of aim for me in the 442. I'll try them tomorrow in the 2 1/2" Model 19-3: it's not REALLY a snubby, but pretty durn close...

Might just become my new carry round: been using NYCLADS for years...

Cheers!

I have a 4" Model 10 and on the rare occasions I carry it I load it with the FBI Load. (158gr LSWC/HP) That load is accurate and street tested so if it ain't broken don't fix it lol.

I'm using the Remington or Federal offerings. I have 4 or 5 boxes stashed away from a long time ago for use in the M10 and M36.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I’m with ArchAngel my 4” 64&10 as well as 2” 36 all get Federal FBI load. 158 gr shoots to point of aim for me out of every barrel length I’ve tried. it’s proven reliable and easy to find (kind of).

I still carry 147gr +P+ Hydra-Shok or 125gr +P NyClad, if I'm carrying my J-frames; if were to carry my model 10 or 64, , I'd do the same. If I'm going to carry a short K-frame, I just stick with my 2.5" Model 66 with Factory pre-downloaded era .357 125gr Federal JHP.

2" K Frame, whether Model 10 or 12 same thing, The FBI load.

I have Winchester, Remington and Federal and don't care which, they all chronograph at statistically the same velocity. At practical self-defense distances group size or if the ammunition shoots to point-of-aim or not is of no concern, they will all be close enough as long as you are proficient at point shooting!!!! I can guarantee that you will not be using the sights at 3-7 feet if worst comes to worst!

No matter what .38 I will be carrying, it could be anything up to 6", same answer as above.

And plan on and think about this, if the situation arises do not think of firing one shot and see what happens, plan on emptying your gun into your assailant, or at least until you are sure the threat is eliminated!!!!!

If you can handle the "FBI" load and it is close to POA, great.

Otherwise I might give the 135 GD or the 130 HST loads out..........
and pray that one of them works.

I use the Hornady Self Defense in all of my K frames that I carry, 2 inch or 4 inch, all the same.

__________________
Kevin in Oregon

The FBI/Chicago/St. Louis 158gr +P LHP load. I even have a few boxes of the original W-W round from the '69-'70 period which is hotter than the modern version, and, no, they're not for sale or collection!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

A lot of great choices and opinions.Again the bottom line is carry what your comfortable with and what you feel best puts you on target.