My department dose not allow the use of wadcutters, and both of my J frames are airlights non +p rated. My question then is what ammo to use?

Very forward thinking on their part?
Is it that they don't allow a semi-wadcutter H/P configuration of bullet, or is it the issue of it being lead?
The short barrel Speer's I'd guess? Have they given you the official "approved" list, or are they keeping it nebulous?
Good Luck!
With wisdom like that at the wheel, it sounds like you'll need it!

Practice with wadcutters, but carry +p .38s in it. If you're super-determined to use standard pressure you could try to find a box of Nyclads. Also, Buffalo Bore makes some standard pressure .38s that you should go to their website and check out. Those might be the ticket.

The FBI load is usually found in +P incarnation anyway. If you're reluctant to use +P ammunition in your guns, a quick check at Midway shows that 148 gr JHPs from Fiochi and 158 gr XTPs from Hornady are both available in terms of standard pressure ammunition.

You can always, of course, simply use a limited number of the Speer SB loads in your guns. (Or an unlimited number, depending on your personal theory on the topic of +P loads in guns not officially rated for such.)

I've been thinking about trying some of the 158swc hollow points marketed by Buffalo Bore Ammo in my pre-36 50's era j frame. They list a +p and non + p load. I'am thinking about the non+p for my old j frame.
I've no experience with their ammo-maybe someone else on the forum does.
Regards, John

1/74SIS,
The Buffalo Bore 158 SWCH/P G/C standard pressure load, is the one I selected for my late Uncle's 5 screw K-38. It worked VERY well at near standard 158 velocity and pressure.
To Eric,
That's why I was asking if your departments objection(s) were to the SWC profile, or the lead that it's made out of?
If they're OK with lead, and your concerned over +P, I'd use the B/B standard pressure load in a heartbeat.
But like was said above, practice your ass off with 148 full wads and carry +P's for social engagements. I doubt seriously if 5 +P rounds are going to kill it? And they might just help feel more confidence.
Now in a perfect world, someone would already be manufacturing the late Mr. C's "Safe-Stops" and thats what I'd be using.

quote:

Originally posted by erickg:
My department dose not allow the use of wadcutters, and both of my J frames are airlights non +p rated. My question then is what ammo to use?

Is getting a new airweight an option? If you can afford it it will open up all +P options.

Ditto to the Buffalo Bore non +p

I forgot to ask - aren't all Airlites factory +P rated? Some of the older Airweights aren't.

Straight out of the manual- (A major state agency mind you) Employees shall not carry the folowing secondary handgun ammunition:

(a) Wadcutters or semi-wadcutters.

The list goes on with some obvious things like tracer and armour piercing, but its the no wadcutter thing I cant figure out. Major Police Depts. have used them for years. I probabley will end up buying another J frame that is +p rated, you can never have too many guns right? I just want to find a good used one with out the stupid lock hole drilled into the sideplate.

Checked out the Buffalo Bore non +p ammo, the 125 Speer GD load sounds like the ticket, but at a little over a dollar a pop, it leaves me still searching. Any thoughts on 125 vs 158 grain Hornady XTP? I remember shooting a feral cat a few years ago with a +p XTP reload from a six inch 686, and it ran 50 yards before piling up, not sure I would trust my life to that kind of performance. If all else fails I think there would be little doubt of the 158 grain XTP penetrating, even if it didnt open up it still leaves you with a deep wound. Any further thoughts would be appreciated.

I think I've solved the dilemma you face Eric!
Your supposed to shoot them first with blanks as a less than lethal first step in the force continuum.
The morons!
I pray that someday one of the fools that make these regs will have to actually suffer at the altar of their own folly...
Good Luck my friend!

quote:

Originally posted by erickg:
My department dose not allow the use of wadcutters, and both of my J frames are airlights non +p rated. My question then is what ammo to use?

Your question needs to be clarified. You refer to the FBI load in your title, which is a lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint design and +p. This is NOT "wadcutter" ammo. Wadcutter bullets are typically used in light target ammo.

I believe that "airlight" S&W revolvers are +P rated, but won't swear to it. However, +P ammo today is barely equal to standard pressure .38 ammo of the '40s and '50s, so you really have little to be concerned about there.

quote:

Originally posted by erickg:
Straight out of the manual- (A major state agency mind you) Employees shall not carry the folowing secondary handgun ammunition:

(a) Wadcutters or semi-wadcutters.

Is this here in CA?? Hmm, well I guess I could say that is an interesting policy to have .... I wonder if they meant to allow LSWCHP rounds, which are a standard load and very successful.

quote:

The list goes on with some obvious things like tracer and armour piercing,

Um, yeah. Does it also say no exploding ammo? Must sound good to someone. I've never seen any of these (small arms) rounds on any shelf anywhere ....

The again, I'm not the Boss and don't have the Boss' problems to deal with.......

quote:

well I guess I could say that is an interesting policy to have

John, you're so politic!

Erick, wish you were a NM resident. I would be happy to trade you a brand-new unfired unturned 638-3 (+P rated) for one of your old Airweights . . .

Yes, right here in CA, a major State agency, we had a popular TV show about a couple of our motorcycle riding officers back in the late 70's early 80's, can you figure it out? And yes no explosives is on the list.