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10-18-2008, 08:24 AM
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One of my more recent acquisitions is a Model 36 round butt with 3" heavy-barrel...the 36-1 variation. I installed a beautiful new set of Executioner stags w/ medallions yesterday.
I've been carrying this gun since the day I got it. The size seems perfect to me.
Without going +P, what would be the most effective .38 Special cartridge to load in this gun? Is there any advantage, ballistically, with the 3" barrel versus a standard J-frame snubby?
Thanks.
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10-18-2008, 08:24 AM
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One of my more recent acquisitions is a Model 36 round butt with 3" heavy-barrel...the 36-1 variation. I installed a beautiful new set of Executioner stags w/ medallions yesterday.
I've been carrying this gun since the day I got it. The size seems perfect to me.
Without going +P, what would be the most effective .38 Special cartridge to load in this gun? Is there any advantage, ballistically, with the 3" barrel versus a standard J-frame snubby?
Thanks.
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10-18-2008, 09:07 AM
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It's an all-steel revolver. Occasional use of +P coupled with heavy doses of standard pressure ammunition is not going to hurt your pistol.
In any case, when my life is on the line I want the most potent ammo I can safely stuff in the gun. In 38 Special that is either Buffalo Bore's 158 gr LSWCHP +P, the same load from Remington, or Speer's 135 gr GD +P.
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10-18-2008, 09:13 AM
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Buffalo Bore also offers a standard pressure .38 spec 158 grain LSWC-HP. It's what I use in my Colt DS.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunitio...htm#standard38
Let's see some pics
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10-18-2008, 09:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
It's an all-steel revolver.
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True, but there's many different kinds of steel...with specifications that vary drastically.
I do appeciate your input, Wyatt, but the question I'm asking is what would be the most potent non +P ammo coming out of a 3" tube?
I'm not disagreeing with you. Occasional +P out of my J-frame might not hurt it. But, if I really wanted a more potent cartridge, I'd just grab a different gun...I have several to choose from.
I'm one of those silly people that are more comfortable staying within manufacturers recommendations.
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10-18-2008, 09:40 AM
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Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. hp is designed for snubs and is the very best snub load that I have used in the last 40 years.
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10-18-2008, 09:46 AM
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I used to use 125 grain Nyclad hollow points in my J frames. They had a standard velocity (called the Chiefs Special load) and a +P in the 125 grain Nyclad. I still have several boxes of these which I cherish. A great current load for 2" barrels is the Federal Hydra-Shok non-+P 110 grain load.
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10-18-2008, 11:39 AM
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My 36 and 37 get carried with Glaser Safety Slugs.
Federal has a non+P 158gr SWC-HP that is well rated.
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10-18-2008, 11:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by G-Mac:
I do appeciate your input, Wyatt, but the question I'm asking is what would be the most potent non +P ammo coming out of a 3" tube?
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In that case, Buffalo Bore makes a std pressure FBI load that performs at the level of others' +P 158 gr LSWCHP loads.
They probably use a non-cannister grade powder made to their formulation. Since their ammo is SAAMI approved, when they say non +P, they mean it.
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10-18-2008, 12:01 PM
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You will not find a whole lot of difference ballistically going from a 2 inch to a 3 inch barrel. In a J frame, reduced muzzle flip a benefit. In short barrels, you need a round with a powder load which burns very fast so that the bullet is propelled as rapidly as possible before clearing the muzzle. Generally speaking, faster burning powders are found with the lighter bullets. Remington used to have a 95 grain JHP that was just about screaming out of a 2 inch. Although the bullet was light, since energy varies as the square of the velocity, this round was delivering more energy than most other .38's out of a short barrel. I would suggest something around 110 grains or so.
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10-18-2008, 01:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by MaineProbation:
Although the bullet was light, since energy varies as the square of the velocity, this round was delivering more energy than most other .38's out of a short barrel.
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The concept of muzzle energy or delivered energy has nothing to do with the disabling ability of handgun bullets.
A 110 grain bullet that dumps all its energy in less than 8 inches of tissue is useless.
Shot placement is King. Penetration is Queen. All else are angels dancing on the head of a pin.
With apologies to Erich.
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10-18-2008, 02:35 PM
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I agree with those who said Buffalo Bore LSWCHP std pressure. I shot some today in my 12-2. Never had a problem with this ammunition. IT does not have the recoil of the hot plus p loads. The only down side is it aint cheap. But what is today.
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10-18-2008, 02:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
The concept of muzzle energy or delivered energy has nothing to do with the disabling ability of handgun bullets.
A 110 grain bullet that dumps all its energy in less than 8 inches of tissue is useless.
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+1. That's absolutely right.
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10-18-2008, 02:59 PM
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Which load?
(and I ain't bein' smart here) . . .
But the one that shoots exactly to the point of aim of your "new" wheel gun!
The most potent bullet in the world ain't gonna do you much good if it misses the right spot by enough to cause the BG to hurt you before he bleeds out!
THAT BEING SAID,
The ol' Model 36 revolvers were regulated for 158 grain weight bullets. Shooting light bullets will make the bullets hit low, generally. Thus, get a few boxes of your favorite recommended brands of BG poison and have fun at the range!
HOWEVER . . . if you want to save a bunch of money, just buy those pricey Buffalo Bore 158 grain LSWC-HP (Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollowpoints) and you'll have the best, and most time-proven .38 special round of all time out of a snubbie!
Many a bad guy has fallen to the venerable 158 gn. LSWC-HP!
I use the Remington 158 gn. LSWC-HP +P in my 1964 Model 36 for self defense and have confidence it won't hurt the gun. I practice with lighter stuff.
HOWEVER, right now a bad fall has messed up some ligaments in my wrist, so I've downloaded to the light-kicking 148gn. Wadcutter ammo.
That stuff shoots at absolute perfect P.O.A. in my M36 and, although it doesn't expand, the flat malplait of that bullet cuts a nice round plug through flesh and makes a hole that won't close up like a round nose bullet.
The 148 WC is a GREAT selfdefense load, and always has been, and I don't fear having to use them if necessary as the wrist recovers! They'll do the job well if I do my part!
BTW, here's how my snubbie shoots a cylinder's worth of the 148 grain stuff, at 10 yards (standing and UNSUPPORTED) into a tiny 1" black square. 158 grain shoots almost exactly at the same spot too!
Hope this helps!
T.
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10-18-2008, 03:33 PM
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Quote:
Since their ammo is SAAMI approved, when they say non +P, they mean it.
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To the best of my knowledge, Buffalo Bore is ~not~ a SAAMI member.
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10-18-2008, 03:47 PM
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Quote:
I do appeciate your input, Wyatt, but the question I'm asking is what would be the most potent non +P ammo coming out of a 3" tube?
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Winchester 110gr Silvertip
Federal Gold Match 148gr wadcutter
Federal Personal Defense 110gr Hydra-Shok
Remington 110gr semi-jacket HP
Remington 158gr SWC
Buffalo Bore offers three standard pressure .38 Special options but the recoil may be more than you want and it's up to you to decide if you think they really are within standard SAAMI pressure limits.
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10-18-2008, 05:06 PM
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I also like the Federal 125gr JHP Nyclad's
If you can get em try them. Last box I bought was pricey but it is worth it.
They were non +P but not sure if they are still available.
Carl
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10-18-2008, 06:23 PM
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Real easy, Anything that goes BANG Everytime and leaves a very large exit wound.
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