I just picked up a new to me 442 no dash and I am wanting some ammo recommendations. It's not rated for +p. What are you guys using for carry rounds in a standard pressure loading? Thanks.

158 gr LSWC or SWCHP, 110 gr Hornady Critical Defense, or Federal 125 gr Nyclad are commonly recommended. Occasional +P use should be OK, however.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I carry +P 158 gr SWCHPs in my 442, shoot standard velocity loads for practice. That's since 1996. Same with a M37 since 1976.

They're not all that fragile.

My no dash 442 also shoots +P, about 20 rounds a year since 1992 w/o any problems. The Federal Nyclad should work fine otherwise, or Buffalo Bore 158 grain HP standard pressure are supposed to be top notch too.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Thanks guys. I do have some +p Federal and Winchester 125gr JHP. I guess it would be OK to shoot a couple cylinders just to make sure it shoots OK and to see where it hits, and then go to standard ammo for further practice.

For standard pressure snub loads I like Federal 125gr Nyclad for carry and 130gr FMJ for practice.

I use Buffalo Bore, either the 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter hollow points (LSWCHP) or their jacketed 125 gr. offering.

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Ogy

Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 20C. 158 grain.

Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

If you prefere a JHP.

Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Hornady 110gr FTX
Federal 125gr Nyclad
Remington 110gr SJHP
Winchester 110gr Silvertip
Federal 148gr Gold Match
Speer 125gr Gold Dot

You'll need to try them all and see which one shoots best in your gun. Accuracy is much more important that using the latest, greatest wonderbullet.

p.s. Just a note to let you know; the standard pressure Buffalo Bore ammo has just as much recoil as most +P ammo.

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Centennial Every Day

Federal 125 Nyclads here too.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95