Lately I've been using the Hornady FTX 110gr standard pressure load. I find it very accurate and easy to shoot in my Airweights.

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Centennial Every Day

Have you any idea why you should not? I have used them in the past and have worked out well. Am I doing damage to my gun?
Frank.

This is what makes sense to me. I have owned my 686 since mid-August 1986, and just love it. That is, other than to carry it. With that in mind I just ordered a no-lock 642CT for SD carry.

At first I was heavily influenced by the 340 because of the ability to use all my .357 ammo in both guns. HOWEVER, after reading much about the possibilities of bullet-pull, I decided to forgo the larger capacity.

In my sixties, I no longer feel I need the "military" level of protection 24/7/365. Sure, personal choice... I just want something I can control accurately and convince my "adversary" that I have either taken them out already, or will shortly... of course as the situation demands, and nothing more or less. I want protection against a potential "battle", and NOT a "WAR", if you understand my point.

In other words, I want ALL gun play to be over before ANY local LEO shows up. Don't care to be the victim of "shoot first, ask questions second" by the local LEO. FYI, I graduated from an LEO academy but chose not to pursue after actually understanding the requirements of the job. At least I considered it.

federal nyclad...125 grain

When I was carrying my 642 I was using Hornaday Critical Defense 110 Grain FTX's rounds. Now that I'm carrying a 640 Pro I switched over to Speer Gold Dot 135 grain 38 Plus P rounds.

[QUOTE=xopher88x;136510939]I'm a fan of the 135gr +P Gold Dot Short Barrel load if it's gotta be +P. But, I shoot standard pressure soooooo much better out of Airweights that I'm currently running Hornady's 110 gr standard pressure Critical Defense round. Try that Gold Dot round, lot of people like it.[/Q
I'M A FAN OF THE GOLD DOTS THAT YOU MENTION, xopher88x. I USE THEM IN MY 642 AND MY 2 1/2" 686, FOR SD / HD. YOU HAVE PIQUED MY INTEREST IN THE HORNADY 110 GR STANDARD PRESSURE LOAD. IT MAY BE EASIER FOR A SMALL FEMALE TO HANDLE. I'M GOING TO TRY A BOX. THANKS FOR SHARING…..

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

plain old fashioned Remington 158 grain +P Lead Semi Wad Cutter Hollow Points in my 642, I am confident that these will work for me if I ever need them.

I have had my 686 for nearly 30yr, and recently stocked up on ~5k 158 XTPs for reloading it. I JUST ordered a 642 for personal carry and picked up some HS6 for standard pressures in the .38 round. May inch up to +P.

I noticed that several like the lighter weight bullets in the 442/642.

QUESTION:
Are there any significant issues firing the heavy 158g XTPs at normal .38 pressures that I may need to be aware of? Accuracy, recoil, etc...

For snub 38's I load some hot hard cast 148 bnwc that I have. I'm not going to post my load but I seat them out to the top lube groove (puts it right up to the throat), firm crimp, with a charge of unique that is not in the books (at leas not the newer ones). The charge would be considered +p for a 158 swc, which this is seated to the same depth internally.

I forgot to add that if it's a .357 snub I like to find a medium rate powder that has loads for 38spl and 357 mag and find a spot between 38 max and 357 minimum. They're stout but easily manageable.

YMMV

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Jim

this thread is almost as old as I am.......lol.

Thanks for bumping this thread Jared. Some of us didn't learn this stuff LAST YEAR, when it first was posted...

I only recently decided to order a 642CT for PC. As a matter of fact, it is still in transit as I type. I understand there will be a transition going from my trusty old 686 L-Frame to the J-Frame 642, especially when it comes to reloads. And since I have ~5k 158 XTPs for reloading sitting around, this thread peaked my interest.

Any additional info for the above combination using HS6 powder with the above bullets in the 642, would be appreciated...

It may sound "Cray Cray" as the kids say today but I carry 1 round of each of the following brand in my 642 and my speed strips simultaneously:

Hornady .38spl 110gr FTXP
Hornady .38spl 158gr XTP
CorBon +p 110gr JHP
Buffalo Bore 125gr JHP
Federal +p 110gr JHP


Yes, I have 5 different manufacturer rounds in my 642. I don't have an educated or proof positive method as to why I do it I guess I just dance to the music in my head haha.