model 638

[rfssylvan]

Picked up an S&W 638 J-frame for carry purposes and I really like it. Light, shoots well, and is small. I was at the range practicing last week and was told (by an instructor) that the ammo I was using would damage the weapon. I was shooting Hornady 90 grain extp "lite", 38 special. The gun is rated for "plus P" and the rounds were not that. He said the 90 grain in 38 special is too fast for most J-frames. I liked the speed of rounds because they penatrate clothing well. He said I should use 130 or 158 grain rounds. I have never heard that before regarding airweight J-frames. Any ideas?

Moderator: I considered the "ammo" forum but chose this because the question is model specific. OK?

[elm_creek_smith]

You won’t damage +P rated S&W revolver by shooting powder puff loads through it. (I’m willing to bet your 90 grain “lite” loads aren’t as fast as you, or the instructor, think.


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[rfssylvan]

Thanks...and yeah they may be powder puff rounds but i'm not as young as I used to be with some arthritis in my hands. Really big recoil is painful. My hope is that better shot placement will help if TSHTF.

[ContinentalOp]

I don't know what kind of background that "instructor" has, but no, shooting loads like that will not damage your gun.

There may be some sighting issues as J-frame sights are typically zeroed for 158gr loads, and I personally prefer heavier bullet weights for self defense, but as long as that ammo/gun combination works for you, keep at it.

[Bajadoc]

Get a new "instructor." Shoot that nice gun until your hand hurts. Then start shooting.

[GeoJelly]

I think this is on-topic - please don't yell at me! About three weeks ago, I had a chance to meet another member here. I asked him what he was carrying - so he unloaded it and showed me. I'm not all that familiar with the 300 series because they're too price for me - but I think it was a 340. He has been carrying it for years and shoots it frequently. When he handed it to me, I expected the yoke-to-frame retention to be loose. Lo and behold, I was astonished! There was a tiny bit of play in it, but it would be acceptable to even an OCD person like me. I didn't do a carry-up check on it but the cylinder seemed to be just fine as far as lateral play. So - this has been poorly articulated - but I hope I got the point across that these little aluminum J-frames hold up pretty well to both frequent carry and shooting. I suppose a person could shoot one enough to loosen it up ... but your hand would prolly loosen up first!!

[D Brown]

Originally Posted by rfssylvan

Picked up an S&W 638 J-frame for carry purposes and I really like it. Light, shoots well, and is small. I was at the range practicing last week and was told (by an instructor) that the ammo I was using would damage the weapon. I was shooting Hornady 90 grain extp "lite", 38 special. The gun is rated for "plus P" and the rounds were not that. He said the 90 grain in 38 special is too fast for most J-frames. I liked the speed of rounds because they penatrate clothing well. He said I should use 130 or 158 grain rounds. I have never heard that before regarding airweight J-frames. Any ideas?

Moderator: I considered the "ammo" forum but chose this because the question is model specific. OK?

While visiting my sister recently, I left her a 638-3 and went down with my brother-in-law and picked out some 90 grain self defense ammunition (sorry, I don't recall the brand) that was rated at less than 900 F.P.S. I figure she's good to go as soon as she gets time to practice a little.

[STCM(SW)]

I only CC mine with this grip that hide in the summer well and reduce recoil.

[Bill In Texas]

Sounds like some of the advice I hear given at my LGS!

[photoman]

Any SAAMI spec 38 Special ammo is good to go in that gun. Always, always always confirm any "advice" you get at gun stores or gun ranges.