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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 09-24-2017, 02:58 PM
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Hello all! I’m Michelle and I’m new to this forum and shooting. I’m practicing for my LTC and I recently bought a SW 442. I went to the shooting range a couple of times and loved it!!! Everything except the recoil. I replaced my grip with a Hogue rubber grip for a “J” frame because the original was a little small and this also helped the recoil, but this baby still packs a punch. I can tell that changing ammo made a difference, so I’m here asking for advice on good bullets for target practice that won’t leave my wrist in pain later. My control is good so I’m not so worried about self defense, but when it’s time to play I wanna enjoy it. I still welcome advice on SD rounds though since I have so much to learn. Thanks!
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Old 09-24-2017, 03:04 PM
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Welcome Michelle. What ammo were you shooting at the range? You may also want to consider stepping up a little in size for a revolver if the 442 is an issue. Practice with the weapon you are going to carry is paramount to both carrying it and learning to shoot it well. If it is a painful experience every time you may not want to shoot it often enough to become proficient.
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Old 09-24-2017, 03:18 PM
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Light target loads should be the order of the day for learning to shoot. Once you are comfortable with those, you can shoot SD loads occasionally, but keep with target loads for most shooting.
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Old 09-24-2017, 03:22 PM
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The best and easiest way to learn to shoot handguns for a beginner is with a full-sized .22 revolver or semiautomatic.

Once you get the basics down it's easier to move on to harder to shoot handguns; but, you never outgrow a good .22.
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Old 09-24-2017, 03:29 PM
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Welcome aboard Michelle.
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Old 09-24-2017, 03:38 PM
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Welcome to the forum ad the world of gun addiction.
The thing about the very light handguns is they are not pleasant to shoot a lot at the range.
Read your gun manual and understand how to safely use the revolver. Learn how to hold it keeping your hand and body parts away from the cylinder gap. You don't want to lose a finger or worse.
I think learning how to have a very firm grip on the gun will help your wrist handling the recoil. Letting your arm take more of the recoil will help taking the recoil flip away from your wrist.
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:08 PM
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Welcome aboard from Pennsylvania, Michelle.
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullet Bob View Post
The best and easiest way to learn to shoot handguns for a beginner is with a full-sized .22 revolver or semiautomatic.

Once you get the basics down it's easier to move on to harder to shoot handguns; but, you never outgrow a good .22.
The difference in the cost of .22s and .38 Spec. shells will soon pay for the cost of a .22. Then you will have 2 guns. Larry
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:22 PM
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Welcome Michelle! I have Crimson Trace laser grips on my 442. LG-405. The way this model is made creates kind of a space between the frame and the grip. Really tames the recoil plus you have the benefit of a laser.

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Old 09-24-2017, 04:24 PM
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Welcome!

Use wadcutter target loads.

You'll love them, your wrists won't hurt and you'll shoot well.

You can also use them for sd with confidence. Not sexy but very effective.
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:28 PM
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This ammo has soft recoil and can also be used as a defense load (not as good as a hollow point but not bad).

Federal Premium Gold Medal 38 Special Ammo 148 Grain Match Wadcutter
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:41 PM
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I second the recommendation for .38 Special wadcutter ammunition. Definitely will be lighter recoil. May be difficult to find locally, but is always available online. And it is not a bad choice for personal defense.
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:52 PM
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Welcome to the forum, Michelle.

You have received some good suggestions for practice ammo, as far as SD goes, it's hard to beat Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition 38 Special +P 135 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point. That is assuming you have been shooting +P.
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:59 PM
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Welcome to the forum. Lots of good advice for you here...lots to learn here.
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Old 09-24-2017, 05:00 PM
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I'd give Winchester target loads 130 gr a try. They come in a white box and are cheap. Walmart usually carries them.

Pretty mild ammo.

It's what I use for practice with light weight guns like the 442 and 642.

The wadcutter idea is also a good one, but I usually have trouble finding wadcutters, and they aren't cheap.

Remember, to be effective, a gun has to have some power behind it. So, to some extent, you just need to practice enough to get used to some recoil. It kind of comes with the territory.
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Old 09-24-2017, 05:00 PM
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Default I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!!

The Hogue was a good idea, I use them, especially for my wife's gun. And yeah, any bona fide target load will be the softest shooting in your gun.

Ammo using 148 grain Wadcutter with a hollow base are inherently soft shooting because the bullet design limits the velocity to prevent damage to the projectile.

You 442 is good for all kinds of shooting, even just for fun, but you might want to look at getting something like a model 10 with a 4" barrel or something similar. The frame is somewhat larger and heavier than the 'J' frames, but are comfortable to shoot and a lot of fun. Even with heavier ammo.

Another thought might be a .22 pistol. Minimum noise and kick but gangs of fun.

If you do buy a 'range' gun like this try to get adjustable sights for better accuracy.
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Old 09-24-2017, 05:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullet Bob View Post
The best and easiest way to learn to shoot handguns for a beginner is with a full-sized .22 revolver or semiautomatic.

Once you get the basics down it's easier to move on to harder to shoot handguns; but, you never outgrow a good .22.
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The difference in the cost of .22s and .38 Spec. shells will soon pay for the cost of a .22. Then you will have 2 guns. Larry
None of that actually helps with recoil, which is what the OP is asking

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Old 09-24-2017, 05:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bfils View Post
Hello all! I’m Michelle and I’m new to this forum and shooting. I’m practicing for my LTC and I recently bought a SW 442. I went to the shooting range a couple of times and loved it!!! Everything except the recoil. I replaced my grip with a Hogue rubber grip for a “J” frame because the original was a little small and this also helped the recoil, but this baby still packs a punch. I can tell that changing ammo made a difference, so I’m here asking for advice on good bullets for target practice that won’t leave my wrist in pain later. My control is good so I’m not so worried about self defense, but when it’s time to play I wanna enjoy it. I still welcome advice on SD rounds though since I have so much to learn. Thanks!
Welcome, Michelle!
Here are my suggestions, from least to most expensive:

Since you're new to shooting, the first thing I would suggest is getting quality instruction on how to properly grip, shoot and handle recoil from a revolver. (You might be past that point already, but I've seen guys who called themselves "experienced shooters" who didn't have a clue how to handle a revolver).

As others have mentioned above, 148 gr wadcutters perform reasonably well and don't recoil as much as +p loads.

You might also want to try a variety of grips -- the Hogues are great provided they fit your hand. I find it easier to handle recoil without finger grooves but many people tell me the exact opposite. Another grip option you might like is the Pachmayr Gripper Decelerator, the rubber is much softer and can reduce felt recoil.

You could have the barrel ported. This comes with some drawbacks for a defensive pistol - you could have hot gases and unburned powder end up in your face if you have to shoot from a retention position, but it will bring down recoil.

Finally, you could consider a different carry gun. When I carry a J-frame I prefer the all-steel versions myself, the extra weight makes no practical difference to me. A K-frame (such as a Model 10 or 64 with a 2" barrel) is even easier to shoot. I realize this is the S&W forum but a Ruger SP101 or Kimber K6S will also recoil a lot less than a 442.
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Old 09-24-2017, 06:11 PM
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If you truly enjoy shooting, invest in a quality .22 handgun. You can learn so much shooting a handgun with no recoil and pinpoint accuracy. Your 442 is an excellent carry weapon. Welcome!
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Old 09-24-2017, 06:22 PM
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Shoot target loads when practicing.
Carry hollow points for defense.
Believe me, if you draw and HAVE to shoot to protect yourself, your adrenal load will be so high you will not notice the recoil.
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Old 09-24-2017, 06:51 PM
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Shoot target loads when practicing.
Carry hollow points for defense.
Believe me, if you draw and HAVE to shoot to protect yourself, your adrenal load will be so high you will not notice the recoil.
That's good for most practice but still no substitute for practicing with your carry ammo and carry gun.

You're going to be slower getting back on target and your carry load may or may not shoot to the same point of aim.
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Old 09-24-2017, 07:08 PM
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Welcome to the Neighborhood Michelle!
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Old 09-24-2017, 07:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rpg View Post
Welcome!



Use wadcutter target loads.



You'll love them, your wrists won't hurt and you'll shoot well.



You can also use them for sd with confidence. Not sexy but very effective.


+1. Makes a world of difference. Will be so soft compared to what you were probably provided as a self defense round
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Old 09-24-2017, 07:24 PM
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Welcome aboard from Wyoming.

I am a fan of S&W Centennial models (enclosed hammer) so I believe you made a terrific choice with your 442.

Which Hogue grip did you put on your new acquisition? I'm a proponent of Hogue's Tamer on the Centennials because it covers the whole frame back. The Monogrip falls a bit short. You can see the difference in the photos of my M&P 340 with the Monogrip (borrowed from a J-frame with an exposed hammer for this photo shoot) and the Tamer on my 43C.

Speaking of the 43C, that's what I'd recommend for a .22 you could use for practice. Same frame as your 442 and close in weight. It's just a hoot to shoot, and I think your wrist would thank you. I think there's much to be said for practicing a lot with a gun that's nearly identical to the one you'll carry. This is not offered as a substitute for practicing with the .38 ammo you'll carry in your 442.

Enjoy.

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Old 09-24-2017, 08:00 PM
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Welcome from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

I have a motor nerve condition that gives me, as my neurologist put it, profound weakness in my right hand and moderate weakness in my left hand.
I've found that Pachmayr compact grips on my 442 really help me.

I've trimmed them for speed loaders.

My 442's my everyday carry.
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Old 09-24-2017, 08:25 PM
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I would rather shoot about anything, rather than practice with full loads in a .38 J frame, up to and including the big 500!

I am a big fan of a Smith .22 revolver for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of marksmanship, then moving them up to target loads in a .38 (as suggested in earlier posts) Once mastered, practicing with serious self defense loads is warranted.

Trying to learn marksmanship with painful loads just seems to induce bad habits that are really hard to unlearn later. It is cheaper, and more fun, to buy a good Smith .22 and shoot lots of relatively more inexpensive ammo than to try to master the handgun with full load .38s in a 442.

Welcome to the shooting community. I hope you have lots of fun and master the handgun. The trail is difficult, but very rewarding as well. I have been shooting for 50 years and still have fun!
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Old 09-24-2017, 08:59 PM
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Michelle, Welcome to the Forum From Arkansas if you carry your pistol in your purse, put a set of S&W round butt target grips and try it. I have severe R/A and I put a set on my 442 and it is a world of difference.. Purse carry would alleviate the bulk problem. Just sayn.
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Old 09-24-2017, 10:53 PM
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Thank you everyone for the warm welcome and great advice. I can tell I have come to the right forum. I can’t wait to try these options including a .22 to learn accuracy. Dcopper, I also have RA so you know how I feel and thank you. Bob, I bought the Hogue Tamer. Thanks again to everyone. I’ll post as I get better at this.
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Old 09-25-2017, 12:41 AM
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Old 09-25-2017, 02:42 AM
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Couple things.

(1) The Airweights can be a bit snappy to shoot. The light weight that makes them easy to carry gives you less of a "buffer" between you and the recoil. You might consider adding a steel-framed 640 (or the Pro model, if you can lay hands on one) to your collection. Alternatively, a K-framed .38 Spl or .357, or an L-framed (same size as the K) 686.

(2) Look for lead wadcutter ammunition, typically 148-grain. Midway sells some Fiocchi for $20 a box, and Sportsman's Guide is currently selling Remington target wadcutters (excellent ammunition) for about $23.

(3) Consider reloading--it lets you tailor your ammunition precisely to your needs while saving a ton of money in the process. A few hundred bucks will get you a decent workbench and a Lee turret press. Another $100 or so at your local shop--prices are much better working in bulk online--will net you bullets, powder, and primers for your first 500 rounds of ammunition. After that, ordering online, you can produce quality .38 Spl ammunition for about $4 a box.
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Old 09-25-2017, 07:21 AM
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First, welcome Michelle. I've been shooting for almost 50 years and also carry a light 5 shot revolver. You cannot escape physics so your little 442 is going to jump and hurt after awhile. Here's what I do: I have a Model 10 snub, the K frame slightly larger & heavier than your 442. I'll run a box of 50 target loads down range then switch to my carry 340PD. Next I run about 20 rounds of light target loads, 130 grain FMJ, at the target then switch to my carry load of +P. Two cylinders to make sure I can hit in a self defense situation and I'm done. I use paper plates at three, five and seven yards. Shoot your gun to empty as fast as possible, combat reload (speed loader or speed strip) and repeat. Your goal is to keep all shots on the paper plate. I try and run this drill about once a month. Good luck and again, welcome.
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Old 09-25-2017, 08:32 AM
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I just wanted to say good luck to you; I should have said welcome to the forum in my first post.

I'm always glad to see new shooters take up the sport. Although the focus for most folks these days is on self-defense, to me shooting is first and foremost about (safely) having fun.
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Old 09-25-2017, 08:37 AM
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All good information above. Another good practice ammo choice is the various forms of 130 gr full metal jacket .38 Special (Winchester, Remington, PMC), definitely loaded light.

Would definitely try 148 gr wadcutters too, then work your way up to more powerful up to full defensive loads. The 135 gr Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel, and the equivalent Hornady and Winchester defense loads are all good choices. Please keep up updated on your progress and stay safe!
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Old 09-25-2017, 08:51 AM
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Being a clean slate you are in a good position to learn good shooting skills without the bad habits. I also believe that woman have an advantage of steadier & more sensitive hands. I think revolvers make for the best teachers & a good 22 and a model 10 (4") 38special would be great starter guns for you. Hold off on the +p & hot loads for a while. If/when some macho man tries to get you to shoot his 44mag or X frame 500 howitzer, just say "no thank you". Good luck. If you decide to try a big magnum, (which is the best way to learn to flinch) just load 1 bullet at a time to start with.
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Old 09-25-2017, 09:13 AM
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Welcome to the forum!! By the way, you made a good choice for a carry handgun in the 442. I just sent my daughter one last week, should be at her ffl this week. Great carry piece, not so user friendly at the range unless, as others have said you power down a bit. Wadcutters really are a good range bullet. No way around some recoil, its just going to happen when you fire a round, but you can minimize it somewhat. Learn lots and have fun at your new sport, and welcome!
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Old 09-25-2017, 12:57 PM
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Hi Michelle and welcome! My wife shoots a 442 and very well! Her's has a set of the Crimson Trace LG-405 grips installed and she likes them. She also likes the Pacmayer compact grips on this revolver. Both are slightly larger and longer than the frame sized OEM grips but they are more of a handful and definitely reduce the amount of felt recoil for both of us.

I agree that a good regular 148 grain wadcutter is a very decent round for personal protection as well as for practice. I especially like the full wadcutter standard pressure load sold by Buffalo Bore that contains a 150 grain hard cast lead full wadcutter bullet. They produce a bit more velocity and therefore foot pounds of energy than the standard wadcutters without approaching the recoil of the +P loadings. I also like the Speer Short Barrel 135 grain load for personal protection. It seems to have a bit less recoil than many of the other +P loadings. We carry a cylinder full of the BB full wadcutters and a speed strip or two with the Speer SB rounds for reloads. The longer and more tapered bullets in these are a bit easier to stuff in the cylinder chambers especially in a hurry. You will have to try these two loads for yourself to see how they work for you. I agree that a steel framed 5 shot revolver is more pleasant to shoot than the lighter weight frames, but they also carry a bit heavier than the light weights. Most every thing about this situation involves some compromise, but the important thing is that you should use what you can shoot the best (best accuracy with quicker shot to shot times). Accuracy is paramount. Understand that what may get tiresome for you at the range after several rounds are fired will likely work just fine for personal protection purposes since you won't be likely to fire more than a cylinder full for that purpose. If you can fire one that stings a bit very accurately, it'll be good for regular protection carry, and you can fire the regular wadcutters at the range.

We have found the 442 to be a very fine gun for carry purposes as well as one that has stood the test of considerable range fire since the time this model came on the market. We've had it since 1993 and it ain't going anywhere but with us! You have a dandy firearm, especially if you can shoot it well!!
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Old 09-25-2017, 01:13 PM
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Welcome to the forum, Michelle, glad to have you aboard! I have some of the finest friends I've never met here, and I'm sure that you will, also.

My wife also carries a 442 for self defense - it's lightweight, which is an advantage for carry. As for shooting, full +P loads work for me in a similar revolver, but she is not as comfortable with them - a few shots are all she can handle - not conducive to lots of practice.

My solution for her was what others here have suggested - full wadcutter target rounds. With these, the bullet is seated flush with the mouth of the case, and the nose is completely flat. While on paper, this load is a pipsqueak, the shape of the bullet punches with a sharp-cut hole, rather than "burrowing" through flesh. This has the effect of severing blood vessels rather than pushing them aside. For this reason, it's effective while offering very moderate recoil - a good compromise for both practice and self-defense.

I definitely endorse plenty of practice with a .22 pistol - either revolver or semiautomatic. You can develop your stance, your stable hold, your sight alignment and your proper sight picture with either type, and virtually ignore recoil. Then when you step up to a more powerful gun, you have the basics that will enable you to use it effectively.

Again, welcome aboard, and don't hesitate to ask questions here - there is a world of experience with the forum members that you can tap into easily.

All the best,
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Old 09-25-2017, 01:22 PM
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Hello all! I’m Michelle and I’m new to this forum and shooting. I’m practicing for my LTC and I recently bought a SW 442. I went to the shooting range a couple of times and loved it!!! Everything except the recoil. I replaced my grip with a Hogue rubber grip for a “J” frame because the original was a little small and this also helped the recoil, but this baby still packs a punch. I can tell that changing ammo made a difference, so I’m here asking for advice on good bullets for target practice that won’t leave my wrist in pain later. My control is good so I’m not so worried about self defense, but when it’s time to play I wanna enjoy it. I still welcome advice on SD rounds though since I have so much to learn. Thanks!
Most people I know who are ballistics savvy and cannot handle the recoil of +P defense rounds, carry 148gr wadcutters with the JHP as backups in their strips or loaders. Easy on recoil, sharp shoulder that cuts, and good penetration.

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With few exceptions, the vast majority of .38 Sp JHP's fail to expand when fired from 2" barrels in the 4 layer denim test. Many of the lighter JHP's demonstrate overexpansion and insufficient penetration in bare gel testing. Also, the harsher recoil of the +P loads in lightweight J-frames tends to minimize practice efforts and decrease accuracy for many officers. The 158 gr +P LSWCHP offers adequate penetration, however in a 2" revolver the 158gr +P LSWCHP does not reliably expand. If it fails to expand, it will produce less wound trauma than a WC. Target wadcutters offer good penetration, cut tissue efficiently, and have relatively mild recoil. With wadcutters harder alloys and sharper leading edges are the way to go. Wadcutters perform exactly the same in both bare and 4 layer denim covered gel when fired from a 2" J-frame.

Last edited by eb07; 09-25-2017 at 01:24 PM.
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Old 09-25-2017, 01:26 PM
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Welcome to the forum. Looks like you have lots of good info to consider.
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Old 09-25-2017, 01:51 PM
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Hello Michelle. Welcome to a very good forum with many knowledgeable and courteous folks.

I read all the posts in the thread prior to posting this message. I an going to cover some of them and make a specific recommendation for reducing recoil of your SW442.

If the Army and Marines trained troops with 22LR it would save millions of dollars, but they don’t. If an when a firearm has to be used to defend yourself the most important factor is skill level with the particular weapon and ammo. One cannot acclimate to a weapon unless they shoot that weapon enough to gather maximum skill handling, aiming, managing trigger and recoil. That is a irrefutable fact based upon the logic that the more use use something the better you get at using it.

So my recommendation is always practice for SD with your EDC and EDC ammo. Let’s assume you agree with that last sentence, and your objective is to reduce recoil. There is only one option for doing that. You have to select ammo that will not be too hot but will still met the characteristics of good SD ammo.

I carry a Remington 380. I practice with it so I shoot it at least twice a month and burn through 50 or more rounds. Most folks look for ammo that will have a heavy bullet and a powerful enough load to get it to maximum velocity. That is a good formula, but it means heavy recoil.

I took a different approach. I researched SD ammo for best pocket pistols. Because of the short barrel of the Remington 380 it is rare that a hollow point will expand, and it is likely that ball ammo will over penetrate. So I looked for a good substitute for both. I found that the relatively new hydraulic ammo does the damage of HPs without expanding. It basically uses lateral hydraulic shock to create a substantial wound cavity. The bullets are specially designed to do that. ballistic gel tests prove that it works.

I decided on Ruger ARX, an ammo that uses a copper composite bullet so it is light and does not require the same powder load as heavy lead or copper bullets. For example, 38 special has a 77 grain bullet and has a velocity of 1116 FPS and 213 foot pounds of force out of the barrel. Now with a short barrel the velocity and energy will be about 10% less than those numbers. Still it is plenty of power and speed to be accurate with good penetration with the 77 grain bullet. A heavier bullet would slow things down and that would deteriorate performance and increase recoil.

I urge you to look into it. The Ammo is made by Polycase (polycaseammo.com). There are quite a few videos of it in use on your tube. It is worth a look. If you want a different option look at Underwood Xtreme Defender and Lehigh Extreme Defender. Both use the hydraulic shock design, but they use an all metal composite bullet so they need more powder and therefore use more powder to drive the bullet. That means more recoil.

Hope my thoughts help you inform yourself to a solution for you.
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Old 09-25-2017, 02:03 PM
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Shoot light loads. If you can rent a 22 try that. My granddaughter did fine with wadcutters. Understand the RA. The heavy load will bring you near tears. Most of all welcome and be safe. Practice makes perfect.
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Old 09-25-2017, 02:18 PM
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Why did you pick the 442?

Will you carry in a purse,then non alloy is OK.Maybe a 3" Model 60.

Practice,practice,practice.

Find a good shooting partner or coach.

Marksmanship rules the day,not the bullets that are in the gun.

Shoot practice and carry the same ammo that you are the most comfortable shooting.

WELCOME!
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Old 09-25-2017, 02:24 PM
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Bob, I bought the Hogue Tamer.
Perfect, Michelle.

Sounds like you had done your research and gotten great advice before we met you. You're sure on the right track. Press on, and enjoy.

Bob
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Old 09-25-2017, 03:15 PM
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If the Army and Marines trained troops with 22LR it would save millions of dollars, but they don’t. If an when a firearm has to be used to defend yourself the most important factor is skill level with the particular weapon and ammo. One cannot acclimate to a weapon unless they shoot that weapon enough to gather maximum skill handling, aiming, managing trigger and recoil. That is a irrefutable fact based upon the logic that the more use use something the better you get at using it.

So my recommendation is always practice for SD with your EDC and EDC ammo. Let’s assume you agree with that last sentence, and your objective is to reduce recoil. There is only one option for doing that. You have to select ammo that will not be too hot but will still met the characteristics of good SD ammo.
Spot on. I love .22s (and .38s with light loads), but wouldn't do more than 50% of my practice that way, you just don't get the same training when there's little to no recoil.

For me a carry gun + load need to be at least somewhat enjoyable to shoot, or I know I'm not going to practice enough to retain an acceptable level of proficiency. If a .22 was all I could shoot comfortably, I'd carry that.
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Old 09-25-2017, 03:24 PM
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It is not so much as to how much power a gun has, as to shot placement. If you can find target wadcutters IMO that is the way to go for carry, and practice.

People stop attacks for two reasons, they cannot continue, or they do not want to continue. Nobody that gets shot, wants to get shot another time no matter how much power the cartridge is. Find what is comfortable to you, and stick to it. If you want more power, consider a personal trainer, or physical therapist to highlight the proper exercises to enhance your grip. Having a strong grip, and good muscle tone in the wrist will make a big difference.

I carry wadcutters in my 38 spl, and 32 H&R, but they are a tad more potent than target. But because the bullet is seated deeper they need less powder to develop pressure. This results in less muzzle flash, which is part of what pushes a gun into your hand.

Welcome to the forum, and kudos to you for taking responsibility for your own safety.
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Old 09-25-2017, 04:44 PM
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There are also the 90gr Hormady Critical Defense Lite, specifically made for reduced recoil yet suitable for self defense. And they're pink!

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Old 09-25-2017, 04:51 PM
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There are also the 90gr Hormady Critical Defense Lite, specifically made for reduced recoil yet suitable for self defense. And they're pink!

The bullet will not expand out of a short barrel. So it is like ball ammo. Too much penetration. The solution to Michelle’s need is a round that reduces recoil and does the same damage as a hollow point without expanding regardless of barrel length. Ruger ARX.
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Old 09-25-2017, 06:48 PM
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There are also the 90gr Hormady Critical Defense Lite, specifically made for reduced recoil yet suitable for self defense. And they're pink!

Ammo marketed as Personal Defense or similar wording is a huge waste of money....IMO....YMMV

The hired marketing guros plant it between your ears that these are better but at a much higher cost to you and much higher profit to the ammo maker.

Show them the gelatin blocks and they'll buy a boat load.

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Old 09-25-2017, 08:11 PM
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Ammo marketed as Personal Defense or similar wording is a huge waste of money....IMO....YMMV

The hired marketing guros plant it between your ears that these are better but at a much higher cost to you and much higher profit to the ammo maker.

Show them the gelatin blocks and they'll buy a boat load.

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In the tactikewl world, spending more money always means it is better. Even if it is not.
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Old 09-25-2017, 08:57 PM
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Michelle, welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

I applaud your decision to carry. Since you have RA, I would suggest that you practice with 148gr wadcutters. Additionally, I would suggest that your first cylinder of defensive ammo be 148gr wadcutters, and that your reload has some form of round nose or hollow point bullet.

For reloads, do you plan on carrying a speedloader or speed strips? If you are using a speedloader, I would suggest the 110gr Hornady Critical Defense ammo. True, the bullet may act like a FMJ, but it is still punching a hole and delivering hurt. Where I live, use of (or possession of) hollow points out of the house or off of the range can deliver a 1.5 year mandatory prison sentence. Reloading wadcutters from a speed strip can be quicker and more positive than from a speedloader.
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