Hi My name is Ron (thus ronstaug). We live on a pristine barrier island off the coast of St. Augustine, Fl. called Anastasia Island (tourists call it St. Augustine Beach). Due to my ex 30 yr corporate career & being out of the country or town we lived in about 1/2 the year, I always kept a loaded 38 revolver by the bedside table (it never had to be used). I did go target shooting once in a while & that came back to me easy due to my ex military training for intel deployment in S.E. Asia a long time ago (they sent me to sniper school & told me I'd never have to wear my uniform where they were sending me- WHAT?).
OK, we've been retired & living here for over 17 yrs & I just drove up to Jacksonville & bought a new S&W 38 #442 "air weight". Love it! I took it to a nearby indoor shooting range & they wouldn't let me use any of my ammo except 1 box I had which had 50 shells in it. I was deadly from 10 yds out & pleased with that since I hadn't shot for a long time. Seems they insist on jacketed ammo for indoor target shooting-something to do with the lead. I have a lot of "38 special 125 gr. silver tips" for protection & my concealed weapon permit. My question is I'm looking for recommendations for not overly expensive ammo that will just do for the indoor shooting range as there's one fairly close to where our daughter lives in Jax. Thanks in advance, Ron

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Best, Ron

I shoot and recommend the following standard pressure FMJ target loads for indoor range use..........
• Fiocchi® 38 Special 130gr FMJ (#38A)
• Fiocchi® 38 Special 158gr FMJ (#38G)
• Magtech® 38 Special 125gr FMJ (#38Q)
• Magtech® 38 Special 158gr FMJ (#38P)
• Sellier & Bellot® 38 Special 158gr FMJ (#V311032)
• Winchester® 38 Special 130gr FMJ (#Q4171)

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

Appreciate the reply, David. I've been told by the gunshop I bought the Airweight in plus customer service @ Smith & Wesson to avoid constantly shooting 38specials in the shooting range. Even though it's clearly stated on the barrel that the gun can handle it, they still say I should shoot enough of the specials just to get used to the "kick". Therefore, I'll be looking around for conventional 38 ammo. Ron

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Best, Ron

I think what you meant to say is to avoid shooting a lot of 38 Special +P. When you say "conventional" 38 ammunition you mean non+P "standard pressure" right? (All the loads I recommend to you are "Standard Pressure" and safe to shoot in your Airweight®.)

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

David: You're 100% correct, "my bad". I'm going to print out those brands of ammo you were good enough to post so I know what to look for when shopping for more ammo. Best, Ron

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Best, Ron

A S&W M442 is my daily carry so of course I agree with your choice.

Remington makes a 130gr FMJ round in their least expensive UMC line that shoots very well.
Before I started reloading I shot a lot of it because it was of high quality and cheap...

Here is my M442 with Badger Custom Rosewood grips:

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Hello Ron,

What I currently use in my 342 Airlite for range ammo is a plated 158gr I buy in bulk from Georgia Arms.

It runs $240 per thousand and they buy back the brass for $35. This works out to just under $10 per 50 rounds.

"Canned Heat" .38 Special 158gr Plated Semi-Wadcutter 1000pk

They do gunshows in the Jax area. Call ahead and have them reserve what you need. (avoids shipping)

They also sell smaller quantities of course.


Hope this helps.


Regards,

Pat

WalMart sells the standard load 38 SP 130 gr FMJ for cheap. Check your local stores.