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Great news--factory defense ammo for .38 S&W!

L

LouisianaMan

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Many of you have read about my amateur experimentation with the .38 S&W, aka .38 Colt New Police, .38/200, .38 S&W "Short," etc. Many of us have shared tales of woe caused by the unavailability of anything resembling defense ammo for our otherwise serviceable solid-frame guns.

Good news! Within the next month, Buffalo Bore is bringing out two loads to fill that bill. Tim Sundlies of BB describes them as good, powerful loads. Guess I'll finally be able to load my guns with factory ammo! Can't wait to see what they've come up with. Will certainly try some and compare to my various handloads, and will try to post a range report.

No personal involvement with the project, just looking forward to trying it.
 
That is good news but I find it hard to believe anything that will fire in a 38 S&W revolver will be powerful enough to be effective since there are so many weak revolvers out there chambered in that cartridge. We can hope though since it would be nice to have a good SD round that will fit in a S&W Terrier!!!

Thanks for the good news.
 
Maybe just the sight of my DA third model top break exploding will scare the bad guy away.
 
buffalo bore also recently came out with two 32 smith and wesson long self defense rounds, a wadcutter and a flatnose round, both hardcast.
 
I was very happy to hear this news. I use a model 32-1 Terrier
for self defense. I have 38/200 ammo in it. Reading LouisianaMan's
experimentation and info on ammo for the 38 S&W helped me decide
that at a short distance it would be acceptable. I did not want to
have to buy a second gun or trade away this one as it has been in
the family along time. Just as people know you can't use +p ammo
in a gun not rated for it there will be guns you may cannot use this new
ammo in. Since it will be sold only at their web site they can make
that clear and also on the box. I think allot of people will be happy
to hear this news. My two cents.
 
I think that the standard 38 W&W load is a defensive load, just not the most effective load. Since the 146 was the original load and was used in pocket pistols and was also a police load back in the day I guess that would qualify. It was also in the running to be the US Army's round at one point. On the days thay I carry my Mk IV Webley it is my defensive load although I am going to start handloading 200 grainers soon. Terrier and Victory Model are still on the wish list.
 
Horseless Trooper: Try to get one of the original .38/.32 Terriers with the shorter cylinder. Much cooler, a smidge lighter, and a great pocket gun. I also like the fit and finish on these. Stay safe, partner.

Kaaskop49
Shield # 5103
 
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