Model 638 ammo

Setpoint · Oct 6, 2020

Regarding an S&W Model 638-3 J-frame AirWeight 38 SPL, two questions:
1. It uses 38 Special ammo, of course, but will it also safely use the higher-energy 38 Special +P ammo?
2. Is “38 Super +P” just a fancy name for (and the same as) “38 Special +P” ammo?

Thanks for any feedback!

Rpg · Oct 6, 2020

38 Super is a whole different caliber than 38 Special. They aren’t interchangeable.

You can shoot 38+p ammo in a 638. You’ll wear out long before the gun will.

As a practical matter, +p ammo adds considerably to the ammo manufacturers pocket but provides trivial differences in sd applications.

Setpoint · Oct 6, 2020

Thanks for the info, Rpg!

ContinentalOp · Oct 6, 2020

I would agree with Rpg that +P isn't necessary, but at the same time the two .38 Special loads with the best track records, Speer Short-Barrel Gold Dot and the FBI load (LHP made by many makers) are +P loads.

With that said, I think 148gr wadcutters make for a good airweight snub load for both practice and self defense, if you can get it.

Nowadays, with the ammo market the way it is, it may be a matter of getting whatever ammo you can get and do the best you can with it. Regardless of ammo type, shot placement is still the most important factor.

Just my opinion.

Setpoint · Oct 6, 2020

Good points. Hard to get .38 SPL ammo now, for sure.

BillBond · Oct 6, 2020

Another vote for the Speer short barrel Gold dot +p.
In my 638 it is not real fun after about 20 rounds.

Nevada Ed · Oct 6, 2020

In a J frame 38 special the minimum SD loading in a......

110 standard JHP should be 945 fps or more
125 standard JHP needs at least 877 fps for good expansion
for the light SD bullets.

135 Gold Dot* needs a minimum of 821 fps per factory ammo
but my loads at 851 fps open up 100% in my water jug test.

I don't use the Heavy 158gr bullets for SD any more, due to the
increased recoil and for some reason they don't hit POA in my 2".

A load that hits POPA is nice but one that you shoot well and can control is what really counts.

Have fun with the new J frame.

Injunbro · Oct 6, 2020

Standard load 158 grain semi jacketed hollow points have worked very well for me, nothing ever required a 2nd shot. However shot placement is king & no bullet will make up for it.

ArchAngelCD · Oct 7, 2020

Yes, you can use +P ammo in your M638, it is rated for it.

I use Speer 135gr GDHP .38 Special +P ammo in my M442.

CAJUNLAWYER · Oct 7, 2020

Fiocchi 148 gr JHP. Make BIG boom. Hurt hand

Texas Star · Oct 7, 2020

Buffalo Bore makes a full power wadcutter load. I'd use that or the 135 grain Speer Gold Dot.

I strongly disagree about Plus P ammo being more effective. I think it makes a marginal cartridge quite effective. But placement is still crucial.

The man who complained about recoil after 20 rounds is missing the point about Plus P. It is not range ammo. You should have killed whatever menaces you within 20 rounds! This is defense ammo, whether you're facing a human foe or rabid raccoon or coyote.

Old cop · Oct 7, 2020

I have street experience w/.38 +P hollow point in a small, light revolver and it works. Do most of your range time w/standard pressure and limit +P to a couple of cylinders so you know how it handles in your gun.

Setpoint · Oct 9, 2020

Thanks, all.

Thanks for your opinions. Experience counts!

Model 638 ammo

Setpoint

Rpg

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Setpoint

ContinentalOp

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Setpoint

BillBond

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Nevada Ed

US Veteran

Injunbro

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ArchAngelCD

Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade

CAJUNLAWYER

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Texas Star

US Veteran

Old cop

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Setpoint

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