I use this load also!

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

Federal 129 Hydra Shock in S&W M60

Currently my J frame carry ammo is the Speer 135gr GDHP .38 Special +P Short Barrel ammo.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P 135gr out of my 442.

That sounds like a very stout load for a 38.

Hornady Critical Defense 110 - either standard or +p makes little difference so which ever is cheapest and/or available.

S&W Bodyguard M 49.

I like the Federal Micro HST JHP load in my M49 for the lightest
factory SD loading recoil, over all the middle weight bullets.

However "My" factory Micro HST ammo is a little different, in that
it only comes with a 130 gr JHP bullet weight.

On the occasion I carry my 442 Airweight or Model 60 it’s generally with 135-gr+P Gold Dots. I like the load pictures above (Federal 158-gr+P) but I’ve had several instances in my Airweight where recoil will jostle bullets outward in the cylinder and thus prevent it from turning properly.

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Some Might Say.

With guns and loads, like other things, obsessing is a waste of time, an avoidance of doing what is useful and productive. Hopefully, as we mature and become more educated, we grow out of obsessive tendencies. For reasons unknown, this often doesn't seem to hold true for the easychair Internet gunfighting aspirants.

I'll go along with that. I'm not even stuck on the 158 grain. I use to worry about tests and shooting results, etc., but now I just find something that shoots to point of aim and I can actually hit with.

You're right, simple is best and it works.

This one, or one of it's brethren from other manufacturers.
Mostly because I have a good supply. I know some loads are better than others, and that there is a difference, but I'm not sure how much difference there is.

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Because of the metric system?

Good choice and the Remington and Winchester versions are fine, too. You're probably right on the differences, or "alleged" differences. If you shoot well, not enough to matter.

I, too, carry the 158gr LHP +P, but the W-W round. I've found the Federal version to crimp-jump in my small, lightweight guns, so I restrict that to steel frame guns. In .357 J-frames, I use 110gr .357 JHPs (R-P or W-W) in my Model 60 and M&P 340s.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I like these................Super Vel 90gr.........wish they made a soft point version......

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I use these:





And full disclosure, I know the owner, as I see him each morning as I shave.

It is one of the more popular loads, especially for J Frame shooters.

My old J Frame 442 has seen literally thousands of rounds through it over the last 20 years, as I carried it on the job as well as during my off time. Now it sees use as a test platform in addition to pocket gun duty.

It may not be in pristine shape but it is a trusted and reliable old friend.

Winchester 110 grain (Non plus P) Silvertips,I normally only carry My 60-7 during Hunting Season Loaded with 3 of the silver tips & 2 CCI Snake Shot with Cylinder Positioned for the Snake Shot 1st

Those Federal 158gr swchp +P loads are easy to run through a crimp die and put a firm crimp on them. Then they won't move forward under recoil in a small snub.............

Those were on sale at an on-line source a few years back and I ordered a case at about $17.00 a box. I tightened up the crimp on them and tested them and quickly ordered another case before they were gone. I may be wrong but I think they were probably a police order that was turned down over not holding bullets under recoil. They make a nice round with a good crimp in place.

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dd884
JMHO-YMMV

Federal said I can send the ammo back to them and they will send me the cost. They were not going to replace the ammo so I just kept them and did exactly that, I tightened up the crimp and they were fine.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I load my own with the Speer GD SB 135 grain bullet. In .38 S&W I use enough Herco to get 1040 from a 4" barrel so I'd guess it's in the high 8's to low 9's from a 1 7/8" barrel . For .38 special I use a stiff dose of Longshot ,don't remember the exact specs but it's over 900 from a 2" barrel.

For years I carried the Winchester 125 grain +P+ LSWHP load that is now long discontinued . Only have 12 of those left that I keep in my Colt Cobra.

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

I have had my Model 60 since 1975/76 (I disremember exactly) . I have usually carried somebody's 125 gr. JHPs, usually either Federal or Remington, because they were easiest to find. Shoots to point of aim and is manageable recoil wise. I carried this as an off duty and backup gun, back in the day and as a concealed carry more recently. Works well in my 649 also.

I like Federal (because it's quality and it's usually what I can find) and right now I am liking the Hydra-Shok 129 gr+P for my 640 Pro.

Accurate, not overpowering on the recoil, and clean shooting.

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Go ahead... make my day.

I would not give the prosecuting attorney that easy of a case against me. If I were you I would use someone's factory ammo. You do not want to hire Massad Ayoob to defend you. He's expensive!

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

Groo here
As the snub is for short range , I use Supervel 90gr "Supersnubs"
Less likely to go through...

158 grain lead semi-wadcutter

Whatever I have on hand. I can't say yay or nay about any of them because I've never had to use any of them. Well, except on paper, If that counts.

Just saw this...

Ed: you caught me with my pants down on this one!

Cheers!

P.S. Must have gotten confused with your ol' favorite 135gr GDHP... Or, possibly a typo?

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Sit Reloader Sentiret

In my older Chiefs Special I use some standard pressure hi-tek coated 158gr LSWC HP GC.

In my modern J/K frames I use the same load but in +p flavor, aka "the FBI load."

If I didnt carry these I would probably go with 150gr wadcutters.

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SWCA 3563
10mm aficionado

I finally decided to go with the Buffalo Bore #20C, 158gr Soft Cast LSWC-HP, Standard Pressure (non +P) Short Barrel Low Flash load. The ammo shoots to the sights and is comfortable enough to shoot, that followup shots are not a problem. From the reading & videos I found, this load, with the soft cast LSWC-HP tends to expand a little more reliably than some of the loads from the bigger named brands. I'm really not that picky.

That Federal loading usually fails to expand will exit a gell block looking like new.

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dd884
JMHO-YMMV

Sounds like I poked two 357/1000th of inch holes through something with one shot then.

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Because of the metric system?

In my M642, 148gr wadcutters. In my M60, Remington158gr +P semi-wadcutter hollow points....a la FBI.

I just test fired Hornady 110 grain standard pressure critical defense in my 3 inch 36 nd today. It’ll be my new carry load for said gun.

Remington 148 grain wadcutter .38 special in my Smith 642.

My reasoning is that hollow points don't expand at j-frame velocities, I go for penetration and accuracy. I shoot 148gn. DEWCs that are standard velocities. low recoil and plenty of penetration.

Mike

Lyman #358432 or NOE #360-160-WC PB
160 grain Wadcutter ( this bullet is designed not to be loaded flush or deep in the case ) loaded to 38 special +P level .
bullet sized .357"

The following charges are +P (maximum charges) start low , work up slowly and do not exceed .

5.6 grs. Unique @ 998 fps (+P)

5.2 grs , 231/HP38 @ 956 fps (+P)

My two most accurate loads with this bullet . The NOE mould is available in Hollow Point , cast to bhn 8 or 9 , this makes a wicked HP load .
The most accurate bullet in all my 38 / 357's , for target , tin can or self defense ... it is about the only bullet I cast and shoot nowdays .
Most shooters are not aware of how accurate and hard hitting this design can be . If you ever get the chance ...try them out !
These loads stay in my J-Frame , accurate and hard hitting (they like to shoot clover-leaf groups) I can't ask for anything else .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I use Remington 38spl 125gr +P Golden Sabers in my 442 and 637. I own some other types, but that's my usual carry.

148 grain HBWC handloads at an estimated velocity of about 750 - 800 fps.

I've been doing a lot of research on this subject recently. Based on videos I've seen of Gel tests, meat target tests, & what my J frames shoot to POI/POA, I've settled on the Golden Saber 125 gr. +P & the Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. +P FTX. I find the Golden Saber to have more recoil & blast than the Hornady.

Below is some of the info. I've found on the subject & why I've made my choices. But everyone is free to choose & carry whatever they like based on their own research, experiences, and conclusions.

Based on the testing I've seen, the current production 158 gr +P SWCHP's usually don't reach enough velocity for expansion out of a 2" revolver (or 1.88" J frame). The offerings from Federal, Remington, & Winchester may also be watered downed from what used to be offered back in the 70's & 80's? And what most felt was an effective SD load.

One source I read likened the stopping power of these 158 gr. rounds to .45 acp .230 gr. ball ammo. And this info. was based off street effectiveness when this was a popular carry round. Although I'd venture to say this was probably out of a 4-inch gun. There's nothing wrong with that, but I just think there's better choices with modern bullet design.

Buffalo bore offers a 158 gr. SWCHP in both the standard pressure and +P, but these run hotter than the commercial Fed, Rem, & Win offerings. And it seems the standard pressure will give you good expansion and penetration without stepping-up to the less-controllable +P version. And one source I viewed mentioned that's the velocity the big 3 use to offer these rounds in? So, if your gun likes these bullets, the Buffalo Bore Standard pressure might be a good choice.

The popular Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. +P also has been hit or miss in the gel tests I've seen. Usually, a lack of expansion when denim is used.

The 148 gr. wad-cutter seems to be a good choice for non +P guns, people who are recoil sensitive, and for a more pleasant shooting experience. These get good penetration without over penetrating. But as mentioned above, I prefer a modern design hollow point.

Other rounds that seem promising in .38 spl. +P from the testing I've seen is the Federal 130 gr. HST & the Winchester 130 gr. Ranger bonded load.

You also need to figure out where your gun hits with your chosen load. All my J frames seem to shoot high with heavier bullets. And most prefer the 110 gr. bullets. So this will also play a factor in ammo selection.

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Watch & Pray

Usually Buffalo Bore in my 442 Pro; but sometimes use Liberty Civil Defense, 50 gr, HP Fragmenting (to lighten the carry weight)

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SWCA 3749 SWHF 867

@ Dump1567

The popular Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. +P also has been hit or miss in the gel tests I've seen. Usually, a lack of expansion when denim is used.


I did a little research on the Gold Dots as well. I concur with your assessment. Moreover, I read and noticed that the velocities were not on par with the factory ballistic data. i.e. mainly velocity. They seem a bit slower. Could it be that they were loaded to standard pressure and not the +P rating? Nevertheless, it might explain for the inconsistent performance. I am still in favor of the .38 Special GD SB +P's. As an alternative loading I have a good stash of the .357 GD SB as well.

Lastly, I might be wrong here, but it's just a guess.

I carry 6 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense.


But it's 32 h&r magnum in my 431pd.

Plus a speedstrip with 8 rounds as a reload.

It seems manufacturers have their own standards for what they consider +P. And barrel length used in their testing will play a factor. Not to mention some of the velocity inconsistencies I see during the chrono testing.

As an example, is Lucky Gunners testing of the 130 HST's. He got adequate expansion & penetration out of his 2-inch Kimber. But just moving down to his 1.88" J frame, the penetration dropped below the 12" FBI recommendation.

And if you follow his testing, the .357 GD did well and was considered one of their low recoiling .357 loads. Unfortunately, when I tested it in my 640-1, it didn't hit to point of aim. This seems to be one of the problems I've run into in testing recommended loads.

My next test for my 640-1 for a light recoiling .357 will be the 125 gr. Golden Sabers to see if they hit to POA. But I also know Gun Sam on You Tube was getting bullet pull in his gun and didn't recommend these rounds.

Obviously, bullet penetration & expansion is just one part of the equation. Shot placement and testing your gun with your chosen ammo is also very important. Along with training, proficiency, & confidence with your chosen handgun.

I've never been a very good J frame shooter but watching Paul Harrell (You Tuber) shoot his with ease, made me want to get out and work on it. And finding the best ammo for the J was part of that journey.

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Watch & Pray

Hornady Critical Defense. I also use it in .380 caliber for my Colt Mustang.

And just to add, also based on my research, 9mm in a snub seems to be the way to go. It's traveling 200-400 fps faster than a .38 spl., but only around 75 fps slower than a .357 mag out of the same length barrel. And it doesn't seem to have the blast and recoil of .357 mag. It's on par in velocity with guns like the Glock 43, S&W Shield, & Sig 365. And there's a ton of good SD ammo choices.

Unfortunately, S&W doesn't make a J in 9mm anymore. I'd be all over a lightweight J in 9mm. But for now, I'll have to settle on the Ruger LCR.

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Watch & Pray

Don't look now ... but that other gun company , name starts with a "T" and ends with "aurus" makes a 5-shot snub nosed model 905 9mm and it comes with full moon clips .
In 2000 I wanted a snub nose , 5 shot , 45 acp and S&W didin't make one byt dealer showed me a Taurus model 455 , 45 acp - 5 shot , 2" barrel , all stainless steel ... Just the ticket ... I bought it and don't have one bad thing to say about it .
Extremely well put together , tight tolerances and will shoot clover leaf groups all day long ... this is the most accurate 45 acp I own and I will never let it get away from me ...I Love it !

Check out the M905 9mm , the quality may just surprise you ...
It's a lot better than what a lot of Taurus Bashers keep yapping about ... my 455 is top of the line and it's 23 years old ...
I shoot it a lot because I reload 45 acp and don't like chasing down the fired cases ... the 455 drops them all in your hand ... another plus for the revolver .

There is also an Article in the Nov / Dec issue of American Handgunner ...a good read on the m905.
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

The only J frame I routinely carry is this little monster, loaded with Silvertips.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

@ wood714

Nice combination of J Frame & Ammunition Selection. Dig the "No-Lock" 642, and the Winchester Bonded JHP choice. Apparently, the Winchester Ranger Line is hard to come by these days. I use to have a quit a bit of it back in the day. A great performing round for sure. Thanks for sharing the photo of your set-up! ;-)

I usually get mine from Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore.

In their Vintage and Police Trade in Ammo.