best 38 +p load through a 686-2

[genojr1112]

i bought some 130 pdx1 38 special +p rounds for home defense. i am very new to gun ownership and am looking to try a few different sd rounds to see what works best for me...any suggestions?

 

[BugEater]

Home Defense Loads

You might want to take a look at Buffalo Bore ammunition in .38 +P. These are loaded pretty hot (by most factor load standards) and use flash suppressed powders. They're worth taking a look at. It is what I have my nightstand M66 loaded with.

 

[windypoint]

I like these from Double tap;
DoubleTap Ammunition

 

[badge 851]

i bought some 130 pdx1 38 special +p rounds for home defense. i am very new to gun ownership and am looking to try a few different sd rounds to see what works best for me...any suggestions?

Serious Felon Repellent

 

[nipster]

Why not just buy 357 magnum?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like DoubleTap ammo and I like Speer SB GDHP ammo in my short barrel J frames. I'm also a big fan of the FBI Load.

 

[amd6547]

The PDX1 load has yet to get respect...no reason, it shoots great, and has a well designed bullet. I have shot it in a couple revolvers, and it is loaded in my 2.5" Model 19 right now.

 

[genojr1112]

little worried about muzzle flash and loudness inside the home.

 

[71vette]

The PDX1 is pretty much the same as the Winchester Ranger 130gr 38 +P bonded round, just different packaging. It easily meets FBI spec out of a 2" barrel and works just as well out of 4"+ barrels. For in-home use it'll work just great! I'm a big fan of the newer Ranger line of ammo (the T-series and the bonded rounds). I also have quite a bit of the Buffalo Bore 158gr +P SWC-HP rounds. They are pretty stout for 38 Special, but I prefer the newer-tech rounds. I like the Cor-Bon DPX, Speer Gold-Dot Short Barrel, and the Rangers. I also really like what Buffalo Bore is doing with the light magnum loads with the DPX bullet. Looks like a real winner!

 

[chief38]

Buffalo Bore 158 grain +P LSWCHP-GC is one of my favorites. For home protection I would be a bit wary of using full house .357's. If you miss I would be concerned as to where that powerful projectile is going to stop.The loud noise and muzzle flash of the .357 Magnum would also be a concern inside a house or car. I usually leave the .357's to outdoor use.

My all time favorite home defense set up is a Remington M870 synthetic stock 6 + 1 shotgun loaded with 2 3/4" #1 Buckshot. The revolver is loaded with the BB load described above but is used as a BUG.

Chief38

 

[medic15al]

You might want to take a look at Buffalo Bore ammunition in .38 +P. These are loaded pretty hot (by most factor load standards) and use flash suppressed powders. They're worth taking a look at. It is what I have my nightstand M66 loaded with.

This. The Buffalo Bore 158+P SWC-HP Heavy is a 38/44 level load and is good stuff. I would not fire more than 5 thru my J frame for POA/POI verification but you would be OK in steel K frames and up for regular shooting.

The Heavy Standard Pressure 158 LSWC-HP would be good for the .38 J frames for carry as well.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

little worried about muzzle flash and loudness inside the home.

I also load my HD revolver with .38 Special ammo instead of .357 Magnum ammo. Inside the house it's the FBI Load for me...
(158gr LSWC/HP .38 Special +P)

 

[mscampbell2734]

This. The Buffalo Bore 158+P SWC-HP Heavy is a 38/44 level load and is good stuff. I would not fire more than 5 thru my J frame for POA/POI verification but you would be OK in steel K frames and up for regular shooting.

The Heavy Standard Pressure 158 LSWC-HP would be good for the .38 J frames for carry as well.

This makes a lot of sense. A big heavy lead SWC HP was the top .38 load for a long time. It's been a proven stopper load in a lot of real life shootings.

 

[ammoup]

Hi all,
This is my first post on the S&W Forum. I'm not sure if this is the correct thread for this question. But here goes:

I own:

Model 14-2, K-38 Masterpiece in .38 Special, manufactured in 1967
Model 64 in .38 Special, manufactured in late '72-early '73

Can +P ammo be used in these revolvers without risk of damage?

Right now I can acually purchase (locally) Remington 125 gr. LSWCHP +P cheaper than Remington 130 gr. FMJ. But I don't want to risk damaging the firearms long-term just to save a few dollars short-term.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

Ammoup