130 Gr. 38's

[boykinlp]

I believe that I have seen where it is bad to shoot >158 gr. bullets in some guns. Is it OK to shoot 130 gr. 38's in a model 66 or 642? I would think so, but just want to be sure.

 

[38-44HD45]

No reason not to. Any .38s in a Model 66 would be fine, and 642s don't much care what bullet weight you use, long as it's not loaded too hot. Beware internet advice, including mine!

 

[flop-shank]

My friend from Texas has given you good advice. Go for it.

 

[aterry33]

130GR .38 Special FMJ is the old M41 round. The Air Force issued this in their revolvers for a long time. It's pretty anemic, but great for target shooting. You will wear out before you wear out a S&W revolver shooting that stuff.

Keep in mind that your 66 and 642 will be sighted for 158GR ammo. So they may not shoot to point of aim with the 130GR stuff. With the 642 you're stuck, but with the 66 you can adjust the sights. I wouldn't worry too much about it though.

 

[2K7]

I just went through this.....picked up 2 boxes of the 130 grn FMC (not +p) and hit the range with my M-38 and 3 inch M-642. I thought about the difference in where the impact would be with the lighter 130's.

Much to my amazement, there was none. Printed just like the 158's only not as tough on the airweights. I'd now like to find some 130 grn HP's (not +p).

Funny, the older I get the smaller my guns and pocket knives get....wonder what that means?