340PD ammo test

[Detroitlawyer]

Looking for a carry round for my new 340PD I tested Federal 38+p 130gr HST, Federal 38+P HydraShok Deep 130 gr and Precision One 148 gr copper wadcutters. HST and HydraShok Deep were both comfortable to shoot and despite being +P rated were mild recoiling rounds. I was especially interested in the new HydraShok Deep round as I live in Michigan where people wear heavy clothes in winter so deep penetration is a virtue. Both were relatively accurate although the HydraShok Deep round shot closer to POA My one concern with that round was some key holing . Possibly the short barrel isn't stabilizing the bullet. The HST's did not keyhole . The Precision One copper wadcutters shot a little low. The perceived recoil was similar to the two +P rounds but still comfortable for an 11 oz handgun.I liked the copper wadcutters very much. Their advantage as a defensive round is obvious with nice big perfectly round holes cut into the target every time.And..because they are copper you don't need to deal with a leaded barrel.

 

[chief38]

The two loads I used to carry in my M60-7 were the Buffalo Bore 158 grain LSWCHP-GC +P and the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P. The BB load out of my 2" barrel Chief's Spl. chronographed 1025 fps and the Gold dot was around 860 fps.

If you want a heavy and very good penetrating round the BB is the ticket. The Gold Dot penetrates a bit less however both expand quite well. The only 2 caveats here are the BB load is quite a stiff load and not for recoil sensitive guys. It's also a bit pricy but this is a carry load and not a load for casual shooting so I doubt many would be shot after you test them and get familiar with them.

From the testing I personally did on these two loads, there was no tumbling issues and the BB load was super accurate and shot poa = poi. The Gold Dot wasn't too bad either. You might want to give both of these a shot as well.

 

[hyena]

i carry the Speer Gold Dot +P in my 642. Not because of their excellent reputation, but because they shoot to point of aim for me. Buffalo Bore 158gr +P shoot high. Having a carry load that hits at point of aim is paramount to me, even with a pocket gun.

I've been carrying my Bodyguard 380 almost exclusively lately, and load it with Hydra Shock Deeps. Excellent performance in the tests I've seem, but more importantly, hits to point of aim. Win/win.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I carry Federal HSTs in my Taurus 856, but, after the first 6, reloads will be Speer 135 grain "Short Barrel" because the HSTs don't go into the cylinder quickly due to their wadcutter profile.

Sent with some arcane communications device.

 

[Old cop]

The 340PD is my EDC and I use Remington HTP 110 Gr +P. I don’t do any real testing (chronograph or jell blocks) beyond the public range, but these are accurate at combat distances and pretty easy to handle in such a light revolver.

 

[5 iron]

I like Hornady 110 gr. Critical Defense. Tests are pretty consistent regarding expansion out of a snub. It doesn’t expand too much and thereby penetration stays decent. Recoil is relatively light and accuracy is good.

 

[gnystrom]

My 340pd is loaded with Speer 135 gr. Short Barrel Gold Dots.

 

[Rob96]

My 340PD is loaded with Rem Golden Saber 125gr +p.

 

[Liquidm17]

I decided on Underwood. I went with XTP since they were in stock. I would hope the high velocity would assist in expansion. I am considering going 357 but bit reluctant due to potential hearing damage. I would love to hear what you decide.

 

[Detroitlawyer]

Because pistols only poke holes in people, the ability deliver quick repeat shots that penetrate deeply are the most important metrics in making a choice.I've spoken withFederal about the key holing issue with HydraShok Deep. Until that is sorted out I am carrying Precision ONe 148 gr copper wadcutters.I can deliver multiple hits to POA in 2 seconds. I don't think you can ask for more from an 11oz snubby