With my big hand, small grip combo on j-frames, my follow up and control of +P loads isn't great. I'm looking to go with softer shooting defensive ammo and have a better chance at follow up shots. Any recomendations on what's out there that would be a good choice?
38 Defensive Ammo for Snub
- Thread starter gto364cid
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Ducktape
Member
Either Federal Nyclad or Hornady CD seem to get good reviews
badge 851
US Veteran
I recommend the Nyclads also. Adequate penetation, good expansion, no heavy recoil.
doc540
Member
I shoot a lightweight snub loaded with CorBon DPX 110 grain Barnes Bullets.
I have thin, bony hands and adapt to the recoil pretty well when making follow up shots.
Might try some and see if they work for you.
I have thin, bony hands and adapt to the recoil pretty well when making follow up shots.
Might try some and see if they work for you.
seattleM29
Member
I have used the Buffalo Bore +p's in my .38 snubby and they are downright painful to shoot--am sure they would feel pretty painful to a bad guy too. But I started to feel if I needed a follow up shot that I would rather get back on target a lot faster so I've been carrying the non +p Hornady CD load--love it so far and it still packs enough punch.
And honestly out of a 2" gun I dunno that the benefits of +p are even realized.
And honestly out of a 2" gun I dunno that the benefits of +p are even realized.
Pigirondan
Member
I too use standard pressure Buffalo Bore. Loaded with 150 grain wadcutters. 158 grain swchp in the speedloader.
doc540
Member
I made the mistake of confusing "standard pressure" with "lower recoil" and paid through the nose for a box of BB .38 Specials.
The pressure may have been lower, but my hands couldn't tell the difference.
What really set me back on my heels was some 40 year old ammo from my dad's gun room.
Thinking they were standard pressure (there was no +P designation on the box), I lined up to shoot some paper with them.
YIKES!
I'm guessing some of the old .38 rounds were loaded with today's equivalent of +P?
The pressure may have been lower, but my hands couldn't tell the difference.
What really set me back on my heels was some 40 year old ammo from my dad's gun room.
Thinking they were standard pressure (there was no +P designation on the box), I lined up to shoot some paper with them.
YIKES!
I'm guessing some of the old .38 rounds were loaded with today's equivalent of +P?
W-W has a standard pressure 158gr swc lead load. Federal used to load one, too.........
seattleM29
Member
Possible you got some of that old High Speed stuff that was designed for the S&W Heavy Duty N Frames and Colt New Service. If it is don't shoot that stuff in a J frame and dunno that I would shoot too much of it through a K frame.
David LaPell
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If you handload, I recomment 170 grain Lyman #358429 cast bullets over a moderate charge of Winchester 231. That is my standard load for my .38's.
Pointblank2U
US Veteran
Back in the day the old Super Vel was hot stuff!
nitesite
Member
If you load your own, 5.0-gr of Unique and a 148-gr BBDEWC cast bullet is good juju from a snub. This load has many proponents right here on this forum.
Buffalo Bore manufactures an identical load if you want factory ammo.
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
You sound like a smart shooter. Spend some time examining this round.
Buffalo Bore manufactures an identical load if you want factory ammo.
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
You sound like a smart shooter. Spend some time examining this round.
officerdave
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I carry Nyclads in my backup 2 1/8" 60. I have shot the BB 158 +Ps but with a backup gun I practice shooting one hand/off hand. The Nyclads have a good record at backup distances and are soft shooters even off hand. For me, J Frames are for up close and personal distances and with only five rounds I want each to count....
