.38 FBI Load :-p

[kaaskop49]

My favorite round. I even have some W-W from the early 70s, before the +P designation came about. Also the SWC version of this load. Not true "planet-wreckers," but decidedly hotter than modern versions.

One caveat with the newer Federal versions. I had 'bullet pull' when firing this round in the modern lightweight snubs: 637, 638, 642... No problem using it in steel-framed snubs. YMMV. Always test, and not just one gun-load.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Nevada Ed]

I just went out today (11/5/2021) and tested a
110gr Gold Dot +P..........1005fps
148 BBwc full 38 spl........714fps...... and a
158 Lwc full 38 spl........... 720fps
for a light SD load for a friend, to check out the recoil.

The only load that shot at POA was the 158 gr LwcFN and it had manageable recoil.

I don't trust the 110 or 125gr bullets in a J frame for SD use, per all my test and stuff I see on the net.

The 158 Lead..................
or the new
130 HST or 135 Gold Dot are my three choices for a SD load in a J frame snub.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Ed: you use the term "full" quite often to describe loads...

Does this somehow mean you are filling ("full") the cases with some unspecified powder?

Somehow a 158gr lead bullet @ 720fps doesn't seem very "full" to me? It is a bit more than the Hodgdons START load for a LSWC using Trailboss, but...

Jus' askin'....

Cheers!

 

[Nevada Ed]

Ed: you use the term "full" quite often to describe loads...

Does this somehow mean you are filling ("full") the cases with some unspecified powder?

Somehow a 158gr lead bullet @ 720fps doesn't seem very "full" to me? It is a bit more than the Hodgdons START load for a LSWC using Trailboss, but...

Jus' askin'....

Cheers!

If you look at a 158 gr lead bullet at 720 fps out of a J frame snub nose 38 special..............
this is a "Full Load" in that gun before it becomes.............

wait for it..............
a +P load. which is a "Maximum load" in my book...............

light, full, maximum..................... get it ?

PS;
we all know that a starting load of trail boss is at the bottom of the list in fps, for all powders..... right?

 

[transit]

Last time I LEOSA qualified, I used Federal 38G, in my S&W M640 No Dash. I had it in my safe. Couldn't get anything else.

Halfway through the course of fire, the rounds leaded the barrel so badly, that it changed the point of aim/point of impact.

I started shooting at the clock center and hitting the clock center. Then with the same point of aim, I started hitting at 11 o'clock. High and left.

I noticed immediately, and after two or three rounds confirmation, adjusted my point of aim to 4 o'clock.

Once again, I hit clock center.

Shooting fewer than 25 rounds, this load leaded the barrel so badly that they affected POA/POI.

Stay away from Federal 38G.

I have other posts here, over the years on the topic.

Just don't. My advice. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Jaymo]

I use Buffalo Bore's and Underwood's versions of the old FBI load.
My model 36 gets the standard pressure Buffalo Bore hard cast double ended wadcutter at about 850fps.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

"If you can master it, a heavy bullet is nice to have, going for you."

I'd opine it would be NICER to have them going FROM you!

Cheers!

P.S. With apologies to Nevada Ed.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like I said in post #18 I have several boxes of all 3 company's FBI Load. They are all I really like to carry in my M36 when I do carry it and they also shoot great in my pre-10. My EDC is a S&W M442 which gets the short barrel 135gr Speer GDHP .38 Special +P ammo.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I'm not knocking the "FBI load"..........
it is a great SD load but you do need to check the fps of the newer ammo to see
what the actual fps is in that box of ammo and see if it is over 800fps,
out of a 2" snub nose, if that is what will be used as the revolver........
instead of the standard 4" barrel, that works with all the ammo made for the 38 special.

If the ammo does not have enough energy or fps to mushroom & penetrate..........
I will not use it for my SD folder.