parabarbarian
Member
Thank you for that information. I was wondering where BB got those bullets. Now if I can just figure out how they get those velocities and stay within the +P limits.
.38 FBI load
- Thread starter DUNTOV
- Start date
This is a great load and a proven one, when I was in they CPD they issued both Speer and Winchester versions. So impressed with this load I still use it in all my 38 Special revolvers. My new S&W Bodyguard 38 with the polymer grip frame loves the Winchester 158 grn +P LHP. I don't think you can go wrong with this load no matter who makes it.
Texas Star
US Veteran
Are you aware of any actual shootings with that load? Can you describe the results, inc. bullet placement on the person shot, and his/her reactions? Barrel length of the gun used?
I like this load, too, and my son brought me a box of the Remington version recently. He lives in central Texas. In Dallas, I can't find any of it. Federal has dropped their excellent 38G version, alas. That shoots well in my guns.
Thanks,
T-Star
Calfed
Member
Although the 158 grain +P LSWHP is known as the "FBI load" (or sometimes the Chicago PD load), don't forget that towards the end, after instituting the ammunition tests, the FBI changed to a Federal +P+ 147 grain hydra-shok round. That is the hollow-point bullet with the center post.
I carried that round for years, though, thankfully, I have no personal experience with its stopping power.
I carried that round for years, though, thankfully, I have no personal experience with its stopping power.
Looks like Federal has changed their lineup. On the Federal web site they only list a 129gr. +P .38 Special and a 158gr. and 130gr. in .357 Magnum loads in Hydro Shock.
Stu
Stu
David Sinko
Member
I chronographed the Federal 147 gr. +P+ Hydra Shok out of my 2" Model 64 just the other day. It averaged 860 FPS, which I thought was rather disappointing. The (unknown) powder charge that Federal uses in this load gave me 940 FPS with a hard cast 158 gr. SWC and easy extraction. All things considered I'd rather have the latter load but I doubt that they factory load such a combination.
Dave Sinko
Dave Sinko
Calfed
Member
That is surprising. Although I noted at the time that the 9mm +P 147 grain hydra-shok load launched substantially the same bullet about 100 fps faster than the +P+ .38 load. I always figured that if the Bureau had authorized carry of the Model 547, it might have been a better carry pistol than the model 10 with the hydra shoks.
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Texas Star, I responded to police involved several shootings over my 31 year career. The one that was most memorable was one of our own walking his dog in an alley late at night. A would be robber approached him brandishing a Chrome Rohm (popular with bad guys in the 70s) and demanded his money. Needless to say the bad guy chose the wrong person and was shot once thru the heart. The off duty officer was armed with a S&W Model 60 loaded with Winchester 158 grn P+ LHP. The deceased perpatrator was a big man weighing over 200 pounds. He was stopped instantly as his heart was blown up by the Winchester bullet which was recovered, perfectly mushroomed from his spine. This load works quite well in short barreled revolvers. The most important thing to remember though is bullet placement. Even a 22 to a vital organ will eventually be fatal, but a good round like the one used above is devastating when well placed.
Cas Walker can beat anybody and don't you forget it!!!
Haven't thought about "The Old Coonhunter" in many years.
safearm
US Veteran
The 158 grain LHP+P was orginally developed for St. Louis PD. It was later picked up by Chicago PD (and most of the suburbs) as well as the FBI. The 110 gr JHP+P+ round was also known as the Treasury load.
