.38 non +P

[Barry711]

I just picked up a 2" model 36, (ser#AAY0XXX) which I was told was manufactured in 1982 or 1983. Since its not +P rated, I am looking for a self defense ammunition recommendation. I was thinking that the Gold Dot 125gr GDHP (non +P) may be the right choice.

Thanks for any other suggestions.

(I usually keep the Gold Dot short barrel 135 +P in my 642-1, which is +P rated)

 

[Dragon88]

For standard pressure, I would go with the Gold Dot load or this:

Buffalo Bore Ammunition 38 Special 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Box of 20 - MidwayUSA

 

[GatorFarmer]

Steel frame gun from the 80s... I'd use +P in it. People certainly did at the time. If you read the old gun mags, even J frames from the 50s and 60s were being loaded with things like handloads that were cratering the primers, taken at the time as a sign of when pressure was a tad too much... I've certainly used +P ammunition in guns of even older vintage. Revolvers that were stamped as .38 "+P" for a caliber designation are a relatively new thing. And yes, I realize that S&W have told different people different things over the years about using +P in the steel frame Js.

Federal reintroduced the Nyclad for those interested in standard pressure HP ammunition. It's been a popular choice for years. Others simply use wadcutters or semi wadcutters.

 

[P&R Fan]

I don't know if they still offer it but Federal has their Personal Defense 129 Grn standard pressure load that was very well received. Most of us that have carried the older J-frames have used +P loads with no ill effects. A large amount of shooting them will lead to premature wear eventually, but a modest amount shouldn't cause problems. Just sight it in with them and do most of your practice with non +P and use them for carry and you should be fine.

 

[badge 851]

I just picked up a 2" model 36, (ser#AAY0XXX) which I was told was manufactured in 1982 or 1983. Since its not +P rated, I am looking for a self defense ammunition recommendation. I was thinking that the Gold Dot 125gr GDHP (non +P) may be the right choice.

Thanks for any other suggestions.

(I usually keep the Gold Dot short barrel 135 +P in my 642-1, which is +P rated)

Your choices in standard pressure 38 Special ammunition are...

• Hornady® 110gr

• Hornady® 125gr

• Hornady® 158gr

• Federal® Hydra-Shok® 110gr JHP

• Federal® Nyclad™ 125gr HP

• Buffalo Bore® 158gr LSWCHPGC

IMHO the last choice provided is THE ABSOLUTE BEST; my wife & I carry in this load in our J frame 38's.

 

[Skeeziks]

I just picked up a 2" model 36, (ser#AAY0XXX) which I was told was manufactured in 1982 or 1983. Since its not +P rated, I am looking for a self defense ammunition recommendation. I was thinking that the Gold Dot 125gr GDHP (non +P) may be the right choice.

Speer does not offer a non +P Gold Dot load.

 

[pete950]

Yes they do go to the ATK LE web sight and its right there and it is also for sale at ammunition to go.

 

[Skeeziks]

My bad. I forgot about the LE ammo. I was looking in my Speer catalog at the time and they don't have it listed in there. Sorry.

 

[sureshotbob]

All I use in my carry gun's is the Buffalo Bore 158 gr. lead semi wadcutter hollow point standard pressure in my alloy and steel J frame's and K frame's. And it is my favorite .38 spec. load.

 

[Chase]

Based on advice here, I practice with non +P in guns from that era but would not hesitate to put in +P for self-defense loads. Firing some of these should not tax the gun unduly if you consider how these were made. I second the recommendation of the the Buffalo Bore 158 gr. load as well.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I have used the standard non +P Federal Nyclads in my 642 No Dash Airweight & not only were they very accurate but muzzle flash was reduced & recoil impulse was reduced..
I think alot of this is because of the nylon coated bullets instead of being copper jacketed..
Thanks DAN/DC7 for the Nyclads

 

[LOBO]

Federal Nyclad 125 gr

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/135791-tested-38-special-federal-nyclad.html

 

[Skeeziks]

The 125-gr. Nyclad HP is a great bullet. But it's too bad that Federal loads it on the weak side. I wonder how it would perform at a higher velocity. I have a feeling they might have to harden it up a bit but I think it would be devastating!

 

[flop-shank]

They shouldn't have to harden it with the nylon coating to prevent leading. There used to be a +P version.

 

[Skeeziks]

They shouldn't have to harden it with the nylon coating to prevent leading. There used to be a +P version.

Not talking about leading....talking about hardening up the lead if the current bullet is too soft to hold together at a much higher vel.
The current load is pretty anemic. 830 fps. sounds pretty good at first, but that's probably out of a 4" bbl.
I would like to see the Nyclad come out of a 2" at 925 fps.
Wasn't the old +P a 158-grainer?

 

[vytoland]

.38 special 148gr DEWC

 

[flop-shank]

Skeeziks, I don't recall what all was in the line up, but my recollection is that there was a 125 gr. +P.

 

[cocojo]

Those gold dots will not open up they are designed for a four inch gun. Try either new Critical defense hornady 110 non +p or federal 125 nyclads non +P.

 

[Skeeziks]

Those gold dots will not open up they are designed for a four inch gun.

Are you referring to the Gold Dot Short Barrel 135-gr. +P load?
Or are you referring to the 125-gr. non +P ?
I assume you meant the latter?

 

[cocojo]

I am refering to the non +P 125 law enforcement ammunition. the 135 +P's will work they are designed for that gun but the 125's are not. You asked for non +P ammo and that's what I am refering to. Hornady 110's critical defense and Fed 125 nyclads work very well that's what I use in my older colt's. Check out "best choices for defense ammo" and go to 38 special. The critical defense will penetrate a bit better than the nyclads by about an inch. 10 inches v 11.5 or so. Either round will do a good job. The nyclads have a decent track record.