stang68
Member
I decided to load my 2.5" M66 that I carry with Federal 129gr 38+P HydraShock rather that 357 ammo. My non-carry 4" M19 for home defense is also loaded with the 38+P. I am just wondering what y'all think of my decision.
.38+p in m66 for pd
- Thread starter stang68
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If the 38+P is what you get fast, accurate hits with out of your 66, then I'd say you made a good decision.
Nothing the matter with todays 38+P rounds for self defense. Ranger 38+P is particularly accurate out of my 66's, and the first shot, is the one that matters most.
Regards 18DAI.
Nothing the matter with todays 38+P rounds for self defense. Ranger 38+P is particularly accurate out of my 66's, and the first shot, is the one that matters most.
Regards 18DAI.CatnPhx
Member
Well, I've got a 2" .357 that make shooting .357 ammo kinda tough ... some loads actually hurt my hand. I agree that short barrels should probably stick to 38spl +P.
Regarding your ammo choice for the short barrel .357, check this out:
Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo
I found the best short barrel 38 spl +P ammo is Gold Dot 135 gr +P JHP Short Barrel ammo. I've read this several times ... might be worth checking out.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=53921
Good luck in your decision.
Regarding your ammo choice for the short barrel .357, check this out:
Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo
I found the best short barrel 38 spl +P ammo is Gold Dot 135 gr +P JHP Short Barrel ammo. I've read this several times ... might be worth checking out.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=53921
Good luck in your decision.
Last edited:
photoman
Member
I would recommend either the Gold Dot 135gr or DPX 110gr if using .38 Special +P. Nothing wrong with using .38 in a .357 gun.
ldp4570
US Veteran
I carry the old standard loading in all my .38 special revolvers(Thats counting my model 66-2) 158grSWCHP+P, by either Remington, Winchester, or Federal.
Broker50
Member
It may not be a popular notion here, but, I think small frame or short barrel 357's are a bad idea in general. Ever touch a 357 off in a dark hallway? You suddenly become blind & deaf. I feel a +P 38 Spl is better for HD than the 357 for that reason. Even better still is a 45 ACP. The standard load 45 generally has much less flash, is not nearly as loud & detrimental to your hearing, easier on follow-up shots, well, you get the idea.
This is one of the reasons I decided to go with .38+P rather than .357 in my M66. I never shot .357's at night or even at an indoor range, only at an outdoor range during the day but I've read many comments from people that have. The last time I was at the range the guy to the right of me remarked about the blast from the .357's I had loaded with 158gr XTP's and Unique in my M66 and it wasn't even a hot load.
Thanks to all that have provided recommendations and links to more information. I had already bought the hydrashocks before I started this thread but I'm leaning towards the Speer 135gr GD for short barrel now.
photoman
Member
This is totally dependent on the ammo used. There are many modern .357 magnum loads that are low flash.
Anything K frame or 3 inch barrel or shoter, I shoot Gold Dot .38sp +P in for self defense. In my L & N frames I go with .357s. I rather put two or three rounds into a target than just one that has heavy recoil and no second follow up.
In one part of my days as a Federale we carried Model 19/66s with 2 1/2 inch barrels with the treasury load in them. Didn't like the 110grains as I didn't think they penetrated enough.
And the muzzle flash in darkness looked like a 12.7 comming by a chopper in the A Shau.
Rule 303
In one part of my days as a Federale we carried Model 19/66s with 2 1/2 inch barrels with the treasury load in them. Didn't like the 110grains as I didn't think they penetrated enough.
And the muzzle flash in darkness looked like a 12.7 comming by a chopper in the A Shau.
Rule 303
ContinentalOp
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I see nothing wrong with your set-up, so long as you can get rounds on target quickly with consistently good accuracy and the ammo functions well in your gun. I have Buffalo Bore's standard pressure 158gr LSWCHP .38 Special load in my 3" 65 and 2" 64; it works for me.
I also liked Speer's 135gr Short-Barrel GDHP in .357 Magnum. It worked very well in my 65; very controllable with hardly any muzzle flash. If you can find some it might be worth trying out. My favorite .357 load was the Winchester 110gr SJHP. Very easy to shoot, but made a considerable fireball out my 3" barrel. I prefer minimal to no flash in a self-defense load, so I've never used it for that purpose.
I also liked Speer's 135gr Short-Barrel GDHP in .357 Magnum. It worked very well in my 65; very controllable with hardly any muzzle flash. If you can find some it might be worth trying out. My favorite .357 load was the Winchester 110gr SJHP. Very easy to shoot, but made a considerable fireball out my 3" barrel. I prefer minimal to no flash in a self-defense load, so I've never used it for that purpose.
Hook686
US Veteran
hmmm it strikes me that at least you will know when you pull the trigger. For the BG, the flash/bang will be a big surprise. Who will be blinded most by your shot ? If it is you, you might have it coming.
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