.38 Special non hollow point loads for a 4"

[Kanewpadle]

Take a look at Underwood Ammo Extreme Defense.

The technology seems to make sense. Other ammo companies use a similar design.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

If I couldn't load up modern Hollow points I'd opt for old school 148 gr Wadcutters.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

You have a shield icon. If you come under HR-218 the hollowpoint rule was overturned around nine months ago. All the test cases and rules for civilian concealed carry are still being fought out in the Assembly. It's still a mess.

Having said that, I do qualify LEOSA/ HR 218 and still, I'm going to the Jersey shore next week for the rest of the month. I'm carrying a J frame with 158 gr. SWC. Why, because not even the state police superintendent has a clue. They started this decades ago and have been abusing the courts ever since.

 

[tops]

Exactly what benefits are claimed from using “hard cast” bullets? It just struck me as being simply meaningless advertising babble, but I never was interested enough to look into it

I find that "hard cast" hold their shape and penetrate better. Larry

 

[1sailor]

Typically when I see the term "hardcast" used it is in reference to hunting bullets designed for deep penetration.

 

[press-1-for-english]

Again, thank you all for your very informative and helpful comments. Reloading may very well be the other hobby I take up.
I was a LEO in FL for 4 years but then my wife became terminally ill and wanted to return to her family in NJ so I didn't do my 20.
SWC or WC look like they will have a place in my future.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I were in your situation my choice would be a 158gr LSWC. The semi-wadcutter bullet is very effective. The sharp shoulder does all the damage since it cuts.

 

[rosewood]

Being you said you "can" use the Hornady Critical Defense, that is what I recommend anyway. Looking at Lucky Gunner's ballistic test, it is one of the best overall penetration/expansion in 38 special there is. They are a bit pricey, but you can use something less expensive for practice after you have verified function and POI in your specific gun.

Critical Defense flextip being approved and "hollowpoints" not, just goes to show you the politicians really have no clue about guns and ammo.

Rosewood

 

[BSA1]

148 gr. Full Wadcutter ammunition is designed for target shooting. The Full Wadcutter cuts nice round holes in paper for scoring purposes and low velocity reduces recoil. I kept a box in my patrol car for varmint shooting until I bounced one off of the head of a opossum one night. Dang if that didn’t make him angry!

I like the 158 gr. Lead Semi-Wadcutter as it is a versatile bullet. The sharp shoulder cuts nice round holes in paper, skin and muscle and the solid nose gives penetration. But I handload my ammunition so I don’t know what is a available commercially.

Actually press-1-for-english it would help if you told is what is sold commercially in your state. Hornady Critical Defense has a good reputation. Hornady Critical Duty is designed for deeper penetration and barrier penetration.

 

[chief38]

Given the two revolvers you list (M67 & M10) I would opt for 158 grain LSWC +P ammo. No they will not expand but out of a 4" bbl. you should get 900+ fps with a fairly heavy bullet weight. The +P's out of the two revolver's mentioned in your post should not have objectionable recoil. You could use standard velocity ammo too, but with less foot pounds of energy. You might want to try both. For SD I'd not use RNL! Those are known for passing through a body because of the LRN bullet shape. The LSWC version will transfer a bit more energy while being essentially the same load.

 

[Gamecock]

Hardcast slugs will give better penetration.

 

[Gamecock]

I agree with above commenters suggesting 158 gr SWC and 148 gr WC.

Personally, I load hard cast double ended 148 gr wadcutters for self defense. Moderate loads for my .38s, but hotted up if for my 19-2.

 

[rockquarry]

Hardcast slugs will give better penetration.

What is it that you're penetrating? A soft or softer bullet can provide expansion and still penetrate reasonably well and isn't nearly as prone to leading a bore as a hard bullet, unless you're driving the hard bullet at incredible speed, probably faster than is possible with a .38 Special or .357 Magnum.

 

[rwsmith]

I would use.....

...something around 12 Brinell and not anything over 16. I'd want something softer to deform, since you aren't allowed to use hollow points. A semi wadcutter or a solid full wadcutter (not a hollow base which aren't made for hotter loads because the skirt can blow off). Many wadcutters are made for low velocity and very soft and could possibly lead the bore. Being for defense you want a somewhat hot load, for a .38 that's around 950 fps.
If the hardness is right, you can use coated bullets and eliminate leading altogether, especially considering how much you shoot. If I'm not shooting jacketed, I'm shooting coated.

 

[Gamecock]

What is it that you're penetrating? A soft or softer bullet can provide expansion and still penetrate reasonably well and isn't nearly as prone to leading a bore as a hard bullet, unless you're driving the hard bullet at incredible speed, probably faster than is possible with a .38 Special or .357 Magnum.

Cirrusly?

Sharp shouldered, hard bullets cut clean holes. In whatever animal you are shooting. Soft bullets instantly become round nosed bullets, pressing tissue aside, and not cutting it.

EXPANSION IS NOT YOUR FRIEND

 

[rockquarry]

Cirrusly?

Sharp shouldered, hard bullets cut clean holes. In whatever animal you are shooting. Soft bullets instantly become round nosed bullets, pressing tissue aside, and not cutting it.

EXPANSION IS NOT YOUR FRIEND

Not talking about clouds here. I fail to see how something inanimate, "expansion" in this case, can be a "friend".

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like I said in post #27, like BSA1 said in post #29, like Gamecock agreed in post #32 and probably a few other I missed, the sharp shoulder of a SWC does all the work for you. Not a bad choice IMO.

 

[Kinman]

Someone once said "Every bullet comes with an attorney." If you want to check into the legality of using a hollow base wad cutter bullet loaded inversely or hollow base pointed out then thats what I recommend. The AP's at Fairchild AFB carried that round in their Model 10's. 148Gr. HBWC loaded inverse over 3.5gr. of Red Dot...Devastating round at pistol ranges of 25yds and less, very accurate and pleasant to shoot. Nearly doubles in size on impact and doesn't fragment or exit seriously like .357 can.

 

[stansdds]

Swaged lead hollow base wadcutters loaded backwards into the case does make a very potent, yet low recoiling defensive round. I would fear that loading a hollow base wadcutter backwards would create ammo that falls within the definition of hollow point ammo and run afoul of laws in regions where hollow point ammo is prohibited.

 

[BAM-BAM]

No one likes a .35" hole in their body.... they like two even less.

A "well placed double tap" should due the trick!!!!!!

No matter the load!