.38spc Ammo choice?

[Kanewpadle]

With 38 special self defense loads, there is never a guarantee that the bullet will expand. Doesn’t matter how slow or fast the bullet is pushed.

Since shot placement and penetration are most important, wadcutters make sense.

FMJ and clogged hollow points simply just pokes a hole in people. Wadcutters penetrate very well and cut their way through causing more damage.

 

[38SPL HV]

I use either a 148 gr DEWC (3.3 grs W231) or a 158 gr cast SWC (4.0 grs SWC) in my Airweight. If I was limited to factory ammunition, I would use Remington’s 158 gr SWC or their 148 gr WC.

 

[rwsmith]

It sure wasn't.....

And if you believe Massage Aboob, a S&W Model 38 frame was stretched beyond function with 4 boxes of .38 Special +P.

In my experience, they are both full of cow pie.

....TODAY'S +P. Unless you buy boutique stuff, mainstream +P loads are barely discernable from standard.

Many years ago I was at the range and a couple guys were leaving and I heard them remark, "He's shooting +Ps now." The difference was marked. I don't doubt that REAL +P could wreck a gun not rated for it. How quickly, I don't know.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

With 38 special self defense loads, there is never a guarantee that the bullet will expand. Doesn’t matter how slow or fast the bullet is pushed.

Since shot placement and penetration are most important, wadcutters make sense.

FMJ and clogged hollow points simply just pokes a hole in people. Wadcutters penetrate very well and cut their way through causing more damage.

^^^THIS RIGHT HERE^^^^

All the rest is speculation and trying to read tea leaves in the jello-tests.

 

[Reggie TisFree]

Excellent!

Just FYI: an older times gun writer named Walt Rauch took one of the older none +P rated J frames and had every part disassembled, examined and measured. He then proceeded to pound that old J frame with a multitude of +P rounds by various makers. After hundreds of +P rounds that gun was once again disassembled, examined and measured. Guess what NO accelerated wear or stretching etc... was found.

I do shoot +p in all my .38 Special guns. I do not shoot a lot of it because it is not fun for me to do so.

Added:

Walt Rauch received a BS degree from Carnegie Tech and completed service as a Special Agent in U.S. Army Intelligence. Rauch was a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent and a Philadelphia, Pa., Warrant Unit Investigator. He now operates a consulting company for defense-weapon and tactical training. Rauch & Company services include expert witness testimony on firearms use and tactics.
Rauch is also a writer and lecturer in the firearms field. He’s published in national and international publications including InterMedia’s Handguns, several Harris Publications specialty magazines, Police and Security News and Cibles (France). He is the author of a book on self-defense, Real-World Survival! What Has Worked For Me, as well as Practically Speaking, a comprehensive guide to IDPA defensive pistol shooting.

Awesome job of citing your source and his qualifying credentials. Obviously, we live in a society that cares less for or lacks the capacity for empirical research!
BRAVO!!!

 

[rwsmith]

The usual common and available ammo...

Federal 130 gr. HST Micro

Remington 125nGolden Saber

Speer Gold Dots if you can get them

Winchester 130 gr Train and Defend

Hornady 90 gr. Critical Defense Lite

Your choices go up a LOT if you use +P for carry (only).

125 gr Remington Golden Saber +P

Federal Hydra Shok 125 gr +P

Speer 135 gr Gold Dot Short Barrel +P if you can find it.

 

[BE Mike]

In the end, you do what you want. It's only your life that's on the line. Also remember that it's not about killing power, it's about STOPPING someone who is endangering your life. It does you no good to have been killed by someone who continues on after being shot, just to die later.

 

[Valmet]

I carry Double Tap 148-gr WC in my 37-1 Airweight.

 

[Matt_X]

The OP hasn't been back since Oct 15.
He asked basically the same thing a week earlier and recieved about the same answer as given here in post #2. to wit - the M38 was intended for any standard ammo, not just wadcutters.

What I would add to that is:

a. Not all wadcutters cartridges are the same.
b. Regardless of cartridge choice, once you can make reasonably consistant groups on the target, pick a cartridge that hits close to point of aim.

 

[pete950]

only hits count!!