.38special self defence ammo for snubbies

[Nevada Ed]

ArchAngelCD;

Could you tell me what bullet weight that silver tip is and what velocity you are getting out of what length barrel?

I tried them in my 38 snub nose.

 

[blackpowder]

I like Winchester Silvertip +P, Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot +P and the FBI Load.

Yes, I would also like some details about the silvertips. Truth is, I just shot them up because I thought they don't cut the mustard anymore. I am looking around for a more up to date replacement.

You think the silvertips are still up there with the new stuff - performance wise ??

 

[TenTea]

Hornady Critical Defense

 

[JohnHancock]

Just to add to the discussion, I've also been doing some informal experimentation with various defense ammo. This past weekend I had a chance to do some shooting and compared some of the aforementioned brands. I've been carrying the popular Speer Gold Dot 135 +p, but wanted to do some comparisons with the Georgia Arms Speer "Unicore" 125 gr. +p as well as the controversial Buffalo Bore +p "FBI" load. As some have mentioned the BB was a handful, but performed well. I will say that Speer rounds performed a little better on follow up shots, particularly the GA Arms 125 gr.+p. Some have said they believe that GA Arms +p is a little weak compared to some of the name brand +p, and that might be the case as I don't believe that the 10 grain difference between the two would have much noticeable difference in perceived recoil. I was just shooting at an indoor range and was not chrono-ing or using ballistics gel, so no word on muzzle energy or expansion, just general observation. I'd love to see some formal comparisons, but don't have the means to conduct it. The only ballistics test video on YouTube is the GA Arms Speer Unicore 9mm +p, which expanded well in a "milk jug" test.

 

[Me239]

I love my 158 SWC-HP that I handload. If you don't load, get Remington 158 grain SWC-HP +P. They're the only FBI loads (besides Buffalo Bore) that I know reliably expand.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

ArchAngelCD;

Could you tell me what bullet weight that silver tip is and what velocity you are getting out of what length barrel?

I tried them in my 38 snub nose.

I'm sorry but I have never sent the 125gr Silvertips over a chrono. To be truthful I have not used them in a while either.

From a 2" J frame (actually 1.875") shooting the 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel ammo I get an AV of 922 fps. That sounds a little high but that's what my records from 2007 show.
The 135gr Speer load is rated @860 fps on their site. The 125gr SliverTips are rated @945 fps from a 4" vented barrel. I would guess the velocity of the Silvertips would be at least as good as the Gold Dots. Granted the 135gr bullet from Speer is designed to expand at lower velocities than the Silvertips but since the Silvertips have a higher velocity rating than the Gold dots I'm sure they will also expand. At least all the tests I see on the Internet say they do.

As for the FBI Load, they have over 50 years of performing in the field and I'm sure there are no doubts if they perform or not.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Good, Good..............

a 125gr Silver Tip !!

I tried several Remington old style SJHP in my snub but they
give all kinds of different results in penetration, expansion and
accuracy. One day they work the next they are terrible!!

I use them now for just target loads, even though I did get them up to 890 and 903 in the snub nose J frame.

 

[s&wbest]

I like the dependable expansion of the speer gold dot ammunition. It may be my go to round of the future. I wonder why the detectives of past remark on wad cutter dependability. I am not talking target loads but buffalo bore hard cast 150gr. low flash standard pressure. With Golden Saber having jacket separation problems and Pdx1 not expanding from short barrels and over penetrating the thought of a couple of rounds of a dependable hole puncher with a devistating wound capability makes sense to me. Putting all my eggs in one basket is only as good as the basket. Corbon would be a great option if i thought my old airweight would stay in one peice. I would use it as a ankle carried backup to a 40 shield. I like the dependability of a revolver but realize the firepower and ease of reload in an auto is my main ccw. Group confrontation is getting to be more of my concern than just a one on one robbery. I will continue to upgrade my weapons but for now I want to make best use of what I have by taking advise of those who have real life experience.

 

[Sylvaticus]

Three choices

In my CCW classes, I have in recent years recommended these choices for .38 Special. It is my cartridge of choice for civilians in a 2" to 4" small or medium frame revolver , esp. for those (most!) who will not be engaging in much practice. I have favored load #2 since the 1970s.
1. Speer 135-gr GD short barrel load +P
2. Federal, Rem or Win 158-gr LSWCHP "FBI" +P
3. Major manufacturer 148 LWC, a compromise round for those unable to handle and qualify with either of the above.

In many instances, the issue isn't with load as much as being a failure to recognize that a lightweight, small frame snub nose isn't a handgun for novices!

Yes, there might be still other choices from smaller ammo outfits, but few of my students will take the time to find them.