Ammo for 2” 38 +P / 357 wheel guns

[SpartyME]

Everybody does their own research and has their own convictions behind which ammo they choose to carry but I thought I'd share my latest ammo selections for my M&P 340. These both replaced Speer Gold Dot 158gr 357 because I've had failure to expand issues as well as jumped crimp issues.

First up for summer carry, I picked up Federal's new HST Micro 130gr 38 +P. It's a really clever design that eliminates extra airspace in the casing and generates extremely consistent velocities. Because the bullet is sunk into the casing, it allows for a much wider hollow point, which really aides in perfect expansion at lower velocities (890 fps).

Check out Mrgunsngear's review: Federal HST Micro 130gr 38 Special +P Ballistic Gel Test (HD) - YouTube
And Federal's explanation of the design: Most Consistent 38 Special +P - YouTube

For winter or woods carry, I picked up Barnes 125gr TAC-XPD. I have previous experience with their all-copper bullets in my 300BLK SBR which are phenomenal. What really sold me on this load specifically is the testing that Lucky Gunner did. Out of a 2" barrel, it had the largest expansion of any 357 round tested (even better than the rest out of a 4" barrel) at 0.75" (more than 2X original diameter), averaging 14.2" of penetration, and maintaining 100% weight retention, all while clocking in at an average of 1251 fps! Out of a 2" Kimber K6S test gun!

Here's Lucky Gunner's testing and analysis: Premium 357 Mag Ammo For Sale - 125 Grain TAC-XP HP Ammunition in Stock by Barnes TAC-XPD - 20 Rounds

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

 

[Bill In Texas]

Interesting! Thanks for the link, but I think I'll stick with the Speer Short Barrel loads for now, in both .38 Special and .357. At least until these have and get some "street cred" if you will.

 

[SpartyME]

For reference, here's the crimp jump issue I had with Speer Gold Dot 158gr

 

[Lostaro]

Tried some of the HST Micro 38+p in my 442....expansion was awesome in water jug tests.

Accuracy was fine up close....at 30yds it really dropped and groups got large (compared to other ammo I normally carry...none of my groups are "small" at 30yds). May be my gun just doesn't like the stuff, who knows.

I know...442's and the like are "close up" guns and I like the giant hollow cavity..... but....I also like knowing I can get decent hits at extended ranges.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO accuracy is paramount. The best bullet in the world will do you no good unless you hit the target.

Most commercial ammo will do what it was designed to do if you do your part. A little additional expansion in jello will make no differences in the real world.

I shoot what's accurate in my J frames and hope to God I never need to find out how well the bullet will perform.

 

[Bill Lear]

It's good to have more choices than not!

For revolver ammo I don't see the point behind a flush-seated bullet regardless of nose profile. They could mount the bullet forward with a completely flat meplat on the front and likely would have better accuracy since the bullet would not being making a run from the case to the chamber throat.

The main reason for NOT carrying flush-mounted wadcutters for SD is they tend to be loaded weak, and they tend to be harder to load due to the completely blunt design.

But my question is, why carry .38 Spl +P if the gun can handle .357 magnum ammo? I mean, a SD gun is carried a lot and shot very little...almost never actually, and regardless of hyperbole to the contrary one need never shoot the hottest ammo during practice to be fully capable of killing someone in real life during a SD situation using magnum ammunition.

IF I'm gonna carry a revolver chambered for the .357 Mag for SD then I'm gonna carry the most powerful ammo I can find in it. There is no difference in the ability of a 300 pound human versus a 300 pound bear to kill you except in HOW each goes about the task! With that in mind, when carrying short barrel guns there is no such thing as "too much power." From a short barrel, the .38 Spl is pretty weak., and the .357 Magnum isn't hitting with anything near the force it has from longer tubes.

I've reviewed all the gelatin tests at Lucky Gunner and come away with the distinct feeling that the BEST ammo to carry is that which penetrates MORE than 18" in the gel tests simply because humans and animals have bones and "liquid" structures that tend to STOP bullets that in these various gel tests show extreme penetration.

Also I think you are conflating SD needs with field carry considerations. Other than as a pure backup (for humans) I see no reason to ever carry a sub-2" barrel revolver in the field. If I'm gonna carry a revolver in the field the minimum barrel would be 4" in .357 Magnum, with 6" being idea. From a long barrel the .357 magnum HC 158 grain Keith style SWC is a very potent choice, and Underwood has improvements beyond that in their 180 grain load.

I don't mean to diss your choices at all....the fact that we have choices is great, I'm just putting my money on slugs that do penetrate beyond 18" based on my own real-world experience.