Ammo for S&W 642-2

[Denise]

Hi all. Ended up getting a S&W (of course!) 642-1 (no lock/DA only). Shot one in practice and I liked it. Fitted it with Hogue Bantam grips. NOW I need some ammo! It's +p rated. Recommend away....

I would like some ideas on some practice ammo.

I want to get 50 rds of hollow point for carry.

Thanks in advance.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Any and all 38 spl ammo is going to work.

Defensive ammo, I use 129gn Hydra shok ammo but that happens to be what I picked up. It shoots and I can control the gun so it's a winner for me.
Remember with defensive ammo, reliability & controlability always trumps power.

 

[drew-67]

Hi all. Ended up getting a S&W (of course!) 642-2 (DA only). Shot one in practice and I liked it. Fitted it with Hogue Bantam grips. NOW I need some ammo! It's +p rated. Recommend away....

I would like some ideas on some practice ammo.

I want to get 50 rds of hollow point for carry.

Thanks in advance.

I have found that Remington 158 grain LRN are extremely accurate in my 642-2...
BTW, I think you'll love this gun; I bought mine as an opposite companion to my 6" 686. Figured it would be great for conceal carry and all.
Well it's been that, but what I have been really impressed with is it shoots to my POA consistantly and I really wasn't expecting that out of a snub.

 

[Dale53]

My daily carry is a 642. I prefer the "FBI load" (a 158 gr Hollow point). I am currently using the Federal load.

My practice load is a 148 gr dbl ended W/C cast by me and loaded by me.

You need to practice, practice, practice...

Dale53

 

[thedogfather]

I don't know what ammo availability is like in your area but if you look around I think you will be able to find what you need. You could probably find .38 special range ammo on-line for $15 to $18 for box of 50. You will want to be pickier when selecting ammo for self defense. Any of the top shelf names would probably serve you well. Speer makes an excellent JHP especially for short barrels. Hornaday makes a 110 grain "Critical Defense" round that is getting good reviews. Cor Bon makes hot, quality ammunition. I have shot and carried Remington's "Express" and "Golden Sabre". Then, of course, there is the venerable "FBI Load: 158 grain lead, semi-wadcutter hollow point. The main thing is to find out what works best in your revolver and practice, practice, practice.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Corbon DPX works great in mine.

 

[ironfoot]

Speer Ammo - Short Barrel

 

[tpd223]

I like the DPX, the 135gr Gold Dot, the new Hornady FTX rounds, and wadcutters, all of them work fine, pick the one that shoots the best in your gun.

 

[Lex_Ordo]

Speer Ammo - Short Barrel

I have to agree.
+1

 

[phils]

+2. My M638 carries 135 gr. Gold Dots.

 

[Denise]

well today I found some Speer Gold Dot HP Short Barrel 135 gr +p online...bought 100rds. Now looking for some good practice ammo (yes I will shoot the SGDHP...I know shoot what your carry..but at those prices I need something else to get used to my new gun with!)

 

[Match10]

I use Winchester bonded PDX1, 130 gr 38 special +P JHP

This one....

 

[Wardo88]

Speer Gold Dot HP Short Barrel 135 gr +p is my number one ammo

 

[coach22]

All my J Frames are loaded with Buffalo Bore.
Nickel 49 & Nickel 442 Standard Pressure 158's.
640 (38) 158 +P's.
340 PD 125 38+P's.
Prior to Buffalo Bore, all were loaded with
Corbon DPX 38 +P's.
Not to start a *-*- storm, I realize the GDSB was created for the NYPD for their backups, but after
all this time, I have not ever heard of, or read of, even one documented shooting of how they actually performed.

 

[Denise]

coach22...I browsed a lot of forums and saw lots of folks like them so I bought the SGDHP.....found a deal for $22.23 for a box of 20 (I bought 5 boxes).

My swat cop CCW trainer (and new BF) approved of them..thought they would be great SD loads.

 

[Jazman]

coach22...I browsed a lot of forums and saw lots of folks like them so I bought the SGDHP.....found a deal for $22.23 for a box of 20 (I bought 5 boxes).

My swat cop CCW trainer (and new BF) approved of them..thought they would be great SD loads.

Good move. Gold Dots are my choice for my 642; I shoot a lot of it through it and it works very well.

 

[P&R Fan]

Carry load for 642

Ive had my 642 for over 13 years and carry Federal lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint Plus-P. This is the classic FBI load. Has a great street record in actual shootings. Not sure if Federal still makes it but many other companies do if they don't. Get some Bianchi Speed Strips to carry as reloads. Much easier than speedloaders. Now PRACTICE and stay safe.

 

[srgvaz]

Ive had my 642 for over 13 years and carry Federal lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint Plus-P. This is the classic FBI load. Has a great street record in actual shootings. Not sure if Federal still makes it but many other companies do if they don't. Get some Bianchi Speed Strips to carry as reloads. Much easier than speedloaders. Now PRACTICE and stay safe.

+1
I still have two old boxes left of the Federal and it has always done the job for me.