Hornaday HST until I finally run out, then probably gold dot.
Ammunition choice - dead horse, maybe - J frames only - .38 Specials only
- Thread starter ISCS Yoda
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AJ
US Veteran
Hand and arm strength are not what it use to be. Model 36 with no frills. I use 148 grain HBWC in it. Very controllable if second shot needed. Unless they are wearing body armor a center mass hit will usually do it. Then a "Failure to Stop Drill" works.
Rammer Jammer
Member
Federal HST 130gr +p
Gold Saber 125gr +p for the reload
Gold Saber 125gr +p for the reload
Practice with light 110 or 148 weight bullets.
I did not like how the 125 gr bullets tested out over the years
and did not like the recoil and time to get back on target with the 158 grs.
My best "All around" load for all my wants and needs came down to the
135 Gold Dot in my M49.
I did not like how the 125 gr bullets tested out over the years
and did not like the recoil and time to get back on target with the 158 grs.
My best "All around" load for all my wants and needs came down to the
135 Gold Dot in my M49.
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I use the Federal FBI load, mostly because I have a stash. I prefer 158s in .38.
I only load my j-frames. I'm now considering "stoking" them after reading here. Sounds effective.
I only load my j-frames. I'm now considering "stoking" them after reading here. Sounds effective.
I use 148gr wadcutters.
BKLooney
Member
familyman357oh
Member
I've given this a lot of thought over the last several years because my only true everyday carry gun has been a 442.
My position is prefaced with the idea that I subscribe to the idea that expansion is nice, but adequate penetration is essential. I'm also satisfied that the average American is much fatter than when revolvers ruled the day and that some marginal or even good loads from back in the day may literally come up short now.
I want a load that tends toward the deeper end of the 12" to 18" range of the FBI protocol, and I want that load to perform fairly consistently in that regard.
The load that *most* satisfies my criteria is the simple 148 gr. full wadcutter, ideally Winchester X38SMRP due to its relatively high velocity for a target load. Even at its modest target ammo velocity you can expect 14" to 17" of penetration (mostly 15" to 17") and the sharp shoulder tends to punch holes rather than worm its way around organs like round-nosed projectiles (such as hollowpoints that don't expand).
It's not the only answer, but it's my answer for me so far.
The rationale:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPXDwi7O0jg[/ame]
The results:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/#38spl
My position is prefaced with the idea that I subscribe to the idea that expansion is nice, but adequate penetration is essential. I'm also satisfied that the average American is much fatter than when revolvers ruled the day and that some marginal or even good loads from back in the day may literally come up short now.
I want a load that tends toward the deeper end of the 12" to 18" range of the FBI protocol, and I want that load to perform fairly consistently in that regard.
The load that *most* satisfies my criteria is the simple 148 gr. full wadcutter, ideally Winchester X38SMRP due to its relatively high velocity for a target load. Even at its modest target ammo velocity you can expect 14" to 17" of penetration (mostly 15" to 17") and the sharp shoulder tends to punch holes rather than worm its way around organs like round-nosed projectiles (such as hollowpoints that don't expand).
It's not the only answer, but it's my answer for me so far.
The rationale:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPXDwi7O0jg[/ame]
The results:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/#38spl
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mikeruns
Member
Snake shot...it'll blow the lungs out!
Really, I keep remington 125 jhp +p in my 642, or 158 gr lead swchp....
Really, I keep remington 125 jhp +p in my 642, or 158 gr lead swchp....
Model19man
Member
I agree. At a gun show in the mid 1990's a dealer had several boxes of Western 38 Special wadcutters for sale. I need to chronograph it since I got a Garmin a couple months ago but I bet it is like 700 FPS from my Model 37 S&W.
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curtmini14
Member
148 gn wadcutters over 3.2 grs of bullseye accurate as any gets the job done.
Another user of 158 gr. LSWC loaded over W-231 and Winchester Small Pistol Primer. No hollow point as expansion is dependent on velocity which you will not get enough out of a 2” barrel. Like Piwo
it is my common choice in 4” barrel revolvers. Having enough penetration is important to me as I am not confident of a perfect shot to the upper chest hitting the attackers spine or heart when being attacked.
it is my common choice in 4” barrel revolvers. Having enough penetration is important to me as I am not confident of a perfect shot to the upper chest hitting the attackers spine or heart when being attacked.
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OP
That was not quite the point, however. 2" K frames are larger and heavier than J frames, harder to conceal, and have less felt recoil. Thus my qualifier stands.
I wrote:
And, now that I have thought about it, and read all of y'all's comments, I checked my ammunition stash to see what I had available. I have switched out that ammunition for Hornady "American Gunner" 125 grain XTP jacketed HPs.
Thanks for the comments and reminder!
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
J Frame I got a half case of Federal 158 grain LRN and that would do.
Me too! Well that and the first two rounds are shot shell since I mostly carry the 642 when I'm riding my bike.
imashooter2
Member
Another for Speer 135 grain Gold Dot Short Barrel. The ballistics from short barrels is why.
