Another Federal .38+p+ 147 gr HS question

[Charles]

After reading the other thread today, I remembered that I had half a box of these from November 1991 in my stash of factory loads. After it got dark, I went out to the range to do some low-light testing. Out of a 4" NY-1 Model 64, there was very little recoil, but a lot of flash. What I'm wondering is if the newer versions of this load have a flash-suppressed powder. Has anyone done any testing with more revent vintage ammo?

Also, any reccomendations for a good low-flash .38 load would be appreciated.

 

[flop-shank]

I'm thinking that the Speer Short Barrel .38+P 135 gr. Gold Dot JHP would suit your needs well. The powder, charge and bullet are set up to work optimally from 4" and shorter barrels. Since Speer seems to spare no expense in making that load, I can't imagine that they wouldn't be using flash suppressed powders.

 

[photoman]

Also, any reccomendations for a good low-flash .38 load would be appreciated.

CorBon DPX.

 

[WR Moore]

Out of a 4" NY-1 Model 64

Ah Charles, the .38 +P+ loads were developed for use in .357 magnum pistols. The agencies who requested development of the loads wanted .357 performance without the cases bearing the stigmata of the dreaded magnum. They also signed lengthy hold harmless agreements.

That was many years ago. There's ammunition available today that will produce better results at lower pressures.

 

[flop-shank]

CorBon DPX.

That is a good load too. Shoot whatever hits POA.

 

[Charles]

Thanks for the info guys!

I guess, though, that I wasn't quite so clear on my first question, which is... "Do the newer versions of this load have a flash-suppressed powder? Has anyone done any testing with more revent vintage ammo?"

The reason I ask is that I can get the new-manufactured version of this load, but haven't had any luck finding the Speer SD. The Cor-bon DPX shoots low from this gun. I'm just wondering if they've changed the load at all in the past 18 years.

 

[photoman]

Your best bet is to try some in your gun Charles. Depending on the barrel length, it will flash more or less. The supply I have is about three years old and I don't remember it having excessive flash. I shoot that load in my 4" Model 64 exclusively.

 

[Erich]

After having fired them from snubs on an indoor range, I can assure you that the Hydra-shok +P+ 147-gr .38 Specials that I have were loaded with low-flash powder. The boxes are buried somewhere so I don't have a lot number handy.

 

[Charles]

After having fired them from snubs on an indoor range, I can assure you that the Hydra-shok +P+ 147-gr .38 Specials that I have were loaded with low-flash powder. The boxes are buried somewhere so I don't have a lot number handy.

Super.

Thanks, Erich and Photoman.

 

[Erich]

Right on, amigo!

 

[stiab]

After having fired them from snubs on an indoor range, I can assure you that the Hydra-shok +P+ 147-gr .38 Specials that I have were loaded with low-flash powder. The boxes are buried somewhere so I don't have a lot number handy.

Here's the box end for the ammo I have, not sure if they have changed over the years or not...

 

[Charles]

My old box looks way different. I've got some new stuff coming so I'll post a side-by-side pic when it gets here.

 

[Erich]

Stiab, that is what mine looks like. Gotta remember to dig back in there when I have the car out of the garage sometime.

 

[photoman]

I have some of both, the old label and new. I haven't noticed any difference but I don't have any chrono data or other testing to support that.

 

[Charles]

OK, the new batch arrived today.

Boxes...

Note the slightly wider nose with more exposed lead on the newer version...

Also, tho ogive is a bit more rounded on the new one, and it appears to take up slightly less space in the case, judging by the crease...

I'll do some head-to-head flash and chrono testing when I'm able and post the results.

 

[Erich]

Looking forward to it - thanks for the great pix.

 

[stiab]

Charles, thanks for the time and effort on the pics! Looks like there were at least 3 different box styles, and at least 2 variations in the ammo, maybe more.

 

[Charles]

Well, I did some low light (in the dark with a flashlight) shooting tonight. These were still flashy as all get out. Definitely had a negative impact on my vision. I'm planning on chronographing Tuesday just for the sake of getting some data for y'all. I've got several guns to shoot it in; a 442, a 3" 64, 4" 64, 4" 67, and a 3" Colt DS-II. I'll do at least 1 of each length. It does say 950fps on the box, but no bbl length. Doesn't feel exceptionally powerful, though.

On the bright side, it shoots where it looks in my 4" 64.

The quest will continue. I may just try to find some Silhouette and work up a load under a 20-1 358429 HP since I've got that mould. I used to love shooting low-light with WAP in a 9mm. Just a little orange glow that showed you where the sights were.

 

[Erich]

That's weird: the box I have left almost has no flash at all.

 

[Charles]

Well, double fail.

First, the range I went to to chronograph doesn't have one anymore. Somebody shot it.

Second, all attempts to capture said muzzle flash on film (pixel?) were futile as well. Erich, in less than bright light. there really wasn't much discernable flash. When the background was really dark (they let me turn the downrange lights out) is when it showed up.

On the bright side (no pun intended), I shot some .357 Magnum 135gr. GDSBHP out of my 3" 66 and it really liked them. This load had a bit more recoil and blast and only a little less flash than the Federal +p+ loads.