Assortment for my Model 36?

[dawgfan76]

Looking for advice ammo-wise for my new to me snubbie. I'm interested in general purpose (to see if I can hit anything and the effective range for me), self defense and shotshell for snakes.

What is your favorite for each of these?

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have tried many a load in my Snub nose and I think that the 148 wc for light target work and the 158 Lswc for standard practice are the two loads that you might look at for factory loads. Federal 158 LRN in my area is about as cheap price wise as you can go for good ammo.

The 158 lead and the 135 Speer +P are the best loads in the snubby for SD and you have to see which you can handle and shoot the best.

 

[CoMF]

The "best" load is the one you can always shoot the most accurately. I would say try different bullet weights in practice ammo (e.g. Federal American Eagle 130 gr. FMJ and 158 grn. LRN) to see how your particular Chief's Special shoots with each and stay close in bullet weight to the one which seems to "work" as far as self defense ammo is concerned.

As for my personal choices, it's the above two for practice and Remington LHP +P for carry.

 

[dawgfan76]

I assume I cannot use +P in my older Model 36, right? The barrel does not have that designation.

edit - I asked S&W customer service and got a bonus. Based on my serial number, the gun is from 1968 and should not use +P ammo.

 

[Nevada Ed]

The mod 36 is a STEEL J-frame not like the mod 37 that is a
feather light and not 100% steel frame. Yours can shoot a few +P ammo to see where it shoots but a steady diet is not advised,since damage may result.

The factory loads of today are nothing like the loads used 50 years ago and even the CUP and PSI standards have been changed for the publics safty................

I have no idea what the REAL pressures of todays loads,really are...........I have yet to see them printed on the ammo boxs.

My steel frame snub nose mod 49 is said to be good for 10,000 rounds and 50% of those can be the 158gr lead at 900fps. I do not know what your steel j frame is rated for..........
good shooting.

 

[CoMF]

I assume I cannot use +P in my older Model 36, right? The barrel does not have that designation.

edit - I asked S&W customer service and got a bonus. Based on my serial number, the gun is from 1968 and should not use +P ammo.

Well... Yes and no. I'll explain.

Assuming there are no underlying faults such as improper heat treatment, stress cracks invisible to the naked eye, etc., shooting a mere cylinder full of +P .38's will not result in catastrophic failure nor will it necessitate a trip to the gunsmith. However, a steady long term diet of them (i.e. round counts in the thousands) will accelerate wear and cause your M-36 to go out of time faster. There's nothing wrong with not wanting to shoot +P's in your particular Chief's Special, as there are plenty of standard velocity loadings that will readily fill the role of self defense.

For what it's worth, I shoot +P ammo in my own M-36 without any illusions or reservations. Aside from having to tighten the sideplate and thumb piece screws on one occasion after an extended range session, I have yet to experience any ill effects and the timing is still flawless on all chambers. What usually ends up happening when I shoot +P rounds is that they'll have a tendency to wear me out.

 

[dawgfan76]

Anyone ever trade with Georgia Arms? I was looking for an inexpensive 148 gr WC and they sell a 100pk for $28.50.
edit - Nevermind, they're out of everything anyway

 

[old bear]

Shoot all the +P 38 special ammo in your M- 36, it will not hurt it, just check the SAAMI specks.

http://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/search?q=38+special++p+

For S/D I use either Federal +P+ 147Gr. JHP or the Buffalo Bore 38/44 heavy Duty 158Gr. LSWC. If you have to use your M-36 for real, damage to it will be the least of your concerns.