Best 38 Special Ammo for Snubbies:

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Recommended .38 Ammo For Snubbies
Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special +P 110gr JHP - Best Overall
Speer 38 Special +P 125gr JHP - Best Self-Defense
Blazer 38 Special 125 Grain FMJ - Best Training
Underwood 38 Special +P 125-Grain XTP - Best Hollow Point
Black Hills Ammunition 38 Special 158gr CNL - Honorable Mention

Full Article Here: Best 38 Special Ammo for Snubbies

 

[BrBa]

Looks like an advertisement. Personally I would not use any of those.

 

[heeter3]

SGT ROCK 118 thanks for the snub nose ammo recommendations.I always like to look at what other people are using and to compare it to what I carry. What one prefers or what works for them is a personal choice and It never hurts to get a fresh perspective on whats out there.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Where is Gold Dot Short Barrel? That round was thoroughly tested and vetted before being adopted by NYPD. In my opinion, if you don't like the old FBI load of +P 158 grain LHP, then GDSB is the best alternative.

 

[dickydalton]

The Speer short barrel is unobtainium just as the HST load from Hornady.

 

[murphydog]

The Speer short barrel is unobtainium just as the HST load from Hornady.

Just like a current related thread on the Speer .357 Gold Dot Short Barrel, it is apparently back in production. Buy wisely if you have been looking.

Speer .38 Special Ammo handgun 135 grains | Bulk Speer .38 Special Ammunition handgun 135 grains - AmmoSeek.com 2024

 

[glenwolde]

It makes no sense to me that a JHP is "Best Overall", then another JHP wins "Best Self-Defense", but for some reason neither of those are "Best Hollow Point".

 

[murphydog]

Where is Gold Dot Short Barrel? That round was thoroughly tested and vetted before being adopted by NYPD. In my opinion, if you don't like the old FBI load of +P 158 grain LHP, then GDSB is the best alternative.

My guess is this an older article when the Speer 135 gr load was temporarily unavailable.

 

[ladder13]

Speer Gold Dots

 

[ruger 22]

This is a very interesting discussion. I carried a 36 snub as backup to my BHP for over 40 years and have come to the conclusion that the snub is a last resort, close range proposition where most any standard ammo will work if you hit your target correctly. Today, being long retired my EDC is a 649-2 with standard 158's and that is mainly because that is the ammo I got the best deal on. Most important with the snub is to practice a lot.

 

[Smeckler]

Thanks for the list, but I'm another who wouldn't carry any of those except for the Speer Gold Dot. It reads like and ad and it's not surprising the "best" are the ones they sell on their site.

I carry Remington 125gr +P Golden Saber in my revolvers. They're proven rounds that expand at 38 spl velocities. You should do your own research and carry what you feel good about.

 

[BKLooney]

I've always liked the old Federal 158 grain +P Semi-Wadcutter HP load (38G).

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Lucky Gunner has some interesting tests too. https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... over 40 years and have come to the conclusion that the snub is a last resort, close range proposition where most any standard ammo will work if you hit your target correctly. Today, being long retired my EDC is a 649-2 with standard 158's and that is mainly because that is the ammo I got the best deal on. Most important with the snub is to practice a lot.

You are spot on.

When I started as a cop we were issued standard 38 Special 158 grain LRN. One shot with a correct hit did it. Shooting practice goes a long way.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

When I started it was 158gr. LRN too. They sure bounced off of windshields, worked pretty good on center mass. We finally moved to 158 gr. SWC, then 158gr. JHP. after that it was 9mm.

 

[chief38]

First of all, from what I saw, the list was compiled by an ammo company that sells it - right there you have to take it with a grain of salt - they are probably not going to recommend a brand or sku number they don't sell. Sort of seems nothing more than self fulfilling to me.

Secondly, there really is no single best ammo! It depends on the exact model J Frame, who is shooting it and how sensitive they are to recoil, what the gun is made of (there are very lightweight and much heavier J Frames), the climate - some ammo will work better in warm climates where people do not wear heavy clothing, etc. etc. etc.

It could also depend on what is available in your area especially if your State restricts mail order purchasing of ammo. I could go on and on but again, I would take that particular list lightly! There are the Speer Gold Dots and heavy Buffalo Bore loadings that IMO are at the top of most lists.

 

[stanmerrell]

I've always liked the old Federal 158 grain +P Semi-Wadcutter HP load (38G).

That's a hard hitting round alright. Plenty of penetration too. 110's don't have sufficient sectional density to go deep.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

I've always liked the old Federal 158 grain +P Semi-Wadcutter HP load (38G).

I hate to be a knucklehead, but that's not the "old Federal 158 grain +P Semi-Wadcutter HP load (38G)", that's the current version. The original version that the load made its reputation with used a different, softer bullet. The picture you posted is the first one I've seen with an expanded bullet; the others I've seen showed no expansion in gel tests. I'd dearly love for the bullet in that picture to be the norm since the current 38G is about half the price of the R-P and Winchester versions. The R-P and Winchester versions are apparently still using the original bullets they started with, and work just like they used to. I use the R-P version, but not in snubs, just in my 3" and 4" K frames.

I run Federal Gold Medal Match wadcutters in my M49 with R-P 158-grain standard velocity LSWCs as reloads, and Winchester Ranger Bonded 130-grain JHPs in my 642-2. I'd run wadcutters in my 642 but it's regulated for 125-130-grain ammo.

 

[BB57]

I hate to be a knucklehead, but that's not the "old Federal 158 grain +P Semi-Wadcutter HP load (38G)", that's the current version. The original version that the load made its reputation with used a different, softer bullet. The picture you posted is the first one I've seen with an expanded bullet; the others I've seen showed no expansion in gel tests. I'd dearly love for the bullet in that picture to be the norm since the current 38G is about half the price of the R-P and Winchester versions. The R-P and Winchester versions are apparently still using the original bullets they started with, and work just like they used to. I use the R-P version, but not in snubs, just in my 3" and 4" K frames.

I run Federal Gold Medal Match wadcutters in my M49 with R-P 158-grain standard velocity LSWCs as reloads, and Winchester Ranger Bonded 130-grain JHPs in my 642-2. I'd run wadcutters in my 642 but it's regulated for 125-130-grain ammo.

Agreed. Back in the day Federal had a great deal of trouble developing a LSWCHP load for law enforcement use as bullets soft enough to expand, had a great deal of problems with leading and couple not get through a 50 round course of fire without accuracy going to pot.

They eventually found a suitable combination of lead alloy and lube to allow for both expansion and minimal leading, but their 158 gr LSWCHP load was several years behind those of Winchester and Remington.

Today, harder alloys are the norm, and with modern ".38 +P" SAAMI pressure standards producing lower velocities expansion in 10% ballistic gel is not something you can reliably expect.

Now…that's separate from the claims the old "FBI" loads are effective. However those claims are a bit of a straw man argument as the data on real world shoots over all indicates that half the people shot with anything larger than the .22 LR and .25 ACP stop as soon as they are shot, so it's a pretty low bar.

 

[gwpercle]

Mine stays loaded with 160 gr. cast lead Wadcutter (Lyman 358432)
and 3.5 grs. Bullseye .
It's my match target load and I shoot it very well ... the 160 gr. wadcutter hits hard and the load is extremely accurate
As you know ... Only Hit's Count !
Gary

 

[Piwo]

FWIW...Our department issued Winchester 158 grain LSWC Plus P (NOT hollow point) back in the day. It must have been loaded hotter than today's stuff as I had chronographed it in the mid 900 fps range from 4 inch guns .
Our Ordnance Unit Sergeant had told us that this load had never failed to stop in any departmental shooting when the round was placed center mass. I have no way of verifying that, but at the time I believed him. I have used that round on racoons and woodchucks. It seemed to work as well as any hollow point that I can recall, maybe even better in some cases. On vicious large dogs it worked very well as a stopper...again, assuming good placement. From what I have seen in my limited experience, jacketed hollow points are not reliable expanders in anything from a 2 inch snub. 4 inch barrels and longer is a different story. I have a stash of this ammo from back then and it is what I carry in a snub if I carry one. I know what it will do if placed right. It reliably penetrates and I don't worry about expansion. It's not dynamic by any means but no handgun load really is.
I know that some studies have shown that there is little difference in "stopping power" between the 158 gr. LSWC and the RNL in a 38. Perhaps that is true, but I recall the old timers speak of RNL failures but never with the SWC plus P. I have seen the difference on small game animals...The RNL killed them, but the LSWC seemed to smack them down. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Nevada Ed]

With the price of 38 Spl ammo, now,
most of use grab the cheap 130 target folders, if available.

If the price is right, the little 110 jacket stuff, will also work
in most revolvers, for killing paper.

When I go to a store, 50% of the time there is no target ammo on the shelf.
It was either sold or on order.

 

[Snub Nose Sasquatch]

My S&W 637 is loaded with 120 grain Federal Punch .38 Special + P.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Timely discussion. I had been carrying some Federal 147 grain Hydra Shok +P+ "Law Enforcement Only!" Stuff. I just recently learned from research (Thankfully not hard experience) that stuff is a terrible choice. Standard pressure velocity and incapable of expansion, even out of 4" barrels.

So...I started a quest to replace it. Going into yet another Alaskan Winter, I really wanted something reliable that wouldn't clog up with layers of clothing and would shoot to point of aim.

I finally handloaded some +P 140 grain LeHigh Deep Penetrators. I've heard folks claim they don't perform any better than a standard SWC. I ain't convinced that they're wrong. I do however like assured penetration and an ugly permanent wound channel.
I don't think it's likely worse than a 158 grain SWC, and it may be better. I don't mind that gamble. If all else fails and I can't hit the bad guy, I might be able to tell him the cost of the ammo I just launched at him and either give him a heart attack or make him realize that I'm definitely too broke to bother robbing.

Of course, after I completed this exercise, I lost patience for all of it and started carrying a .45 Colt again, at least for Winter.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

First of all, from what I saw, the list was compiled by an ammo company that sells it - right there you have to take it with a grain of salt - they are probably not going to recommend a brand or sku number they don't sell. Sort of seems nothing more than self fulfilling to me.

Exactly; Lucky Gunner is frequently praised for their Gelatin Tests of ammunition they sell.

Professional Training should be completed by anyone who carries a handgun. But the typical man will go with the newest handgun fad and boutique ammunition.

 

[S-W4EVER]

My S&W 637 is loaded with 120 grain Federal Punch .38 Special + P.

My 340PD & 442 are now loaded with Federal Hydra-Shok 129 gr. 38 Special +P.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Timely discussion. I had been carrying some Federal 147 grain Hydra Shok +P+ "Law Enforcement Only!" Stuff. I just recently learned from research (Thankfully not hard experience) that stuff is a terrible choice. Standard pressure velocity and incapable of expansion, even out of 4" barrels.

So...I started a quest to replace it. Going into yet another Alaskan Winter, I really wanted something reliable that wouldn't clog up with layers of clothing and would shoot to point of aim.

I finally handloaded some +P 140 grain LeHigh Deep Penetrators. I've heard folks claim they don't perform any better than a standard SWC. I ain't convinced that they're wrong. I do however like assured penetration and an ugly permanent wound channel.
I don't think it's likely worse than a 158 grain SWC, and it may be better. I don't mind that gamble. If all else fails and I can't hit the bad guy, I might be able to tell him the cost of the ammo I just launched at him and either give him a heart attack or make him realize that I'm definitely too broke to bother robbing.

Of course, after I completed this exercise, I lost patience for all of it and started carrying a .45 Colt again, at least for Winter.

Handguns are incapable of causing a permanent wound channel. Only long guns will.

When I lived there I carried a Smith 41 magnum with 210 gr jacketed hollow points. That was long ago.

Today I would carry wadcutters primarily and a monolith bullet such as the Lehigh.

 

[dobegrant]

I like the Hornady critical defense ammo

 

[BKLooney]

I hate to be a knucklehead, but that's not the "old Federal 158 grain +P Semi-Wadcutter HP load (38G)", that's the current version. The original version that the load made its reputation with used a different, softer bullet. The picture you posted is the first one I've seen with an expanded bullet; the others I've seen showed no expansion in gel tests. I'd dearly love for the bullet in that picture to be the norm since the current 38G is about half the price of the R-P and Winchester versions. The R-P and Winchester versions are apparently still using the original bullets they started with, and work just like they used to. I use the R-P version, but not in snubs, just in my 3" and 4" K frames.

I run Federal Gold Medal Match wadcutters in my M49 with R-P 158-grain standard velocity LSWCs as reloads, and Winchester Ranger Bonded 130-grain JHPs in my 642-2. I'd run wadcutters in my 642 but it's regulated for 125-130-grain ammo.

I've got a couple cases of this stuff, out of a 4" model 15 I see roughly the same expansion with this ammo in gel as depicted. Never have hit any gel out of my 642, most likely won't fair as well, but I'd venture to say, well enough.

 

[Fastbolt]

Somehow missed seeing this thread? Well, it's not like there's exactly a dearth of threads on this topic.

I used to almost agonize over choosing the 'best' .38SPL load for my snubs in the 80's. I didn't expect the JHP's of that era to consistently expand, especially when fired form a 2-3" barreled snub. Like many of us, I eventually settled on one or another brand of the LSWCHP (later called LHP) +P, although I did enjoy using some of the Nyclad loads (once Federal bought the rights). I still have a supply of the Remington, Winchester and Federal Nyclad 158gr +P loads, but mostly favor the Remington, since they usually did best in the HC and 4LD testing (softer lead).

Nowadays, though, I favor (in no particular order) Speer's 135+P GDHP, Winchester's 130gr +P RA38B, and Remington's 125gr +P Golden Sabre. I've not only seen them do well in the hosted gel lab events at ranges, but they've earned good reputations among LE users.

For my Airweight that isn't rated for +P (37-2DAO), I stick with 110gr standard pressure loads, and have some 158gr standard pressure LSWC to fall back upon (only because I don't have any remaining 148gr Target WC left in my cabinets ).

I've tried a lot of other loads over the years, and wouldn't lose sleep if forced to carry most of them. Granted, a 158gr RNL or 130gr Ball would be my last choices, given my druthers. I put my primary focus on accurate hits making the old service caliber effective. Not magic bullets.

Also, smaller revolvers generally demand more of the user, so more attention and effort to developing and maintaining skill is reasonably demanded of diminutive revolver users.