Best Self-Defense Ammo for 642?

[markmc]

I bought some Georgia Arms 158 gr lswc hp +P at the gun show. They were inexpensive.I had read a lot of discussion on penetration and such using snubbies and just thought I would try some.
I know this is not a very scientific test-- but
me and my wife put some through my 642-it has crimson trace overmold grips and really tames the recoil. At 5 yards they blew right through a 2x4 at point of aim and were comfortable to me and my wife. Each made a nickle to a quarter size hole coming out-never found a whole bullet.

 

[epj]

Surprisingly, only one poster recommended changing the grips. That's the first thing that went on my 642, even before a trigger job, which it sorely needed. A proper set of grips will make the +P's relatively easy to handle and probably improve accuracy as well. At the cost of a little bit of concealibility , of course.

 

[oscarswanson]

Interesting read on Gold dot 135 gr.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot27_2.htm

 

[Robert B]

I don't understand why you guys think that 38 spc +P are so great. They rarely even meet the FBI standards for penetration of 12 inches through all the barriers. Buffalo Bore loads some that meet the FBI criteria, but they say that those loads are loaded to low end 357 mag. I love my J frame, but it's a 357 mag and I shoot the gold dot short barrel 135 grain 357s.

 

[photoman]

Originally posted by Robert B:
I don't understand why you guys think that 38 spc +P are so great.

Every person has to work out their own plan of defense. I shoot the .38 Special better than the .357 Magnum in the J frame so that's what I use.

 

[Dale53]

>>>I shoot the .38 Special better than the .357 Magnum in the J frame so that's what I use.<<<

BINGO!

Dale53

 

[myanof]

Originally posted by backalow:
I used to shoot 125g Nyclads but you can't get them anymore. A good compromise from the Gold Dot's which are probably one of the best rounds on the market would be 125g Remington Golden Sabres. I'm not sure I would want to shoot 158's out of that gun and definately not while practicing. I carry 125g Gold Dot's in mine, I figure if I have to use it, the recoil will be the least of my worries.

FYI-Federal is producing Nyclads again.

 

[shurhouse]

FYI-Federal is producing Nyclads again.

I've heard this everywhere but haven't seen any yet. Where are they all at?

 

[Vistula]

Hornady Critical Defense - They use the same powder mix they use in their TAPS. Major reduction in muzzle flash. The only problem will be finding some. They are very popular and hard to find.

 

[myanof]

Originally posted by eddieb:
I practice with .38 special and carry Buffalo Bore 38+p 158gr LSWC. I really don't believe that the 642 was intended to be a target or plinking gun. If you ever needed it for self defense, you probably would never feel the recoil, and your social occasion will be over in less than 5 shots anyway.

I hear this statement all the time about not feeling recoil in a SD situation, but I must take issue with this. It isn't the felt recoil one should worry about; it is the ability to put multiple shots on target quickly. Well placed multiple shots is more important that power or recoil or type of ammo. My goal is to the carry the most effective ammo I can shoot quickly and accurately with one or two hand shooting.

 

[Dale53]

I hear this statement all the time about not feeling recoil in a SD situation, but I must take issue with this. It isn't the felt recoil one should worry about; it is the ability to put multiple shots on target quickly. Well placed multiple shots is more important that power or recoil or type of ammo. My goal is to the carry the most effective ammo I can shoot quickly and accurately with one or two hand shooting.


Join the NRA

BINGO!!

Dale53