I have a new 642 and have fired a couple of hundred 38sp range rounds (Atlanta Arms) to acclimate to the firearm and also fired about 50 rounds of Speers Gold Dot 38 +P rounds. The range rounds were easy to handle; the Gold Dots had more recoil than I expected and were a bit hard on the hands after about 25 rounds. Looking for a good compromise for a self-defense round with decent velocity, power, and bullet spread with a bit less recoil than the Speers 38 +P rounds I fired. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Best Self-Defense Ammo for 642?
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I have a new 642 and have fired a couple of hundred 38sp range rounds (Atlanta Arms) to acclimate to the firearm and also fired about 50 rounds of Speers Gold Dot 38 +P rounds. The range rounds were easy to handle; the Gold Dots had more recoil than I expected and were a bit hard on the hands after about 25 rounds. Looking for a good compromise for a self-defense round with decent velocity, power, and bullet spread with a bit less recoil than the Speers 38 +P rounds I fired. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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.
mnhntr
Member
mine loves hornady +p xtp's
bountyhunter
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Federal makes some 110-gr .38 defense loads which are not +p but have decent muzzle energy. They are intended for low recoil.
I use the 128 grain +p rounds myself, but they do kick more like a standard 158 grain .38 sp factory round. That makes it easy to practice with factory ammo and the defense rounds feel and sight in the same.
I use the 128 grain +p rounds myself, but they do kick more like a standard 158 grain .38 sp factory round. That makes it easy to practice with factory ammo and the defense rounds feel and sight in the same.
Dale53
Member
My carry loads for the 642 are the "FBI Load" (.38 Special +P with 158 gr LSWC-HP). I practice with target WC's (148 WC's at target velocity). I often shoot a cylinder full of carry loads at the end of the practice session.
Dale53
Dale53
GatorFarmer
Member
If you go to Walmart, you can buy 100rd value packs of Rem/UMC 125 gr +P JHPs. You can use these to either 1. get used to the recoil of a +P round through your revolver or 2. use them as carry ammo in a pinch.
If +P ammunition kicks too much, you could try wadcutters or semiwadcutters, or you could get a heavier revolver. There's no free lunch with Airweights and Airlites. They're easy to carry, but the effective ammunition for them isn't pleasant to fire.
If +P ammunition kicks too much, you could try wadcutters or semiwadcutters, or you could get a heavier revolver. There's no free lunch with Airweights and Airlites. They're easy to carry, but the effective ammunition for them isn't pleasant to fire.
flop-shank
US Veteran
Practice with light loads. Finish each session with a couple cylinders of the hot stuff.
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.
460v LAC du FLAMBEAU
Member
I use the Gold Dots. I apply as much grip pressure as possible with that lightweight...seems to help the recoil shock.
I love the 125gr. Nyclad hollow-points for a defense load in a 38. They aren't +P rated and are pleasant to shoot, but have a massive hollow-cavity and seem to expand very well. Federal quit making them although I have several left-over boxes, but the word out now is that they are going to manufacture Nyclad again, which is good news if it is accurate.
Jazman
Member
I like the Gold Dots in mine, ran into a good deal on them from a shop in NY state a while back and bought a case. I had my 642 ported and tuned, and added wood stocks; now it's great with the +P's.
indiandave
Member
Change your grips to ones that cover the backsrap.This will greatly reduce the felt recoil. I carry Buffalo Bore 158 LSWCHP's in std. pressure. Covering the backstrap helps alot.
If the recoil from a densive load is to much, try 148gr. wadcutters. They would put a big old hole in a bad guy. and follow up shots would be easier to manage.
If the recoil from a densive load is to much, try 148gr. wadcutters. They would put a big old hole in a bad guy. and follow up shots would be easier to manage.
flop-shank
US Veteran
+1 on target wadcutters. They will make a caliber sized hole, track straight and penetrate deep. Their recoil is ridiculously mild.
Dale53
Member
If you reload, and don't have qualms about using reloads for defense, a double ended wadcutter loaded at full charge levels (use your chronograph) makes a dandy defense load. You get full bore diameter WITHOUT the necessity to expand.
Just a thought...
Dale53
Just a thought...
Dale53
I've been shooting Rem 110gr sjhp's for defense out of a Smith mdl 37. No recoil problems. I've changed grips and will try a 125gr sjhp +p. Stay tuned.
Good luck,
milspec
Good luck,
milspec
flop-shank
US Veteran
At light target levels wads will penetrate 16". Hotrodded might do better against bone, but probably the extra velocity isn't necessary.
