Best Standard Pressure .38

[carlson1]

I have a M60 from 1983. I understand I probably could get by with +P ammo for self defense. I would not be shooting 100’s of rounds through the gun, but I would love just to have the best standard pressure .38 (I think). I have been using Speer Gold Dots for short barrels in my M642.

Probably been covered and may be opening a can of worms, but in your opinion what is the BEST .38 standard pressure ammo for self defense?

Thanks.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

What are you defending yourself from?
2 legged predators, i run critical defense. 125g if i remember correctly
Expands great in my testing out of the short barrels.
I would say many would also give thumbs up to wadcutters.
Make sure you test them for reliability and penetration in wet media

 

[Radny97]

There’s no debate. It’s buffalo bore’s standard pressure SWC-HP 158 grain load. I’ve chronoed it myself. It averages 995 fps from my 4 inch model 10 and 887 fps from my 2 inch Charter Arms undercover. That’s 347 foot pounds and 278 foot pounds respectively. There’s nothing else that even comes close in a standard pressure load.
I have run them through water jugs and they expand perfectly.


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[SeamasterSig]

Without a doubt, the best standard pressure 38 spl for self defense would be Buffalo Bore's 158 grain standard pressure LSWCHP, but you can also use the +p version for self-defense and occasional target practice in your older steel J-frame (the recoil is stout but definitely manageable). I also like Underwood ammo in general, but in 38 spl, Buffalo Bore reigns supreme. BB publishes impressive real world velocities while managing to keep the pressure within spec apparently using powders not available to the general public. It is pricey ammo, but well worth the expense IMO.

 

[Texas Star]

I have a M60 from 1983. I understand I probably could get by with +P ammo for self defense. I would not be shooting 100’s of rounds through the gun, but I would love just to have the best standard pressure .38 (I think). I have been using Speer Gold Dots for short barrels in my M642.

Probably been covered and may be opening a can of worms, but in your opinion what is the BEST .38 standard pressure ammo for self defense?

Thanks.

Stay with Gold Dot 135 grain for most business, 158 grain lead SWC-HP Plus P for deeper penetration, like on bears or wolves.

The only std. pressure load I'd suggest is Buffalo Bore's FULL CHARGE wadcutter. Not Plus P, but loaded to normal velocity, not a Mid Range wadcutter.

NO defense ammo is routine range ammo in J-frame and other small .38's.

Federal used to make a Chief Special load with 125 grain Nyclad HP bullet at about 860 FPS. I never saw any real shooting results, but it performed well in test media. I don't think it's still made, but it should be.

 

[Texas Star]

There’s no debate. It’s buffalo bore’s standard pressure SWC-HP 158 grain load. I’ve chronoed it myself. It averages 995 fps from my 4 inch model 10 and 887 fps from my 2 inch Charter Arms undercover. That’s 347 foot pounds and 278 foot pounds respectively. There’s nothing else that even comes close in a standard pressure load.
I have run them through water jugs and they expand perfectly.


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Yeah, I forgot that they claim std. pressure for that one. If true, it's definitely a nasty round at moderate pressure.

 

[0311INF]

Not much difference between BB standard pressure and say, Remington 158gr LSWCHP +P. For carry, the latter is my choice.

 

[Cal44]

I use the BB SWC-HP that others have mentioned. I also have some BB 125 JHP standard pressure that should be at least as good as the 135 gold dots +P. In fact, I think BB sources bullets from Speer.

 

[Mister X]

"I love the Barnes 110 Tac-XP loaded to standard pressure--it is my favorite load for J-frames." - Dr. Gary Roberts(DocGKR)

That quote was from 2013, but I imagine he tested it very thoroughly. It appears the only company currently loading it in standard pressure is Buffalo Bore. 38 Special STANDARD PRESSURE LEAD FREE BARNES Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

 

[rockquarry]

First, try several 158 gr. standard pressure loads. With rare exception, these will shoot closer to point of aim than lighter higher velocity loads. Stick with what you can shoot well and you've found the best load. It's far more important to consistently hit your target than concern yourself with how many jugs of water or inches of jello a bullet will penetrate.

Second, while not really necessary, you might want to try some 158 grain +P loads. If you can shoot these better than standard pressure loads, you again have found a good load for your situation, but keep in mind how long it takes to recover from recoil with ammo that kicks more. It's also important to remember that actual "field" differences between standard pressure loads and +P may be less than many realize.

Shooting up close, even with a Chief will only tell you that you have a high skill level and that mediocre ammo is accurate. Learn to shoot at 25 yds. and you'll see big differences in ammo accuracy and your level of skill. Serious practice on a regular basis at 25 yds. will make one a better shooter. Don't buy into the "gunfights occur up close" excuse.

 

[carlson1]

Recoil is not an issue. The issue I have is the M60 is “not rated” for +p ammo so I am in the market for standard pressure ammo.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I like the defence ammo from Hornady. That's what I use in all my .38 Spl's, 380 ACP's, and 9mm's. Not saying it's the best in every area, but it generally expands reliably and penetrates deeply, and that's important to me.

Plus, I've been using Hornady XTP bullets in muzzleloaders and handguns for 20 years for deer hunting, and know their excellent real world killing power.

 

[ruger 22]

Carlson1, All the ones you have mentioned and any others in this thread are fine. In my over 40 years of experience I have seen decisive results from backup J-frames using standard target wadcutters and standard 158 grainers,(these were by far the most popular/widely used), and various others. They all work if you properly hit the target which is far more important than your choice of ammo. For my pocket carry gun,649-2, I use the 158 standard since I seem to get the best deal on these at my local ammo supplier. I shoot about 100 per month to stay in practice, and no longer reload---just got too old and lazy.

 

[HamHands]

Recoil is not an issue. The issue I have is the M60 is “not rated” for +p ammo so I am in the market for standard pressure ammo.

These babies get carried quite a bit... Both of them, strong side front pocket and strong side hip or back pocket. One is loaded with the Buffalo Bore, 150 grain full wad cutters, normal pressure. The other with Buffalo Bore's 158 grain LSWC-HP, standard pressure as well. Both of these loads perform well thru denim covered gel. I've also carried the LSWC-HP 158grain +P as well in the blued M36... Split time was a bit more than the two aforementioned but it's a serious load for a serious problem. Nobody is going to take two of those to the navel or pelvis and be a problem anymore. If you look at the Buffalo Bore +P version link below OP... you'll notice the first revolver tested was in a 2" barreled M60. If Tim Sundles says you can safely shoot a round in a particular gun... then I trust him. He wouldn't post advertised velocity in a gun/model it wasn't safe to shoot out of. I've had numerous conversations with Tim and he knows his guns and loads. I now stick to the non plus P loads but I have a stock of the +P's and won't hesitate to carry them in a pinch. All 3 of his loads... you'd be hard pressed to find anything that performs much better.
Heavy .38 Special +P Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
Pics of "J's"

 

[JAREDSHS]

Hornady has a “Custom” variety loading with a very nice 158 grain stx hp -standard pressure plain brass case, nothing fancy but is a good round and not overly expensive(about$19) so you can practice with what you carry.

 

[carlson1]

Hornady has a “Custom” variety loading with a very nice 158 grain stx hp -standard pressure plain brass case, nothing fancy but is a good round and not overly expensive(about$19) so you can practice with what you carry.

That is what I was looking for. Something I can practice with and carry. Thanks.

I did order some of the Buffalo Bore ammo to turnout.

 

[Vom Brunhaus K9]

Super Vel if you can find them 38 special JHP or std. HP

 

[jtcarm]

Not much difference between BB standard pressure and say, Remington 158gr LSWCHP +P. For carry, the latter is my choice.

Except in price. The Remington’s cost a lot less.

 

[bubbatime]

Nothing from Buffalo Bore will expand. They use hard lead, and its not expanding from a 2 inch barrel. I don't know why folks keep recommending it. REALLY expensive way to shoot a .355 projectile that doesn't expand.

I'd run some of those stout wadcutters or Critical Denfese. I usually hate Ciritical Defense, but it will be ok if you MUST have non +p ammo.

A 158 grain lead semi wadcutter is decent enough as well. If its starts tumbling, the wound track aint too bad, plus the 20 plus inches of penetration means two holes in the bad guy.

 

[Radny97]

Hamhands is right. Bubbatime, sorry but i have run B.B. loads through water jugs and they do expand.


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