Buffalo Bore 38 +P in a 642

[Pine]

I've gotten some good opinions on this site regarding the Buffalo Bore 38 +P 158 gr lead semi wad cutter hollow point in a S&W 642.

I ordered a box and took my 642 to the range today to see for myself how it handled. DAMN!

The 642 is my preferred carry. I use the two finger grip because of its concealability. I was hoping the B.B. 158 grain wad cutter would give the snubby some extra velocity and punch.

There can be too much of a good thing.

The recoil in that little light frame was overwhelming. A quick follow up shot was out of the question. I'm 6'1", 230 lbs and have been shooting all kinds of weapons for 45 years. This ammo was too much for me to feel confident about use in a critical situation if more than one shot is required. I'm afraid the power and slug weight is mismatched to the 642.

I use other Buffalo Bore ammo and love it in my .45, 9mm and .380.

This .38 ammo might better be great in a larger frame heavier weapon. For me, I'll stick to Federal Premium Hydra Shok +P 129 grain JHP in the 642.

 

[Waywatcher]

I would give their standard pressure loading a try; same bullet still at a decent velocity, around 850fps.

158 grain 930fps loads are plenty out of my steel K frame!

This would also be a great choice and would be much more controllable.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Even a 158gr Lead bullet is a hand full out of a 16 oz. J frame with a velocity of 850 fps......... but follow up shots are possible with lots of practice and getting use to the recoil.

Those BB loads are equal to a reload with 5.4 to 5.5grs of Unique which are the maximum loadings in most books and are a lot better suited for K frames.

One reason most use the Remington FBI load as the MAXIMUM 158 LswcHP load in a J frame.

 

[kaaskop49]

Attn: Pine

The previous posters are savvy folks. You've made the right decision for you, an experienced shooter, that that load is heavy and hinders follow-up shots. I just fired a bunch of various factory +Ps in my new 637PC without difficulty, including Fed 158 gr. LHPs. You may want to go this route.

Remember, the 642 is a 2" .38. No ammo you use is going to turn it into a .44. Good shooting!