Carry ammo for a pre model 10 M&P?

[policerevolvercollector]

Anyone have any suggestions for a good defensive round to carry in a M&P .38 Special built around 1955? The gun is in great mechanical condition. I know the +Ps are not an option. I searched through my ammo drawer & found a box of Federal "Low Recoil" 110gr. Hydra Shoks. Anyone have any stats on these?

 

[Alk8944]

Exactly the same as you would use in a .38 revolver made today!

 

[Absalom]

While I would refrain from shooting +P regularly out of older revolvers just for the fun of it on a regular basis, there isn't anything to suggest they're not safe. I keep .38 Special +P Hornady CD loads in those older M&P's (back to Victory model vintage) which I keep loaded as home defense back-ups.

 

[armadillo]

There are 2 Winchester non- +P loadings that I like for older guns 1) 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter (flat nose) and 2) 130 gr. bonded HP.

 

[shouldazagged]

+P is certainly an option in that revolver, for carry purposes.

I'm currently carrying the standard-pressure Buffalo Bore lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint with gas check. It duplicates the ballistics of the older Remington +P FBI load, which has been working very well for decades, in a standard-pressure round with low flash.

 

[alwslate]

I would use the 158 gr +P lead HPs in a mid 50s K frame for a SD load
without worrying about the gun handling the load. A mid 20s K frame?
No.

 

[Hapworth]

I'd use any modern, proven defensive load -- standard or +P -- the gun liked.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm currently carrying the standard-pressure Buffalo Bore lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint with gas check. It duplicates the ballistics of the older Remington +P FBI load, which has been working very well for decades, in a standard-pressure round with low flash.

This is what I would do.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Since your M&P has a 4" barrel or more...............

any of the standard 38 special ammo should have enough
energy for most SD needs.

A 135 gold dot +P out of a 2" snub nose gets around 215 ft/lbs muzzle energy.
A standard 158gr out of a 4" at target speeds of only 755 fps has 200 ft/lbs of muzzle energy.

Plenty of energy and with light recoil for very fast follow up shots if needed.
Most go for $16-18 for a box of 50.......... not $1.30 each like the Gold Dots.

130 corrected to $1.30 ... thanks
speed typing at my age can get you in trouble.
Proof reading also helps.......... but it did look ok the 1st time. Bummer.

However some say they are worth $130 each.

 

[REM 3200]

....not $130 each like the Gold Dots.

Where are you paying $130 for Gold Dots?


Edit: Makes since. I thought you had found some of the 24 karat stuff.

 

[wogentry]

I use Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158 gr LSWCHP or 150 gr HCWC. Both are accurate, hit with a thump and standard pressure.

 

[chanroc]

I'll give a nod to Hornady's Critical Defense load. It's a mild shooter. I wouldn't shoot a lot of them, but Buffalo Bore's standard 158 LSWCHP would be my first choice. I haven't fired any yet, but there has been lots of chatter on Remington's HTP +P 158gr LSWCHPs being watered down. While they might no longer expand from a snub, they would easily expand from a 4 inch. If push came to shove, a standard 158gr SWC is supposedly better than the standard 158grn LRN or a 130gr FMJ.

Just go with whichever YOU shoot the best. Good luck.

 

[caleb4387]

What year mad? If it's a post war heat treated carry the "fun load" from underwood standard or plus pee

 

[chief38]

I know S&W says you CAN use +P in any gun stamped with the model number in the Yoke area and I would not be afraid to use the Speer 135 grain +P "Short Barrel" Gold Dot load if it is stamped. If it isn't (as pre M10's should not be) then you are probably best off using 158 grain standard velocity LSWC bullets. That's the safe answer, but were it my dilemma I'd use the CURRENT Remington FBI load (158 grain LSWCHP +P) because according to my Chronograph tests even though it's labeled +P, it is only loaded to standard velocity specs. Sorry to report that, but after testing them several times, that's what Mr. Chronograph says..........

I do not represent myself as a Metallurgist, but I can't imagine 6 anemic Remington FBI loads causing any harm if fired in anger as ALL S&W guns do have a certain margin of error build into them. As far as I can tell, todays +P rated FBI loads (Big 3 manufacturers) are yesterdays standard velocity loads.