Defense ammo for model 36

[BrowningMedallion]

I know it is getting harder and harder to find .38 special ammo but I am looking a great defense ammo for my model 36. Can anyone here recommend any great names?

 

[p0838]

Take a look at the recent thread entitled Defence Load for Baby Chief found in the Hand Ejectors 1896-1961 forum

 

[flop-shank]

Do a search bro. This is probably the most discussed topic in this subforum. If you don't find the info you're seeking after that, I'll be happy to help, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

I don't have the box here right now so I can't give you an exact name, however, I use the Hornady jacketed hollow point .38 Special cartridge, non plus P in my M36 and M60. I think it is a 125 grain projectile.

Of course, you never really know how good one of these loads is, and I really don't want to have to find out.

I really don't want to use +P and this seemed to be about the best thing I could find. It comes in "half boxes" of 25 and is a tad pricey, but...I don't care because all I do is carry it...hopefully.

 

[*Klutch*]

I like Speer Gold Dot HP 135gr Short Barrel or I recently picked up some Hornady Critical Defense 110gr FTX they are a bit lighter in recoil out of a 2" snubbie...

 

[GatorFarmer]

If you have a model number stamped steel frame gun, you can probably shoot any factory .38 special ammo that you choose from it. While the factory has told people different things at different times about firing +P, my personal choice has always been to go ahead and do so. If the gun breaks, or suffers for it, then I'll dispose of it. Carry guns are by their nature potentially disposable. If something is a rare and valued heirloom, then don't use it for a main line defensive weapon - the same as you probably wouldn't drive a minty early Corvette to and from to work each day in heavy traffic.

+P ammunition would be extraordinarily unlikely to cause a catastrophic failure in your gun. It *might* somewhat increase wear and tear, but so will carrying it or firing it at all.

Thus your problem becomes one of "What is available". If you can find the Speer 135 gr +P, that's a popular offering. Some people prefer the Remington version of the old FBI load which is a 158 gr +P LSWCHP. Note that the lead is often claimed to be softer than the Winchester version which is felt by many to increase the odds of expansion.

If you can't find, or can't afford, those offerings, then try the Rem-UMC 125 gr +P JHP as sold in 100 rd value packs at Walmart.

If you can't find any of that, then also look for Remington Golden Saber, various Federal HSTs, etc and try to find something that your gun likes and that you can find and afford.

 

[meh92]

I carry the Cor-Bon +P DPX copper round. I used to carry the Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP.

 

[The Rabbi]

I carry Golden Shot by Blue Bunny Ammo, 148 gr in my Model 38. All the penetration of a .45acp and good expansion/retention.

 

[pete950]

Hi Rabbi
Can you send me info on their ammo, they don't show pics or prices.

Thanks Pete

e-mail [email protected]

 

[Jerry in SC]

Buffalo Bore 158 grain cast gas checked SWC-HC standard pressure (850 fps) or +P (1,000 fps). Either would take care of most any situation.

 

[BrowningMedallion]

I haven't seen much of the Speer ammo around my way but when I do see some I may pick a box up.

I just purchased Federal Premium Low Recoil Personal Defense 110g JHP in a 20box.

Will they be a good carry ammo?