Favorite 38 spl self defense load

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Ever since Massad Ayoob wrote his article about how Speer developed the Gold Dot 135g. 38+P 38 special round for the NYPD, I’ve cried it. The NYPD stated it performed well from 2” and 4” barrels. They said it was good at stopping Bad Guys. That was actual shooting street results. Not jello not water tests.
 
From a 2 inch snubby there is only one load for me... Buffalo Bore non +p 158gr LSWHP. Honest 850 fps from a 2" barrel.

4"? Probably the Buffalo Bore +p 158gr LSWHP. Honest 1050 fps from a 2.5" barrel. Yea S&W 19 2 1/2 inch snub... the only 4 inch bbl revolvers I use are .357s and .44s.
 
What is your favorite 38 special self defense load? It would be for a new Model 19, 4” barrel.
Depending on your housing situation or if you carry outside the home, these days it would make sense to use jacketed metallic coated bullet. Anything around cars might make a jacketed and bonded round to be the relative “best”.

I feel Chris Baker’s summary and discussion on Lucky Gunner is a solid place to start,

I say a place to start as finding a certain desired .38 special cartridge is sure hard these days. Sometimes second or third options may be the winner.
 
From a 2 inch snubby there is only one load for me... Buffalo Bore non +p 158gr LSWHP. Honest 850 fps from a 2" barrel.

4"? Probably the Buffalo Bore +p 158gr LSWHP. Honest 1050 fps from a 2.5" barrel. Yea S&W 19 2 1/2 inch snub... the only 4 inch bbl revolvers I use are .357s and .44s.
Above but the heavy +p version. Goes 1000fps out of a snub. Best 38 special load period. Nothing even comes close.
 
I’m sure the ones we’ve posted here aren’t the only ones that will do the job. A lot of people lately have been posting about the wad cutter loads for the penetration. I just found a test the other day for the 130 grain flat nose standard Winchester 38 special. The tester said it was good for shooting through barriers and he got a penetration of 18 inches in jell. I guess no matter what bullet what ammo we choose putting that bullet in the right place wins overall.
 
Above but the heavy +p version. Goes 1000fps out of a snub. Best 38 special load period. Nothing even comes close.
Well yes. In a 4" or all steel gun. But I can tell you the BB +P load is very hard to control in a airweight S&W .38!! Now maybe in a 2 inch 64 or better yet 2 1/2 66 like this one...

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Yea my 66-4 I retro fitted flash chrome trigger and hammer... I most certainly use it!!!! It is not a safe queen.
 
For the house 160gr cast soft lead hollow point around 850fps. Backed up with a 45/70 marlin. fiber wad #9 shot topped with a 45gr pure lead ball crimped. 9gr of blue dot. Good to 25-30 yrds.
 
My preferred load is Speer's Short Barrel 135 grain JHP 38 Special +P load. I think another good choice would be Remington's 125 grain Golden Saber 38 Special +P.
 
From a 1.87 inch, I load 148-150 gr. Hot hard cast wadcutters. Hornady Critical Defense FTX for reloads. Why? I'm in NJ four weeks a year. And a 53 year history of wadcutter practice.

4", anything that fits. Haven't carried a 3 or 4 inch since I retired 23 years ago
 
For the house 160gr cast soft lead hollow point around 850fps. Backed up with a 45/70 marlin. fiber wad #9 shot topped with a 45gr pure lead ball crimped. 9gr of blue dot. Good to 25-30 yrds.
Are you sure that round ball is 45 grains? Mine are .454 and are 140-145 grains. I load the same in my Marlin 1895, in 410 but use a .360 ball.
 
For reference, I tested two new models, 637, both purchased the same day with a box of white box 38 Plus P 125 grain. The barrels are 1 7/8. One gun averaged 888 fps the other 913 fps, same ammo, same day.

So, a 2 inch get about 900 fps from the 125 grain white box which actually expands very well cheap ammo you can get anywhere.

I have tried lots of 38 and chose the Critical Defense for my wife to carry, but I do not care if the gun is a 38. I carried the J frame in harms way and in law enforcement as a primary and as a backup for many years and have finished of deer and shot lots of critters with the 38.

That said, at 38 velocities, I do not think it matters. Any 125 Plus P or any 158 grain load wadcutter or flat point bullet works for me. Those train and defend loads are great also.

If I want more, I have 2.5 and 3 inch guns in 357/,,
 
My choice is a bit dated...probably should shoot them up and get something a little "fresher"? If I recall this was claimed to be the last .38 Special load the FBI issued.

Hydra.JPG
 

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