FBI 38- Rem or Fed

[BreakerDan]

I have both the Remington FBI 38+p
and the Federal FBI 38G. I also have the LE 38+P 125GR Hi Shock. Which is the best for
my Model 36 Snub? Which of these would you choose to carry and why? I am thinking the Remington would be best because it is the softest lead. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[BreakerDan]

I have both the Remington FBI 38+p
and the Federal FBI 38G. I also have the LE 38+P 125GR Hi Shock. Which is the best for
my Model 36 Snub? Which of these would you choose to carry and why? I am thinking the Remington would be best because it is the softest lead. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[n4zov]

Any of those loads will be a hand full in a Model 36, but should be effective. I would choose the one that shot closest to point-of-aim. A trip to the range is in order!

 

[BobsSmith]

Just last week, I fired my 642 using the loads you mentioned.

I found that the Federal Load worked better in my gun. Yours maybe entirely different. As n4zov said, a trip to the range is in order!

Best

Bob

 

[Alk8944]

For the FBI load the choice is simple, Winchester or Remington. Federal doesn't load it any more. I would prefer either to any jacketed load regardless of bullet weight out of a 2" .38 revolver.

Everyone seems to be hung up on the "Whatever shoots best in your gun". At justifiable self defense ranges this simply isn't a critical issue. n4zov's point about which is closer to POA is good, but anywhere within 3" at 7 yds is completely adequate, and almost anything will do that.

 

[photoman]

Ammunition To Go has 38G in stock at $29.95 for a box of 50.

 

[JayDubya]

Stephen Camp has an article on the FBI load on his website, www.hipowersandhandguns.net. In his informal testing (soaked newsprint), he concluded that, from a snubby, Federal and Winchester 158gr LSWCHPs probably would not expand -- too hard an alloy. However, the Remington version, with very soft lead bullets, probably would expand when fired from a snubby. For more formal testing, check www.brassfetcher.com. Their ballistic jelatin test of the Remington, fired from a snubby, was very impressive. From longer barrels, the Winchester and Federal bullets should expand, but from snubbies they just don't have enough get up and go.

Cordially, Jack

 

[indiandave]

Before going with one of them Check out Buffalo Bore They have a 158gr swchp plus p that is very powerful.For a J frame they have a standard pressure 158gr swchp that is a stong round but it will be easier to shoot and control.

 

[photoman]

I would go with Buffalo Bore before using the current production Remington.

The last few boxes of R38S12 I purchased were VERY different than the older production ammo. The bullet was either radically redesigned or improperly seated to the point of being too long for some revolvers. I can't recommend it at this point in time.