Feeding a Mod. 60

[Wraith_K]

Next weekend I'll be picking up a Model 60 (pinned). I'll post some pics when I do.

I have a few questions about self-defense ammo for the .38 spl. When I carried a Mod. 64 4" for work I had no problems or question about using 125gr +P rounds. I do intend to use lighter WC for plinking and target practice, and I also plan on shooting my chosen self-defense ammo from time to time.

1. Being an Model 60 (especially older) is there any reason why I should not use +P rounds?

2. If not +P rounds, what weight should I use? Stay in the 110-125gr? or stay heavy with 158gr?

I do plan on using Hollow Points, but was also considering Round Nose Hard Cast. I'm not sure how much velocity a .38 spl generates out of such a short barrel. So does it just fall back on lighter and faster? or heavier and harder?

Thanks all in advance.

-K

 

[hotrod150]

IMHO heavier & harder is better out of a snubbie 38. I choose 158 grain soft lead hollowpoints of the SWC persuasion. Your model 60 is up to +P, but if you can't find any I wouldn't worry about it. Standard velocity 158 gr LHP is good stuff too. If you just have to have something with a fancy name, I'd pick Nyclads (preferably the 158 gr SWC-HP).

 

[tweedman]

Your Model 60 is probably not stamped +P. It is generally considered ok to use +P for defense but I found what I think is a better solution. This load is close to a +P without the higher pressure and is designed for a snubby. Any way this is what I use.

Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol and Handgun Ammo

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110

 

[66Park]

Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol and Handgun Ammo

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110

At $1.50 a round, I wouldn't be shooting too many of those for practice. They look like a really nice carry round, though.

 

[tweedman]

At $1.50 a round, I wouldn't be shooting too many of those for practice. They look like a really nice carry round, though.

No they are not practice rounds! Unless you're Rich & Famous

Midway and some others have them at a little discount sometimes.

Some Threads:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/168979-buffalo-bore-standard-38spl.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/91534-duplicating-buffalo-bore-fbi-load.html

 

[Wraith_K]

Thanks for the update. I was also considering Underwood Ammo. Any thoughts on them as well?

 

[hotrod150]

I'm surprised that Buffalo Bore asks & gets a premium price for their 38 spl ammo-- no fancy bullets designs, just cast lead (either hard or soft). I guess they get some pretty good velocities out of them, but still. Of course, I think the designer JHP stuff with the fancy names (Critical Dot, Gold Defense, or whatever) is over-priced too. Good old Remington or Winchester 158gr LHP would be my choice if I used factory ammo. About the only "named" 38 spl ammo I'd be halfway interested in would be Nyclad- and that's because it's just a soft lead bullet with a gimmick.

 

[mc5aw]

Speer Gold Dot in .38 Special. Five on target will do nicely for most jobs. 'Nuff said.

 

[phils]

Why not get some inexpensive 158 grain lead or 148 gr. wad cutters for practice and use something like Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. or Federal Premium 129 gr. for carry. Just shoot two or three for practice. older model 60s are not +p rated.

 

[snubbyfan]

For my 442 I use a lighter and faster hollow point. My logic being that a lighter bullet will have more lnitial velocity and being a hollow point, it'd have less of a tendency to over penetrate and less recoil and muzzle jump to get back on target quicker for follow up shots.
My defense load is Federal Hydrashok 110 grain hollowpoints.

 

[BE Mike]

I too, like to keep my .38 SPL snubbies, including a couple of model 60's loaded with Speer 135 gr. short barrel ammo.

 

[Wraith_K]

I plan on using inexpensive wad cutters for target and range time, and more expensive (and quality) for defense ammo.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I would go with the standard pressure 135gr Speer Gold Dots if you like the idea of expansion in a defense round, and the Buffalo Bore 150gr hard cast wadcutters if you are a proponent of penetration.

 

[rsl]

60

Momma likes to shoot hers with Remington wad cutters. I keep Federal hollow points in it for the night stand.. Also fun to shoot with Cowboy Action loads... Enjoy

 

[hotrod150]

If recoil is an issue, there's nothing wrong with "mid-range" 148gr WC's for self-defense. Low recoil makes for easier follow-up shots.
Personally I don't think it is possible to "over penetrate" with a 38 spl load out of a snubby. I'd be more concerned about under-penetrating.