So does anybody do this commercially? I know of the CorBon DPX 110gr defensive round of several years ago but they apparently felt it needed more oomph and phased it out and only offer the +P.
Low recoil ammo for a 642
- Thread starter otis24
- Start date
Like RonnieGore I've "been there" during my 30 year LEO days and can assure you that if you ever have to use your gun you will not notice the recoil, and may not even hear a thing (as in my case). In each instance I was armed with my issued .38 department revolver (either a 4" or 2"). Our issued round was the +P 158 grain lead HP and I can say, with first hand knowledge, that it works just fine.
That said I load my J's with either the old +P FBI load (158 grain hollow point from Remington or Federal), or the Spear Gold Dot +P 135 grain jacketed HP. The +P will penetrate further to hit those vital organs.
I practice w/standard pressure and run a cylinder or two of +P and hope I NEVER have to use the gun again. Be safe, practice often and hope you too will never have to use your firearm.
That said I load my J's with either the old +P FBI load (158 grain hollow point from Remington or Federal), or the Spear Gold Dot +P 135 grain jacketed HP. The +P will penetrate further to hit those vital organs.
I practice w/standard pressure and run a cylinder or two of +P and hope I NEVER have to use the gun again. Be safe, practice often and hope you too will never have to use your firearm.
baccusboy
Member
The best low-recoil choice for a snubbie is the full wadcutter target load. They are slow, but will give you 18" of penetration and cut a nice, clean hole.
The power associated with the .38 Special +P round, including temporary wound cavity and all of that, is really somewhat wimpy. Penetration is more important with this round. Testing has shown that many .38 and .38+P rounds don't penetrate to the minimum 12" (Nyclad and Ranger-T) or don't open at all and over-penetrate (Winchester PDX-1).
With the standard wadcutter, you achieve the penetration while cutting a nice clean hole, and do so with very light recoil.
And they're inexpensive, to boot.
For a more stout option, the only round I'd trust to open almost every time is the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38+P 135 grain. But they are pricey and can be hard to find. Cheaper Than Dirt had them last week.
The power associated with the .38 Special +P round, including temporary wound cavity and all of that, is really somewhat wimpy. Penetration is more important with this round. Testing has shown that many .38 and .38+P rounds don't penetrate to the minimum 12" (Nyclad and Ranger-T) or don't open at all and over-penetrate (Winchester PDX-1).
With the standard wadcutter, you achieve the penetration while cutting a nice clean hole, and do so with very light recoil.
And they're inexpensive, to boot.
For a more stout option, the only round I'd trust to open almost every time is the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38+P 135 grain. But they are pricey and can be hard to find. Cheaper Than Dirt had them last week.
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The 642 is an exceptional CCW piece. With enough practice, you can shoot them quite nicely. In terms of ammo selection, I have extensively shot 130 FMJ's and SWC (both 125 and 158). I have also shot a significant amount of Gold Dot 135 +p (short barrel load). I shoot enough ammo out of my airweights that S&W has replaced two of them in the past 4 years because I have cracked the frames (north of 10k rounds through each of them). That said, I have personally found the Speer Gold Dot 135+p short barrel round to shoot the best point of aim.
In terms of grips, I recommend the Pachmayr line. I prefer the open backstrap Compact product line. That said, the shooter gets more felt recoil. For regular fun shooting and belt carry, I recommend the Pachmayr grip that completely wraps around and has the pinky rest. I would also recommend the Apex J Frame kit. It completely smooths out and reduces the trigger pull.
J frames are fun guns, but not always pleasant to shoot. Changing of grips, ammo, or adding a glove can certainly help to mitigate discomfort.
In terms of grips, I recommend the Pachmayr line. I prefer the open backstrap Compact product line. That said, the shooter gets more felt recoil. For regular fun shooting and belt carry, I recommend the Pachmayr grip that completely wraps around and has the pinky rest. I would also recommend the Apex J Frame kit. It completely smooths out and reduces the trigger pull.
J frames are fun guns, but not always pleasant to shoot. Changing of grips, ammo, or adding a glove can certainly help to mitigate discomfort.
baccusboy
Member
Here's that FBI load tested, and it's a great choice:
Remington Express 38 Special +P 158 Grain LHP Denim and Gel Test - YouTube
Remington Express 38 Special +P 158 Grain LHP Denim and Gel Test - YouTube
A problem with many 110 gr. loads is bullet jump. Bearing surface with those bullets is marginal, and so case mouth tension might be insufficient to stop bullet jump. Test any 110s in your gun for bullet jump before using as carry ammo.
Stu Honea
Member
Excellant post.We think alike. The wadcutter will perform exactly the same through clothing as through bare meat,and give the needed penetration.
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Pachmayr compact grips on my 442 works for me.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
He also used to have a mean pair of tennis shoes sold by Converse.
fclef63
Member
I would say to try the Gold Dot 135 grain +P "Short Barrel" load.
I carry those in my 442 , and they`re about the limit for me recoil-wise.
Haven`t tried any of the loads suggested by the other posters , but have shot standard .38`s and the recoil was less.
If I had your problem I would try the wadcutters too.
Regards, Pete
I carry those in my 442 , and they`re about the limit for me recoil-wise.
Haven`t tried any of the loads suggested by the other posters , but have shot standard .38`s and the recoil was less.
If I had your problem I would try the wadcutters too.
Regards, Pete
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