M36 Ammo question

[trikster]

I am looking to see what ammo is going to get me to POA/POI at self defense ranges with the 2" barrel. I have been searching for two days and have seen results all across the board. I have heard of a round called the "Chiefs load" but don't really know what it is. I am also interested in the low flash/recoil...

Essentially I am looking to find what I can practice with, then find a HD/SD round of similar/same specs so if the need ever arises, I won't be surprised with my aim being off.

I do have one caveat though, no +P rounds. The recoil off of standard pressure is enough to re-dislocate my wrist if I am not careful (old car accidents, has taken its toll on my not so old body).

 

[Skeptic 9c]

My solution is the WWB 130 gr jacketed practice round and the WW Silvertip 110 gr HP for defense.

Not inexpensive, but the Silvertip has a long track record Police shifted to higher penetration rounds based on the FBI research, but they still run the light bullet standard pressure 110 grain a couple of times a year.

"Product Symbol: X38S9HP
Description:Winchester's Super-X Silvertip remains one of the most dependable and performance-proven handgun cartridges ever created. Originally developed for Law Enforcement to replace traditional hollow point bullets, Super-X S ilvertip handgun ammunition continues to offer a unique combination of power, precision, reliable functioning, and on-target performance via a specially engineered jacketed bullet
Suggested Use: Personal Protection
Features: Sure Functioning, Optimum Energy Deposit, Accurate, Controlled Recoil

Cartridge: 38 Special
Bullet Weight: 110
Muzzle Velocity: 945
Ballistic Co-efficient:
Barrel Length: 4.00" Vented" from the WW ammo website
http://www.winchester.com/Products/...r-x/silvertip-hollow-point/Pages/X38S9HP.aspx

Geoff
Who admits in the land of spandex and shorts, going to flat pocket automatics.

 

[AKsRule]

I am looking to see what ammo is going to get me to POA/POI at self defense ranges with the 2" barrel. ..

. I am also interested in the low flash/recoil...
no +P rounds. The recoil off of standard pressure is enough to re-dislocate my wrist if I am not careful (old car accidents, has taken its toll on my not so old body).

-----------
Unless someone has newer info from S&W the "snubby" J and K frames
were always regulated at the factory for a standard 158gr lead bullet load.

IMHO pick a brand you like that has a hollowpoint bullet in this weight.

You could also use 148gr wadcutters for practice.
At 10 - 15 yards you won't see much difference in impact point.

 

[redhawk444]

If by personal defense ranges you mean 20 to 30 feet, it does not matter that much because the POI will not vary very much at those ranges.

My 442 goes to POA at 25 yds with 158 grain bullets loaded to produce 800 FPS or so out of the 1-7/8" bbl. If I shoot 125 grain bullets, the POI changes about 4" at 25 yds and by about 1" to 2" at 30 feet. This is meaningless at that distance on a chest area size target, especially since the stress factor produced in a shooting incident will probably create a 5 shot group of about 2 to 3 feet at that same range.

 

[ContinentalOp]

At typical self-defense ranges (i.e., well within 7 yards) the difference between POA and POI are not going to be significant, at least not in my experience. However, S&W fixed-sight .38/.357 revolvers are usually zeroed for 158gr loads.

As for low recoil snubby loads, my favorite combination was Federal 125gr Nyclads (the "Chief's Special" load) for carry/defense and 130gr FMJ loads from one of the major manufacturers (i.e., Winchester, Federal, Remington, PMC, etc.) for practice. They're very close, ballistically-speaking.

 

[MajorD]

I note that there is about 3 inches difference in my 38's in poi from standard pressure 158's (my practice reload) and the 125 non plus p I carry. If you know this it won't be a problem. The chances that the 3 inch difference will matter at belly gun ranges- remember we all practice at distance much further than what an actual fight is going to occur in-at least for civilians- is limited. I do understand if I ever had to take a head shot at 15 yards I'll need to adjust my poa. To shoot a ccw gun as a civilian at the range of 15 yards would need to explain a lot to the judge and jury.

 

[HotRoderX]

I load both my J-Frames up with the Federal 125gr NyClad rounds.

 

[photoman]

I load both my J-Frames up with the Federal 125gr NyClad rounds.

Yes, for standard pressure applications this load is a good option.

As far as POI goes, each gun is different and will require some testing.