Quality 38 +P Ammo

[gr7070]

What are considered some the best 38 +P self defense ammo?

It would be used in a S&W 642 or similar model.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Knightrider03m]

I just ordered this ammo for my 5 shot. It is $10 cheaper than my old ammo and shouldn't beat up my gun as bad as my old ammo.

Ammunition To Go : 50rds - 38 Special Federal LE 158gr. +P Semi-Wadcutter HP Ammo [FED38G] - $20.95

 

[sipowicz]

Our dept. issues Gold Dot 135 +P, specifically designed to work with short barreled guns.


http://www.thegunzone.com/speer135jhp38sp.html

 

[ContinentalOp]

Our dept. issues Gold Dot 135 +P, specifically designed to work with short barreled guns.


The Gun Zone -- The Speer 135-grain JHP +P 38 Special

That's what I carry in my 642.

 

[armsmaster270]

Gold Dot for me too.

 

[lonewolf5347]

N.Y.P.D. dept issues for the 38 cal. Gold Dot 135 +P
I carry in my J frame;I am sorry to say the 38 cal. is a cal. is in the past every thing now is 9MM .
I have one son left on the job and to shoot the 38 S@W Hammer less they only issue 20 rounds to qualify at the range only due to short supply in 38 cal. ammo

 

[wheelyfun66]

When my SP101 is not loaded with .357,
it is loaded with Buffalo Bore .38+P LSWCHP.

Look up the specs on BB's website, but for .38....it is hard hitting!

 

[Rule 303]

Most good ammo works good.

But I like the 135gr Gold Dot +P for short barrels.

Rule 303

 

[Kanewpadle]

There are several good loads for the 38. Only you will know what's best.

Also look at Federal Nyclad and Corbon DPX.

 

[cmort666]

I just ordered this ammo for my 5 shot. It is $10 cheaper than my old ammo and shouldn't beat up my gun as bad as my old ammo.

Ammunition To Go : 50rds - 38 Special Federal LE 158gr. +P Semi-Wadcutter HP Ammo [FED38G] - $20.95

I thought that stuff was unavailable. Good to know you can still get it. I have it for all of my .38s and .357s. It shoots great out of my Model 36 "no-dash".

 

[Old cop]

Buffalo Bore makes a great +P 158 gr HP, but it is very difficult to eject. It's so hot the case swells inside the cylinder and I need to pull each one out individually in order to reload. I've switched to CorBon DPX 110 gr. +P only b/c I cannot find the Gold Dot stuff.

 

[AmmoHouse]

What about Hornady Critical Defense 110gr FTX, has anybody tried that?
Could the J frame safely handle it?

 

[wheelyfun66]

Buffalo Bore makes a great +P 158 gr HP, but it is very difficult to eject. It's so hot the case swells inside the cylinder and I need to pull each one out individually in order to reload. I've switched to CorBon DPX 110 gr. +P only b/c I cannot find the Gold Dot stuff.

Strange... for me, with my SP101 snub, the BB ammo ejects just fine...
would there be a difference based on what revolver it is fired from?

 

[Poohgyrr]

What are considered some the best 38 +P self defense ammo? It would be used in a S&W 642 or similar model. Thanks in advance.

The 158 gr LSWCHP +Ps, the Speer short barrel load, and Buffalo Bore's loads all have good reputations.

To me anyway, the difference in recoil between the Airweight 642 and all steel 640-1 is substantial. I'd say try the different loads and see what kind of accuracy you get with each.