Question on Suitable Ammo

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

I think that I might be confusing myself when it comes to selecting ammunition for my 1956-vintage M&P (pre-Model 10) 2" snubnose. I had it in my head that 130 grain FMJ would be light recoil and less of a strain on my old "cop gun". As I compare figures such as muzzle energy and muzzle velocity, though, I wonder if I might be better off using 158 grain FMJ. Any opinions?

 

[diamonback68]

The latter 158 gr, is what your gun was regulated for.

 

[hiram2005]

You'll be ok with either load. The 130's will probably hit at a lower point of aim, being a lighter load.

 

[papajohn428]

Any standard 38 load in 158-grain flavor will be fine. I personally think the older Model Tens are stronger than they need to be for 38 ammo. I had a company issued 1965 gun that digested nearly 70,000 Plus-P loads with no noticeable wear, all 158-grain plated bullets. YMMV.

 

[fyimo]

You can shoot either but the 158 grain are what it was designed to shoot and they seem to work better in it.

 

[TAROMAN]

My Model 10s love the Remington 158 LRN factory loads. Just ordered up a batch of HRN 158 LRN bullets to try to duplicate it with a handload.