Ranger 38 +P+

[BigJohn]

What is everyone's opinion on Winchester's Ranger line 38 +P+ 110 grain ammo? I have seen some at gun shows for about 33.00 for a box of 50 and am just curious about the ammo. I do not own any just because I do not use 110 grain bullets that much. I believe this ammo was similiar to the old black talons and was restricted for LE sales only. Though it is not illegal to buy and own by the public. Thoughts?

 

[BigJohn]

What is everyone's opinion on Winchester's Ranger line 38 +P+ 110 grain ammo? I have seen some at gun shows for about 33.00 for a box of 50 and am just curious about the ammo. I do not own any just because I do not use 110 grain bullets that much. I believe this ammo was similiar to the old black talons and was restricted for LE sales only. Though it is not illegal to buy and own by the public. Thoughts?

 

[Erich]

My thoughts are that if I wanted a 9x19, I'd buy one. Trying to make a .357 Magnum revolver into a 9x19 through the use of fast, light ammo is sort of missing the point.

 

[danski]

The load mentioned IIRC used to be known as the Treasury Load and issued to agents for their
snubby Model 19s.

But Erich is correct, it's something like making a .38 a 9mm.

 

[photoman]

If you're going to use the 110gr bullet, go with CorBon DPX.

 

[SWAT Lt.]

It's a standard JHP that is restricted to LE sales by the mfg. Design-wise it is nothing like a Black Talon. It would not be high on my list of carry ammo for a .38 or .357 and I believe a modern 9mm is much more effective.

 

[BigJohn]

Thanks for the info. I do not own any I was just curious about the round. If I bought any it would primarily be due to the novelty of just owning and shooting some.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by Photoman44:
If you're going to use the 110gr bullet, go with CorBon DPX.

+1. Corbon 110 +P JHP is also a very deep penetrating, hot loaded round.

 

[photoman]

Originally posted by flop-shank:

Originally posted by Photoman44:
If you're going to use the 110gr bullet, go with CorBon DPX.

+1. Corbon 110 +P JHP is also a very deep penetrating, hot loaded round.

Yes. The CorBon 110gr JHP+P (Sierra bullet) is a very good round. Street proven and cheaper than DPX. Most of the chrono results I've seen with this load put it in the mild .357 magnum range (1250fps or so from 4" barrel) so I wouldn't use it in an older J frame.

 

[flop-shank]

Corbon 110 +P JHP feels and sounds .357ish, so those velocity figures sound right. It's definately wilder than DPX, or Speer SB +P, which feel the same to me and my wife. It would be a great steel J frame snubby load for those who can handle it. Corbon is a member of SAAMI, so The 110 +P JHP should be within pressure limits for +P and therefore not likely to be harder on guns than other +P offerings, unless I'm missing something.

 

[reerc]

Erich's opinions on ammo are legend and well respected on this board; I've migrated to heavier loads in all my guns based in part to his posts. Having said that ... and with the scarcity of ammo out there, combined with what looks like a decent price for a decent brand, I'd say they're better than a poke in they eye with a sharp stick!

 

[photoman]

The .355/.356/.357 projectile in 110-125 grains, in it's various loadings, have been proven performers over the years. I don't feel undergunned at all with a good .357 110gr bullet going 1000fps+.

With that said, if I was looking for a field load for the .38 Special, I would go heavy, solid and fast as possible.