I've been carrying a Smith 38 special snub since the early 80s. Or a Charter Bulldog .44 special when practical. (Being old school, I don't trust semi-autos)
I've shot every kind of hollow point ammunition I've been able to get my hands on over the last forty years or so and have yet to find one that RELIABLY expands out of my two inch snubs. The few that do expand from time to time lack the penetration I demand. (+p or standard pressure) This seems to still be valid today regardless of newer offerings.
That is why I have always carried the lowly wadcutter loaded hot. I discovered Buffalo Bore about ten years ago and now carry the 150 grain full wadcutter in my .38 and the 200 grain in my Bulldog.
Recently, a friend gave me a box of Underwood Xtreme Defender 100 grain .38 special +p. Fired the twenty round box and was impressed with the power and accuracy. The recoil was actually quite a bit less than my old tried and true wadcutters.
BUT MY GOD, THEY'RE EXPENSIVE! Question is, are they worth it? I've seen the jelly tests, but jello ain't flesh. I've dispatched quite a few critters over the years with my preferred ammo to great effect, but I'm open to something new...if it's an improvement. Penetration AND damage comparable to a hollow point from a snubby seems too good to be true. Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated.
I've shot every kind of hollow point ammunition I've been able to get my hands on over the last forty years or so and have yet to find one that RELIABLY expands out of my two inch snubs. The few that do expand from time to time lack the penetration I demand. (+p or standard pressure) This seems to still be valid today regardless of newer offerings.
That is why I have always carried the lowly wadcutter loaded hot. I discovered Buffalo Bore about ten years ago and now carry the 150 grain full wadcutter in my .38 and the 200 grain in my Bulldog.
Recently, a friend gave me a box of Underwood Xtreme Defender 100 grain .38 special +p. Fired the twenty round box and was impressed with the power and accuracy. The recoil was actually quite a bit less than my old tried and true wadcutters.
BUT MY GOD, THEY'RE EXPENSIVE! Question is, are they worth it? I've seen the jelly tests, but jello ain't flesh. I've dispatched quite a few critters over the years with my preferred ammo to great effect, but I'm open to something new...if it's an improvement. Penetration AND damage comparable to a hollow point from a snubby seems too good to be true. Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited: