Underwood 150gr WC in a 70s vintage Airweight?

[Valmet]

Picking up a early-70s vintage 42 Centennial Airweight from a fellow SW forum member and am wondering if Underwood 150-gr WCs are safe to fire in an Airweight of that vintage? Underwood doesn't advertise them as +P. Advertised velocity is 1000fps. Thanks in advance

Miss feel free to move if ammo category is more appropriate.

 

[AJ]

Picking up a early-70s vintage 42 Centennial Airweight from a fellow SW forum member and am wondering if Underwood 150-gr WCs are safe to fire in an Airweight of that vintage? Underwood doesn't advertise them as +P. Advertised velocity is 1000fps. Thanks in advance

Miss feel free to move if ammo category is more appropriate.

Might use them as carry ammo for social engagements. But for shooting on the range for practice, go to something lighter/less potent. Don't abuse the 42.

 

[A10]

Were I wanting to fire those I'd probably contact Underwood for their opinion. Sounds like a fairly firey load for a wadcutter...most I see are in the 800 range.

 

[Valmet]

If advertised velocity is 1000fps I'd imagine actual velocity out of a J-frame is a bit under but I'll give Underwood a call tomorrow. Thanks gents.

 

[alwslate]

That 1,000 FPS advertised velocity is undoubtedly from a test barrel or longer revolver barrel than your J frame. Expect more like 800-850 FPS out of a 1 7/8" J frame snubby.

 

[AJ]

Was working up some .32 H&R Mag loads for my 2 inch. The test loads were all done in 4 inch barrels according to the manufacturers. When I ran those loads through "Quickload" on my computer the data that came back was about 1/2 the ME & MV when shown in the 2 inch barrel. By all means check with the manufacturer though.

 

[Pantherclass2004]

I think Underwood spec info on the web page gives velocities for varying barrel lengths.

 

[AJ]

I think Underwood spec info on the web page gives velocities for varying barrel lengths.

Just looked and no barrel length given.

SKU: 733 Box Of: 20 Bullet Construction: Coated Soft Cast Bullet Material: Lead Bullet Model: Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Gas Check Bullet Weight(gr): 158 Cartridge: .38 Special +P Case Type: Nickel Plated Brass Gun Type: Handgun Hunting: Personal Defense Lead Free: No Muzzle Energy (ft. lbs): 472 Muzzle Velocity (fps): 1160 Sectional Density: 0.177 Suppressor Safe: Yes Velocity Rating: Supersonic

Since it is calling it handgun hunting/personal defense ammo, I would guess at least a 4 inch barrel. Most manufacturers use a 4 inch barrel as their standard.

 

[Jim Watson]

1. Ask Underwood.
2. Comparison shop. The corresponding Buffalo Bore 150 gr wadcutter is shown at 1005 fps from 4", 868 fps from 2".

 

[Valmet]

Just got off phone with Underwood and according to the tech he said it should be fine since it's standard pressure.

 

[Retired W4]

Just got off phone with Underwood and according to the tech he said it should be fine since it's standard pressure.

Remember that if your frame cracks.

 

[Valmet]

I don't plan on putting a steady diet of them thru it anyway.

 

[AJ]

Might use them as carry ammo for social engagements. But for shooting on the range for practice, go to something lighter/less potent. Don't abuse the 42.

I don't plan on putting a steady diet of them thru it anyway.

Like I posted above.........

 

[rockquarry]

I've had two cracked alloy frames: an S&W Model 38 and a Colt Agent. I shot only standard pressure handloads in these guns. A standard pressure load with a 158 grain bullet will only have a muzzle velocity of around 800 fps at best (often about 750 fps) from a 2" barrel. I'm not familiar with Underwood, but be cautious.

 

[AJ]

I've had two cracked alloy frames: an S&W Model 38 and a Colt Agent. I shot only standard pressure handloads in these guns. A standard pressure load with a 158 grain bullet will only have a muzzle velocity of around 800 fps at best (often about 750 fps) from a 2" barrel. I'm not familiar with Underwood, but be cautious.

I have gotten rid of all my alloy frames and gone to steel frames.

 

[alwslate]

Just got off phone with Underwood and according to the tech he said it should be fine since it's standard pressure.

If it's standard pressure velocity will be around 800 FPS out of your 1 7/8" snubby. Probably ok to use.

 

[rockquarry]

I have gotten rid of all my alloy frames and gone to steel frames.

I have one left, a 638, and I may be getting rid of it. Saving a few ounces is hardly worth the durability problem. To me, when they are both loaded with 158 grain ammo, the weight difference between an alloy frame gun and a steel one is hardly noticeable.

 

[AJ]

I have one left, a 638, and I may be getting rid of it. Saving a few ounces is hardly worth the durability problem. To me, when they are both loaded with 158 grain ammo, the weight difference between an alloy frame gun and a steel one is hardly noticeable.

Basically felt the same way.

 

[1sailor]

I just watched a youtube video and in it the Underwood wadcutters averaged 863 out of a 1 7/8" barrel.

 

[rockquarry]

I just watched a youtube video and in it the Underwood wadcutters averaged 863 out of a 1 7/8" barrel.

Could possibly be standard pressure but that's really moving for standard pressure in a snub nose.