Using +P ammo in older revolver

[taxguy]

I am considering loading my pre -Model 10 38 special with the same ammo I carry in my snubbie - Speer Gold Dot 135 +p. I do NOT intend to do any target practice with this ammo, strictly for SD only (so I hope I never have to fire it!). But, if I did have to fire off 5 or 6 rounds, it won't cause any serious problems will it? (i.e. gun exploding in my hand, etc).

 

[murphydog]

The factory will say no to this; many knowledgeable members here will say any gun made after about 1930 should be fine. Do you know when yours was produced? If you post the letter (if any) and numbers off the bottom of the grip frame (leave some off if you prefer, like 123xxx or S 789xxx), that would help with an answer.

 

[ralph7]

PLUS P'S

Deadly on both ends!!!

 

[pharmer]

In my tiny brain, the idea of firing modern +P in a steel frame K frame can't be any more hazardous than in an alloy frame 642, which is rated for it (at least that's what's on the barrel). Joe

 

[taxguy]

At the bottom of the grip frame is a V on the left side of the hole and the number 250973 on the right side. My dad gave this to me several years ago, I know he told me it's origin at the time but I just can't remember and he's passed on.

 

[murphydog]

From the SN, it is a .38 Special Victory Model from WW II. To speed wartime production of these guns, I seem to recall the cylinders on these were not heat-treated.

Others can chime in here, but I would stick with standard-pressure .38 Special; there are several excellent loads available, one of which is the 158 gr LSWC. It will probably print close to the sights too.

 

[taxguy]

Yep, when I googled that, here's the pic that came up, looks exactly like mine:

 

[ArchAngelCD]

According to S&W it's perfectly safe to fire .38 Special +P ammo in any Post WWII all Steel revolver. Besides that, current commercial .38 Special +P ammo is really no hotter than the standard stuff of back when those revolvers were new.

 

[BigCityChief]

I am considering loading my pre -Model 10 38 special with the same ammo I carry in my snubbie - Speer Gold Dot 135 +p. I do NOT intend to do any target practice with this ammo, strictly for SD only (so I hope I never have to fire it!). But, if I did have to fire off 5 or 6 rounds, it won't cause any serious problems will it? (i.e. gun exploding in my hand, etc).

No problem at all.

 

[BigCityChief]

By the way, taxguy, nice piece. Enjoy it!