What SD Ammo in an Airweight J-Frame?

[Big Dog Dad]

Another vote for Speer

135 gr Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel +P, if you can find it. Snappy recoil but proven.

I also carry this ammo. Haven't had any problems with it. Recoil isn't bad and low flash.

-=BDD=-

 

[BgDnTx]

Application, Caliber, and Ballistics

I look at caliber, then ballistics, then the platform.

In the House:
45 ACP - Federal 230g HST in an FNX-45 (15+1). I chose this round for penetration and expansion over Speer, etc. And the non +P has better overall ballistics in assorted applications of barriers, etc.

On the Street:
A G30 with Speer 200g+P (10+1) in the gun vault in the truck, and carry concealed an M&P 40 Compact with Federal 165g HST JHP (10+1) with extra mag.

And for Backup:
Speer GD 135g +P in my 638 (5). In the jeans front pocket and aimed with a grip laser - place the red dot and shoot. Also 2 speed loaders with the 135g +P and the other with 158g Speer Lawman FMJ for assorted applications.

1. Let the round and platform fit the application and the job it has to do.
2. You will never feel the recoil or hear the blast in a sudden, violent, defensive encounter until much later.
3. Stay Alert and Stay Safe

 

[chmpco]

Remington 38 special 148 grain Target Master Wadcutter.
Why, it is accurate, I shoot it well and I can shoot fast follow up shots with it. In a gunfight only hits matter.
Gary

Load it backwards and it,s a hollow point.

 

[Buckingham]

My 638-3 38 (even with the hogue grips) spanks me a little. I'm 67.
but I like the Hornady +p stuff for carry. I think in a shtf situation, the last thing on my mind would be will this kick or not. Since I've never experienced that situation I could be wrong. But I would not shoot that round constantly or frequently for practice. I regularly shoot 44 mag in a 629, a super blackhawk, and a super redhawk. They don't bother me as much as the 38 +p out of my 638 or my LRPx snubbies.

 

[mini14jac]

Gold Dot Short Barrel is awesome, but hard to find and not cheap.
Because Critical Defense (standard or +P) is a good performer, and an excellent value, that's what I have the most of, and carry most frequently.

 

[883Tom]

I carry a Model 638 either as my primary or backup. My first three rounds are Magsafe #38D, 52 gr. specifically designed for alloy frames. Recoil is milder than anything else. The other two rounds are 111 gr. hardcast truncated cone with a stiff but not excessive charge.

I carry this in my right side pocket. The pocket has stitching to hold it in a proper position.

I wish that I could get the 438 in .32 H&R Magnum. I have considered replacing the cylinder and barrel since this one has a keyhole.

My favorite humpback is a Model 49, nickel with a grooved trigger.

 

[transit]

where are you guys finding that Federal Classic .38 special +P LSWHP?

Same place had it. Says only 2 boxes left right now.


http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/431001-38-spl-street-ammunition-online-availability-note.html

 

[Smithbrother]

For most folks these days I'd recommend drawing one's sidearm when seeing a knife at 28 feet or more, especially if you're carrying concealed. You can keep it out of sight, but have it in your hand. At 21 feet bring it up to high ready. If the assailant comes at you at that distance, you can engage effectively.

I have scars to show the problem of someone getting too close...

Lets be real. No one who wants to stick you with a knife or rob you by showing it to you is going to pull it out at 21 feet. They get 3 feet from you then take it out so no one else sees it. Then they try to rob you up close. Push them back with the off hand and try to stop the knife as you draw and fire. Don't blow your off hand thumb off like my friend did.

 

[MR.G]

I like Federal or Winchester 158GR SWHP +P.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

The guy that got me came out from between two cars about 25 feet away with his knife out. My hands were full of packages, and my wife and kids were behind me. I used my left hand to fend him off as I drew and fired. I didn't shoot myself.

 

[jjay]

My snubs, 442 & 40-1 , are loaded with Buffalo Bore 158 LSWC-HP and either Speer 135 JHP short barrel or federal 129 JHP for reloads in speed strips or speed loaders.

 

[rock_castle]

135 gr Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel +P, if you can find it. Snappy recoil but proven.

This^^^^^^

 

[HarrishMasher]

My Snubby Air-weight is a 317.
I loaded all 10 cylinders with Sub-Sonic 40 Grain.

You have a 317 with 10 cylinders? Very cool, mine only has 8

 

[Smithbrother]

The guy that got me came out from between two cars about 25 feet away with his knife out. My hands were full of packages, and my wife and kids were behind me. I used my left hand to fend him off as I drew and fired. I didn't shoot myself.

I wasn't suggesting it was you. My friend blew his thumb off while pushing his attacker back. Hope you healed well, sorry your family was there. Hope the attackers healing was more "problematic"'

 

[JTizel]

Rem Golden Saber +P because they are affordable to train and carry.

 

[jaaeatax]

I agree that they are snappy and I'm not sure I'd get any follow up shots with those. Way to snappy with an airweight. I bought some Hornady Critical Defense 110 plus p and am crossing my fingers. I also have added a set of Compact Pachmayr Grips when I got home from the range yesterday. If the 110 plus p is uncomfortable I'll try some other standard pressure load.

 

[Valmet]

I like the old FBI load in my 442, Federal 158-gr+P SWCLHP for the past few years.

 

[B/STOCK]

Speer Gold dot .38+P Short Barrel.

 

[max503]

148 grain DEWC's over x.x grains of Unique. Snappy and unbelievably accurate. Shoots to POA @ 50 feet.

 

[haywood]

After reading an article by Masad Ayoob stating that the spear gold dot 135 grain 38+ P worked successfully on the street for the new York police department, I chose that. I don’t care about Jell-O or water tests I like street results. After the New York Police Department found that it worked well on the streets other departments okayed it for use. This was from 2 inch and 4 inch revolver’s.