Which would you choose?

[suda]

I apologize if this has been asked before...for use in a Model 60 for self defense, would you choose Federal 158 gr Nyclad HP +P or the Speer 135 gr JHP +P? I know the that point of aim might be better on the 158 gr but some say they expansion and penetration of the 135 gr might be better.

 

[cmort666]

I apologize if this has been asked before...for use in a Model 60 for self defense, would you choose Federal 158 gr Nyclad HP +P or the Speer 135 gr JHP +P? I know the that point of aim might be better on the 158 gr but some say they expansion and penetration of the 135 gr might be better.

I always prefer heavier bullets in the .38 Special.

I have the Federal .38 Special 158gr. LSWC-HP +P "FBI" load in all of my .38s and .357s.

 

[LWCmdr45]

Rather than get embroiled in the 158SWCHP+P vs Speer 135JHP+P/Short Barrel debate (again!), allow me to share the results of a recent test firing of my newest fixed sight snub. (The gun happens to be a 64-4 2" DAO, but that's inconsequential.) The SWCHP+P (Winchester, in my case) shot about two inches left and one inch high at combat (5-10 yards) distances and printed 1 3/4" groups; the Speer Short Barrel loads chewed the heck out of the X-ring: they were DEAD on and in only a 1" group! Since the effectiveness of the loads seem to be a toss-up, why not go for the one with the best accuracy in *your* gun?!

Steve

 

[suda]

Thanks Steve. Comments well taken. Just wanted to know the opinion/experience of others.

 

[mod.19]

toss-up ??

Wow....coincidences....
I use both as my primary .38 carry loads.
I carry the Nyclads the most.
Like the idea of using the one you and your gun shoot the best though !!!

Steven B.

 

[Mule88]

Id try both rounds and see which one your gun prefers. Both should work well for defensive purposes.

 

[OKFC05]

I did choose the Gold dot 135 gr, but I don't think it penetrates any better.
What it came down to is, using my 442, with the timer running, I am a touch quicker at recovery and transitions using the lighter bullet.
If you check your accuracy and speed using your gun, you will probably find your answer as to what you actually shoot best.

 

[suda]

Thanks everyone. Looks pretty close to a 50/50 split. I will test both in my 60.

 

[badge 851]

There are better alternatives.................
• 158gr LSWCHPGC Standard Pressure
• 158gr LSWCHPGC +P

 

[SF180A]

Personally I tend to go with heavier rounds, however I would try as many different loads and see which ones run best through your Model 60. Spend some range time with various rounds and see which rounds work best for you, given how fast can you accurately shoot a tight group, and if that is not enough to further confuse your choice, then continue to compare and contrast the new technology rounds that seen to always give the light weights more punch as their heavier (big brother) rounds.

Still haven't decided on a particular round, I leave you with a final thought.... The first fast accurate shot goes home, and that needs to be you. Remember a hit with a .22 is better then a miss with a .45 or so I was told many years ago.

Regards,
SF180A

 

[suda]

Badge 851...these are definitely worth a look. I think I would prefer a 158 GR bullet. Thanks

 

[pete950]

I perfer the 158 grainers but I do carry the Buffalo Bore 150 grain full wadcutter.

Pete

 

[badge 851]

Badge 851...these are definitely worth a look. I think I would prefer a 158 GR bullet. Thanks

You're welcome. All fixed sight 38 Special revolvers are sighted in at the factory with 158gr bullets. I have used the two Buffalo Bore® loads I referenced for the last several years. It is simply amazing ammunition, THE VERY BEST. I've been carrying and shooting 38 Special revolvers for 40 years. I've tried every 38 Special load known to man, and nothing surpasses Buffalo Bore® AFAIAC. 158gr LSWCHP is the way to go.

 

[suda]

Badge 851..if I may ask one more question. Do you prefer +p or standard pressure. I could use either or in my 60.

Thanks

Dave

 

[pete950]

I would tell you to use what ever you can accuratley handle and shoot the best.

 

[badge 851]

Badge 851..if I may ask one more question. Do you prefer +p or standard pressure. I could use either or in my 60.

Thanks

Dave

It depends on which gun I am using. Shooting the +P stuff in an Airweight® will be ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL! I shoot the standard pressure load in my S&W® Airweight® Mdl 37, and my Taurus® Ultra-Lite™ Mdl 85. For my heavier (21-28oz) steel frame guns, I use the +P loading. I also load a S&W® Mdl 686 (No Dash) 4" home defense gun with the +P load. The L frame 686 is the only revolver my wife can manage with the +P load.

The best advice I can give you is to buy a box of each and try them in your guns.

 

[chief38]

badge 851:

I'm with you on the BB's! I have tested them over the past year and a half and have found that they are on the top of the heap. BB 158 gr. LSWCHP +P in my M60.

Chief38

 

[photoman]

Try both and use the one that you and your gun like best. If I had to blindly pick one, it would be the Speer.