Ammo for a model 19 smith and taurus 85

jwistuber · #1 10-22-11, 23:04

I need some recommendations of a good 38 special home defense load and CCW load for the above 2 revolvers. I carry the taurus (fits well in the front pocket) but more improtantly my wife likes the smith model 19 and shoots it well with 38's but is not fond of 357 recoil. right now I have them loaded with remington 125 gr +PSJHP. Is there a more effective round? I was looking at the standard pressure Buffalo Bore 158gr lead HP. Any suggestions are very welcome. Thanks all.

rudy99 · #2 10-22-11, 23:31

Check out the terminal ballistic info section: http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19914

broylz · #3 10-23-11, 00:30

id go with the Gold Dot short barrel loads or the hornady critical defense. i would go with a carry load tailored to the short barrel and it will be as good or better in the full size.

Hizzie · #4 10-23-11, 10:44

I'm a fan of Federal 158gr +P LSWCHP, part # 38G.

mick610 · #5 10-23-11, 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hizzie

I'm a fan of Federal 158gr +P LSWCHP, part # 38G.

Any of the Remington, Winchester, or Federal versions of the 158 LHP+P are good stuff...

SGB · #6 10-23-11, 15:30

Corbon 110gr DPX

charmcitycop · #7 10-23-11, 17:06

What barrel length on the combat magnum?

jwistuber · #8 10-24-11, 00:06

It is a 4 inch barrel

LWatson · #9 11-09-11, 19:04

how about wadcutters?

tfltackdriver · #10 12-01-11, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwistuber

I was looking at the standard pressure Buffalo Bore 158gr lead HP. Any suggestions are very welcome. Thanks all.

This is what I recommend in the non+P load and what I carried in my 36 for years. I have to imagine someone has a better bullet design that reliably opens up at non+P speeds, even out of a snubby these days, but last I looked I couldn't find anything. Everything was +P.