Recommended loads for .38 snub?

[jhs1969]

I've been carrying 135gr Gold Dot +P for awhile but I am a little disappointed with an expansion test I did (water), any other proven loads for a .38 snub?

[cathellsk]

CorBon 110gr. DPX, Federal 125gr. Nyclad, Win/Fed/Rem/Buffalo Bore 148gr. WC.

[DRich]

Good info down in the Terminal Ballistics Forum: http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19914

Quote from Dr. Roberts:


At this point in time, the two best loads for 2" J-frames are the Corbon 110 gr JHP DPX standard pressure load and the Speer 135 gr +P JHP Gold Dot.

[DocH]

I'd sure like to find some of the DPX standard pressure for the old airweight Mod 37 that my wife keeps in her console.

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

My friend, Steve Camp, has some really good .38 Ammo Reviews on his site.

Follow this link, there's several on that page.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/OtherHandguns.htm

[jhs1969]

Hello,

My friend, Steve Camp, has some really good .38 Ammo Reviews on his site.

Follow this link, there's several on that page.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/OtherHandguns.htm

Thanks for the link, some good reading here.

[Bob Reed]

Hello JHS, Your Welcome & Thank You.

[awm14hp]

I like the GD SB 135 load I have a bunch of it I also would go with the 158 SWCHP +p next then last I would use a good ole 148 Wadcutter

[aedavis]

What issues did you have with your water-tested GD 135gr load? I was satisfied with my 135gr Gold Dots, fired into water jugs from my Airweight 638:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r101/allanedavis/SpeerGoldDotexpanded.jpg

I understand that water testing isn't gellatin testing, but for comparison purposes it works for me.

[automan]

I've been carrying 135gr Gold Dot +P for awhile but I am a little disappointed with an expansion test I did (water), any other proven loads for a .38 snub?

That's the load I carry in mine. It supposed to be especially maade to expand in short barrels.

[awm14hp]

What issues did you have with your water-tested GD 135gr load? I was satisfied with my 135gr Gold Dots, fired into water jugs from my Airweight 638:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r101/allanedavis/SpeerGoldDotexpanded.jpg

I understand that water testing isn't gellatin testing, but for comparison purposes it works for me.


I wouldnt complain at all about that job a few of those in COM or in the brain bucket and lights out

[jhs1969]

aedavis,

Of the six "petals" that should open and expand, two had almost no movement at all. The other four "petals" only partially opened. I noticed in your pics, that the expaned bullet appears to have seven petals, mine has six. I hope to have a camera back in a couple of weeks, I'll post a pic as soon as I can.

I also agree about testing, I don't know of any "test" that truly represents actual use, but I feel water testing provides a good base for comparison. I remember reading somewhere that ammo that expands well in water testing normally performs well in actual use as well. I don't know if this is true but I feel more confident in carrying a load that will expand well in water testing, in fact I haven't carried any ammo in years that I haven't water tested first.

Just some of my thoughts, thanks for the replies.