.38 BUG question

[TXinfidel]

I just picked up a 340PD as use for a bug. I read the DR loads his with wad-cutters as the cutting effect is more efficient than a FMJs crushing effect. Would this mean it is a more reliable penetrator? I also have a few boxes of Corbon .38+p 110 DPX laying around, Am I sacrificing much by going with that over the wad cutter?

[kmrtnsn]

I just picked up a 340PD as use for a bug. I read the DR loads his with wad-cutters as the cutting effect is more efficient than a FMJs crushing effect. Would this mean it is a more reliable penetrator? I also have a few boxes of Corbon .38+p 110 DPX laying around, Am I sacrificing much by going with that over the wad cutter?

In a perfect world, with perpendicular shots to an assailant and ideal entry points I am sure wadcutters will work just fine; so too would musket balls. We do not, however, live in a perfect world, we live in a world of barriers, angled shots, multiple layers of clothing, and clothing made out of some wonderful polymers that stretch and change and do funny things to flying objects, not to mention all of the crap people carry around in their pockets. A jacketed round will do a better job of working its way through all of that crap to get to where it needs to do its work. I'd carry a good .38+p, in the 124gr or better class as your 340PD should carry a warning on the barrel stating to use no less than 120gr bullets.

[tpd223]

The "no less than 120gr" bullet warning is for .357mag loads, not for .38 special loads.

The 110gr DPX is on Doc's list for good carry ammo recommendations. One of my snubs is loaded with that ammo as it is fairly light recoil (for +P that is), shoots to the sights, and has barrier penetration that is superb.


ETA; the wadcutters are recommended as they actually penetrate well compared to almost all other light JHPs in .38 special, and the wadcutter makes a wider hole than other bullets that don't expand. It's a compromise load for folks who need the lower recoil.

[ST911]

In a perfect world, with perpendicular shots to an assailant and idea entry points I am sure wadcutters will work just fine; so too would musket balls. We do not, however, live in a perfect world, we live in a world of barriers, angled shots, multiple layers of clothing, and clothing made out of some wonderful polymers that stretch and change and do funny things to flying objects, not to mention all of the crap people carry around in their pockets. A jacketed round will do a better job of working its way through all of that crap to get to where it needs to do its work. I'd carry a good .38+p, in the 124gr or better class as your 340PD should carry a warning on the barrel stating to use no less than 120gr bullets.

What kmrtnsn said. Can't speak to the bullet weights in the 340 though.

Manufacturer and independent test data for the Speer 135gr GDHP and the Corbon 110 DPX are excellent. My 38 BUGs are loaded with these.

[DocGKR]

My J-frames are loaded with the 110 gr Barnes...

Currently, the Barnes 110 gr XPB all copper JHP (for ex. in the Corbon DPX loading), Hornady 110 gr standard pressure and +P Critical Defense, Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P JHP, and Winchester 130 gr bonded +P JHP (RA38B) offer the most reliable expansion we have seen from a .38 sp 2” BUG.