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Thread: .38 snubby ammo?

  1. #1
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    .38 snubby ammo?

    I recently broke my rule about only owning .22, 9mm, and .45ACP handguns and went back to my youth by purchasing an Airweight Centennial similar to what I carried as a back up in the 1990's. Anyway I'm way out of touch for ammuntion choices. As it weights like 12 ounces I'll stick with .38 or .38+P. What is a good round for a sub 2" gun? I hated snubby airweight .357's and see no reason to revisit them.
    "The peace we have within us is most often expressed in how we treat others"

  2. #2
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    https://www.sgammo.com/product/38-sp...n-htp-ammo-rtp

    For carry. I wanted a hard cast lead bullet that will deform and expand at the lower velocity of 38 special.


    My own handload of unique and 158 gr plated bullet for practice. I try to stay with the 158 gr bullets as I assume the sights are regulated for 158gr weight. I shot mine today (SW 642) at 25 yards. Softball sized groups. Group was a little high and right. Probably not burying the front sight enough.

    My recipe is:

    Mixed headstamp
    Cci 500
    5.0 Unique
    158 plated extreme bullets
    1.428"
    Last edited by Krazykarl; 05-19-22 at 16:43.

  3. #3
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    Speer 135 gr. Gold Dot Short Barrel which is specifically designed for these guns. Recoil is mild in my 442.

  4. #4
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    I have found with the lightweight j-frames I have to stick with lighter bullets. The heavies hit high.

    Try some loads, I'd bet the 158's hit high. I use federal 124's IIRC.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by gunnerblue View Post
    Speer 135 gr. Gold Dot Short Barrel which is specifically designed for these guns. Recoil is mild in my 442.
    Carry this too in snubby revos.
    A true "Gun Guy" (or gal) should have familiarity and a modicum of proficiency with most all firearms platforms.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by gaijin View Post
    Carry this too in snubby revos.
    Same here.
    Gettin' down innagrass.
    Let's Go Brandon!

  7. #7
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    I also typically carry the Speer Gold Dot 135 +P Short Barrel.

  8. #8
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    Well I ordered 2 boxes of the 135 Speer and the same of the 158 Remington load. Ill shoot both and see what the weapon likes. I appreciate the feedback.
    "The peace we have within us is most often expressed in how we treat others"

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by gunnerblue View Post
    Speer 135 gr. Gold Dot Short Barrel which is specifically designed for these guns. Recoil is mild in my 442.
    This is what I carry in my BG38. I attended an event where ATK Corporation shot this load into gelation using my Model 337 and it expanded well.

    Bare Gelatin – 12” penetration and projectile expanded to .574” diameter with no loss of mass.
    5 Layers of Denim – 14” penetration and projectile expanded to .549”diameter with no loss of mass.

    I carried Winchester +P 158g LHP for years thinking it would be a good J Frame load. It did not expand when fired into gelatin, provided by ATK, using my Model 337. I think a 1-7/8" barrel is not long enough to produce velocities necessary for expansion with this projectile.

    Here is chronograph and accuracy testing I conducted with the Speer Gold Dot +P 135g JHP.

    July 10, 2009

    Temperature - 70 degrees
    Humidity - 94 %
    Visibility - cloudy with intermittent drizzle and low light
    Chronograph - Competition Electronics
    Pistol - S&W 337 with 1 7/8" barrel
    Speer Gold Dot +P 135g (#53921)
    Lot # C01Q34

    Chronograph was placed 10 feet from muzzle.

    High Velocity - 862 fps
    Low Velocity - 809 fps
    Average Velocity - 832 fps
    Extreme Spread - 53 fps
    Standard Deviation - 22 fps

    I fired 5 rounds off hand with no support at 25 yards and I was able to shoot a 3 1/2" group. I fired a second 5 shot group at 25 yards, which also measured 3-1/2".

    I also shot Winchester +P 158g LHP for comparison and the Speer +P 135g GDHP had less perceived recoil.

    The Speer cartridge is my go to round for carry in J Frames.
    Last edited by T2C; 05-19-22 at 21:07.
    Train 2 Win

  10. #10
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    There is an interesting group of reputable handgunners that shoot solid base full load wadcutters as defensive loads. You can read the original article by C.E. Harris, and wade through the arguments and comments on the pistol forum and cast bullets forum: as you might expect, it is a lively discussion! Recommended for serious students of snubby revolver shooting and reloading in 38 special and 357 magnum calibers.

    https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....arge-Wadcutter

    https://www.grantcunningham.com/2011...rge-wadcutter/

    https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...dations-please

    For a more general YouTube discussion between very credible revolver SME's:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov3H-_WQwAI

    ...and, the related thread: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....t=snub+podcast
    Last edited by Bruce in WV; 05-20-22 at 10:56.
    Yankee refugee living in the free state of West Virginia.

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