2" .38 velocities

[Servo77]

How much velocity will you lose in a 2" snub versus a fullsize pistol?

[Carlo]

It largely depends on the powder, fast burning powders loose less velocity in short barrels. Often gun magazines publish the velocities of tested loads in a specific gun.

Cap

[skeeter1]

I couldn't find any specific comparisons between barrel lengths, but I think you might find this article interesting.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/pocket_dynomite/

My .38 snubby is my bedside gun, and I think it would get the job done.

[SAWBONES]

Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP is said to achieve 1000fps in "snubbies".

[Syntax360]

Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP is said to achieve 1000fps in "snubbies".

After shooting the 158gr. Buffalo Bore from my snubbie, I thought they snapped like a .357 without jolting your hand so much. In other words, I wouldn't count on great follow-up shot times, but definitely bearable recoil.

Though if you shot a lot of .357 or bigger, I'm sure you would think .38 BB was pretty tame.

[Peter M. Eick]

This is real world data all chrono-ed at 10 ft, 20 shots per string. First is cbc 158 LSWC.

8 3/8" pre-27 698 fps mean, 26 fps sd
6.5" 38/44 Outdoorsman 718 mean 20 sd
5" 38/44 heavy duty 727 mean 34 sd
4" diamondback 716 mean 19 sd
2" detective special 640 mean 20 sd


cci 158 lswc.

8 3/8" pre-27 710 fps mean, 19fps sd
6.5" 38/44 Outdoorsman 771 mean 27 sd
5" 38/44 heavy duty 775 mean 11 sd
4" diamondback 765 mean 17 sd
2" detective special 675 mean 11 sd


So How much did you lose? Not much if you ask me. 710 out of an 8 3/8" vs. 675 out of a 2". Or, I could say a heck of a lot if you ask me. 775 out of a 5" vs. 675 out of a 2".


Thus the true conclusion. You have to chrono it to be sure. I have a very slow 8 3/8" and a relatively slow 6.5" but my 4" diamondback is fast.

Hope this helps out.