Derringer Loads: What Do You Use?

seeker_two · February 25, 2013, 08:53 AM

For those here who own derringers of any caliber.....what types of ammo do you use for range and, if you carry it in the field or as your CCW, "social" situations?

(NOTE: This is NOT a discussion about the feasability of the derringer for SD use. TFL has plenty of threads discussing that. Keep it on the ammo choices, please.)

Thanks in advance....

Magnum Wheel Man · February 25, 2013, 11:13 AM

you didn't mention the caliber ( that may make a difference )

if factory ammo is available in "short barrel" it will be loaded in a powder that will work better in a shorter barrel

I'd personally look for load data developed around a snubby or compact auto if so chambered in your derringer

Jim Downey · February 25, 2013, 11:44 AM

To some extent, Magnum Wheel Man is correct - it'll depend on the caliber. I have a Bond Arms Texas Defender model (3" barrel) which sometimes serves "car gun" duty. Currently I have the .38/.357 barrels on it, and CorBon 125gr DPX loads, which we tested at 1313fps in that gun.

For just shooting at the range, it's fun with light .38sp reloads.

That same gun with the 3.5" .45Colt barrels is a lot less fun to just shoot, and the power of the various SD loads isn't nearly as impressive. Worse, the thing isn't accurate at all, since only the last half inch of barrel is rifled to accommodate .410 shells.

There are several other calibers/cartridges we tested out of a derringer on our site, if you want to see the results.

seeker_two · February 25, 2013, 12:43 PM

Good point....I meant to open the question to dreeingers of all calibers and types. I edited my OP to reflect this.

Thanks for the input!

Amendtwo · February 25, 2013, 05:45 PM

A friend of mine had a Davis derringer in .38 Spcl. It was no fun to shoot at the range, considering the hard, narrow grip and the spur trigger. The only tolerable load was 110 grain standard pressure ammo. At least it was easy to conceal, and could be useful as a "snake gun" with CCI shot cartridges.

Buzzard · February 25, 2013, 05:53 PM

I have 2 davis derringers one in 22mag and one in 22lr I shoot 22 stingers in the 22lr and any mag round in the .22mag....not too bad to shoot.
I can hit a paper plate at 5 steps with either.

CCCLVII · February 25, 2013, 05:58 PM

I just use what ever loads I put in my other guns My only Derringer is a 45LC/410 shot

February 25, 2013, 08:53 AM	#1
seeker_two Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State (TX) Posts: 1,544	Derringer Loads: What Do You Use? For those here who own derringers of any caliber.....what types of ammo do you use for range and, if you carry it in the field or as your CCW, "social" situations? (NOTE: This is NOT a discussion about the feasability of the derringer for SD use. TFL has plenty of threads discussing that. Keep it on the ammo choices, please.) Thanks in advance.... __________________ Proud member of Gun Culture 2.0...... Last edited by seeker_two; February 25, 2013 at 12:41 PM. Reason: Clarification

February 25, 2013, 11:13 AM	#2
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 6,990	you didn't mention the caliber ( that may make a difference ) if factory ammo is available in "short barrel" it will be loaded in a powder that will work better in a shorter barrel I'd personally look for load data developed around a snubby or compact auto if so chambered in your derringer __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

February 25, 2013, 11:44 AM	#3
Jim Downey Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 197	To some extent, Magnum Wheel Man is correct - it'll depend on the caliber. I have a Bond Arms Texas Defender model (3" barrel) which sometimes serves "car gun" duty. Currently I have the .38/.357 barrels on it, and CorBon 125gr DPX loads, which we tested at 1313fps in that gun. For just shooting at the range, it's fun with light .38sp reloads. That same gun with the 3.5" .45Colt barrels is a lot less fun to just shoot, and the power of the various SD loads isn't nearly as impressive. Worse, the thing isn't accurate at all, since only the last half inch of barrel is rifled to accommodate .410 shells. There are several other calibers/cartridges we tested out of a derringer on our site, if you want to see the results. __________________ James Downey http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/ - BBTI handgun cartridge research http://www.guns.com/author/jim-downey/ - Guns.com where I'm a features/review writer http://www.communionofdreams.com/ Communion of Dreams - my current novel.

February 25, 2013, 12:43 PM	#4
seeker_two Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State (TX) Posts: 1,544	Good point....I meant to open the question to dreeingers of all calibers and types. I edited my OP to reflect this. Thanks for the input! __________________ Proud member of Gun Culture 2.0......

February 25, 2013, 05:45 PM	#5
Amendtwo Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Location: East Providence, RI Posts: 119	.38 Derringer A friend of mine had a Davis derringer in .38 Spcl. It was no fun to shoot at the range, considering the hard, narrow grip and the spur trigger. The only tolerable load was 110 grain standard pressure ammo. At least it was easy to conceal, and could be useful as a "snake gun" with CCI shot cartridges. __________________ A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

February 25, 2013, 05:53 PM	#6
Buzzard Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2005 Location: Kingman AZ Posts: 474	I have 2 davis derringers one in 22mag and one in 22lr I shoot 22 stingers in the 22lr and any mag round in the .22mag....not too bad to shoot. I can hit a paper plate at 5 steps with either. __________________ Rick in Kingman AZ , Super Comanche 45LC/410 , ,Armscor .38 4, Marlin 60 & An UGLY 12ga , Savage Axis .223

February 25, 2013, 05:58 PM	#7
CCCLVII Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 226	I just use what ever loads I put in my other guns My only Derringer is a 45LC/410 shot __________________ "I ask, Sir, What is the militia?" "Its the whole of the people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them" -George Mason Co-Author of the second amendment.