The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Best Defensive Ammo for .38 Snubby and Pocket .380

rock185 · October 16, 2023, 02:40 PM

Welcome Malcolm. I don't know on the .380. But I've occasionally chronographed .38 Spcl. ammunition in the little 2" revolvers. Best ballistics I've ever encountered in these short barrels is the Underwood ammunition. I recently chronographed the Underwood 125 and 158 grain .38 +P in a 2" gun. The 125 grain averaged 1090 FPS, the 158 grain 1055 FPS. This is far better than any major manufacturer .38+P I'd tested in past. If you decide to use either of the Underwood loads I tested, especially the 158 grain, in a little revolver, it's good you're not overly concerned with recoil. Buffalo Bore advertises similar loadings. While I've chronographed other BB loads, I've not yet tested any of their .38+P offerings..

October 16, 2023, 02:40 PM	#2
rock185 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Out West in Rim Country Posts: 1,119	Welcome Malcolm. I don't know on the .380. But I've occasionally chronographed .38 Spcl. ammunition in the little 2" revolvers. Best ballistics I've ever encountered in these short barrels is the Underwood ammunition. I recently chronographed the Underwood 125 and 158 grain .38 +P in a 2" gun. The 125 grain averaged 1090 FPS, the 158 grain 1055 FPS. This is far better than any major manufacturer .38+P I'd tested in past. If you decide to use either of the Underwood loads I tested, especially the 158 grain, in a little revolver, it's good you're not overly concerned with recoil. Buffalo Bore advertises similar loadings. While I've chronographed other BB loads, I've not yet tested any of their .38+P offerings.. __________________ COTEP 640, NRA Life