The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - EDC Snub nose: .38 Special vs .32 H&R Mag.

44caliberkid · February 9, 2025, 03:31 PM

38 Special is far more versatile. The 32 Magnums are pretty much restricted to full power loads to be effective, which have pretty snappy recoil in a small revolver. The Keith designed SWC gave the 38 Special man stopping power at standard velocities (850 fps) and the full wadcutter, whether loaded forward or backward, does the same. I’ve loaded hollow base wadcutters backwards for almost 50 years at a velocity that is most pleasant to shoot in a 5 shot revolver or 6 shot snub. No need for +P’s in a 38, but feel free to use them if it doesn’t bother you. I always recommend 38 revolvers to women because so many ladies I have tried to train to shoot don’t like all the extra steps (knowledge) needed to shoot an auto, can’t manipulate a slide or clear a jam.

February 9, 2025, 03:31 PM	#3
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,271	38 Special is far more versatile. The 32 Magnums are pretty much restricted to full power loads to be effective, which have pretty snappy recoil in a small revolver. The Keith designed SWC gave the 38 Special man stopping power at standard velocities (850 fps) and the full wadcutter, whether loaded forward or backward, does the same. I’ve loaded hollow base wadcutters backwards for almost 50 years at a velocity that is most pleasant to shoot in a 5 shot revolver or 6 shot snub. No need for +P’s in a 38, but feel free to use them if it doesn’t bother you. I always recommend 38 revolvers to women because so many ladies I have tried to train to shoot don’t like all the extra steps (knowledge) needed to shoot an auto, can’t manipulate a slide or clear a jam.