.38 Special Airweight loads---

[Prince55]

What are some fairly hot loads for a Smith & Wesson Airweight snub nose
revolver model 37 ?
I don't mean for repeated shooting. I mean for something to carry
after test firing and sighting.

Thanks

[FM12]

What powders and bullet types and weights?

Do you have a loading manual?

[UGH]

I use the Speer Gold Dot in the 135 grain in my Colt airweight. I have found it to be the balance for me at least between what I thought would would have some stopping power and manageable recoil.

[Grandpa Shooter]

In legal terms it is NOT a good idea to carry loads you put together. Buying SD ammo is the way to go to avoid the perception that you were loaded for bear and looking for something to shoot. If a real life scenario develops and you come out on top, the last thing you want is civil charges being filed on you for carrying your own loads.

It has happened!

[Prince55]

I have 2 or 3 manuals, some Unique and 2400 powder and some 146gr
158gr and 180gr jacketed bullets.
Was looking for some type of powder that pretty much burns up in
a shorter barrel for more energy. They've came out with newer
powders that may be more suited to that.
I'll probably try the new Speer 135gr for short barrels and be a little
safer legally also.
Would appreciate any suggested loads also.

Thanks

[Slamfire]

Late model Airweights are sighted for 125 grain bullets.

There is absolutely no reason to carry anything but premium factory ammunition for self defense. For whatever reason, ammunition companies are reluctant to make available to reloaders their best performing bullets.

I used this load at the range with my airweight. It was accurate and shot close to Point of Aim. You could cut it by a half grain and it would be easier on the pistol.

125 Lead BBRNFP 4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 64 °F
Ave Vel = 842.7
Std Dev = 23.53
ES 69.47
High= 881
Low= 812
N = 22

[MASTERCAST.COM]

For what it worth, I have seen nine (9) Winchester .38 Special 158 grain LSWCHP +P bullets recovered during autopsy in my 26 years in Law Enforcement. All were shot from snubbies, and all expanded to about the size of a nickle...one shot per customer. That is the load that I use when I carry a snubbie...Airweight or otherwise.

I know that nine individual shootings is not a very large example of the results obtained with that round, but it scored 100% in that small sample.

Most of the .38 Special jacketed HP bullets shot from snubbies of various manufacture and weight recovered at autopsy did not expand to any significant degree or at all...most required multiple shots fired to get the job done.

I have been retired over 14 years...perhaps some of the new "DESIGNER" or "HIGH-TEC" jacketed HP bullets are now working better.

I think I will just stick with the Winchester 158 grain LSWHP +P load that shoots to point of aim in my various snubbies.

[WESHOOT2]

Suggest HS6 and 140g XTP-HP; ensure sufficient neck tension and crimp (Redding Profile Crimp Die) so bullets don't creep forward, tying up cylinder.

Can also test same bullet and 3N37.

The Speer 135g factory load (have a technical paper from Speer around here somewhere) is also excellent, with demonstrated results.
And there's always the 158g LSWC-HP+P..........

[IDLH1950]

Late model Airweights are sighted for 125 grain bullets.

My new 638-3 is factory sighted for 158 grainers. I shoots exactly to POA with 158 grain LSWC or LSWCHP bullets.

I carry my own handloads in my 638-3. MY personal choice is a 158 grain LSWC over a healthy dose of Unique. It gives me an av. of 888 fps and is very accurate at the distances that I would be shooting.

[Slamfire]

My new 638-3 is factory sighted for 158 grainers. I shoots exactly to POA with 158 grain LSWC or LSWCHP bullets.

Well things like distance and how you hold will make a difference in POI. I shoot my snubbies at 25 yards and the POI differences are very pronounced compared to 10 yards.

I did call up S&W after my first Airweight, a Chiefs Special, and asked them what bullet weight the sights were regulated for, and they said 125 grain bullets. That was consistant with my experience, the thing shoots about 4" high at 25 yards, with 158 grain bullets, if my memory is correct.

[IDLH1950]

Well things like distance and how you hold will make a difference in POI. I shoot my snubbies at 25 yards and the POI differences are very pronounced compared to 10 yards.

I did call up S&W after my first Airweight, a Chiefs Special, and asked them what bullet weight the sights were regulated for, and they said 125 grain bullets. That was consistant with my experience, the thing shoots about 4" high at 25 yards, with 158 grain bullets, if my memory is correct.

I certainly agree with hold and distance making a difference in POA/POI. The folks that I've talked to at S&W told me 158 gr. was the bullet mine was sighted for. I may have gotten bad info.

I practice with my snubbie at 10 to 12 feet. That's the distance that I feel would be the more probable in a PD situation requiring me to use deadly force. My 158 grain bullets are dead on at 12 feet. Twenty-five yards would be an exceptionally long shot for me to take with a short barreled J-frame. I'm not saying I wouldn't do it, I just don't think it is probable for me.

Just my opinion.

dave

[Slamfire]

Twenty-five yards would be an exceptionally long shot for me to take with a short barreled J-frame. I'm not saying I wouldn't do it, I just don't think it is probable for me.

You are right about that, 25 yards is extreme range for a combat pistol. From what I have heard, most of the engagement distances are within spitting distances, maybe biting distance!!

It is just the range I shoot at, 25 yards is the nearest I bring my gong targets. Lead splatter gets everyone annoyed and we all want to get along.

[IDLH1950]

You are right about that, 25 yards is extreme range for a combat pistol. From what I have heard, most of the engagement distances are within spitting distances, maybe biting distance!!

It is just the range I shoot at, 25 yards is the nearest I bring my gong targets. Lead splatter gets everyone annoyed and we all want to get along.

You are certainly right about that. I wish I was a good shot at 25 yards with a snub nose, but I'm afraid that I am lacking at that distance.

I shoot paper targets at my range, so the short distance is not a problem.

What snubbie do you shoot?

dave

[Slamfire]

Lately, one of these.



But most of my snubbie rounds were through Detective Specials. This one is a favorite. Wonderful snubbie.

[IDLH1950]

Thread drift alert.

I had a NIB Colt Cobra in the late 70's that I foolishly traded away. It was a great carry gun. My misspent youth

Thread drift over.

[dawgfvr]

wrong forum...