38 spl defense loads

Noreaster · June 18, 2013, 09:30 PM

I've been using Win silvertips 125 grain 38 spl +p for my night stand revolver but I'm looking into a replacement round. From a 3inch barrel what are your thougts on the 158 FBI load vs the short barrel 135 grain type loads. Looking for a compromise between expansion and adequate penetration. Accuracy is a second thought as my longest shot would be five yards.

GP100man · June 18, 2013, 09:56 PM

I have three bullets I use for 38 spc.

NOE 358429 175 gr. Keith swc
Lee 158 rnfp
Lyman 358156 HP BareBottomed

All use 3gr. of CLAYS all do a good job !

badge851 · June 18, 2013, 10:06 PM

I use the Buffalo Bore® Std Pressure 158gr LSWCHCGC. Same velocity & energy of the Remington® FBI +P load w/o the heavy recoil or muzzle blast.

vytoland · June 18, 2013, 10:51 PM

148gr DEWC @ 800 fps...

51.50 · June 18, 2013, 11:13 PM

A few years ago, I ordered 38 spl ammo from CTD that was advertised as being loaded for the snub nose revolver. After shooting the box bought to try out this ammo, I got online to order more but none was available. I think it was Winchester brand. Has anyone else tried this ammo or seen it available?

armsmaster270 · June 18, 2013, 11:57 PM

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel

Water-Man · June 19, 2013, 12:00 AM

My carry ammo is Cor-Bon DPX Barnes 110gr.+P.

Noreaster · June 19, 2013, 05:48 AM

Badge 851 I was looking at that load from BB. I'm going to try it out.

LSP972 · June 19, 2013, 12:28 PM

Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158gr has same velocity/etc. as the FBI +P load "without the blast and recoil"???

How, exactly, does that work???

.

ScotchMan · June 19, 2013, 02:53 PM

I'm interested in this as well. I have a 3", and have FBI load or the Speer Short Barrel available. Currently loaded with the Speer, but I'm unsure if 3" is considered a Short Barrel. The risk, of course, would be reduced penetration due to early expansion.

Nick_C_S · June 19, 2013, 09:44 PM

The Speer 135g GDHP Short Barrel is THE choice for your application.

There are other +P 125's and even 110g choices (Speer also makes a Short Barrel 110g +P) that would be adequate. But Speer has got the short barrel market cornered. Low flash; low noise, low recoil; while preserving good expansion from short barrel velocities.

Webleymkv · June 20, 2013, 12:07 AM

While the 135gr Speer Short Barrel load is an excellent choice for revolvers with sights regulated for lighter bullets and/or when crimp-jumping is an issue (jacketed bullets are less likely to do this than lead), my preference is for the Remington 158gr LSWCHP +P when those two concerns are not an issue. The heavier bullet tends to penetrate a touch more while the soft lead that Remington uses typically expands just as well, if not better, than the Speer Gold Dot. Also, the recoil of the 158gr bullet seems to be more of a slow push while the 135gr Speer feels more like a sharp snap from my revolver (S&W M36).

Cheapshooter · June 20, 2013, 12:41 AM

I have a large supply of CCI Blazer 148 LSWHP +P on hand. I've been trying to find out the actual velocity for this discontinued ammo without seccess. My chrony is not working, and I'm wondering if the Blazer ammo is close to the "FBI load"?
Also, what I would really like to use in my LCR is the Speer Short Barrel +P. However, It is impossibly to find in my area. Does anybody have a line on an internet source? All I have checked are also out of stock.

Noreaster · June 20, 2013, 05:19 AM

I'll get both and see how they do. Maybe some informal testing on phone books or something. The load, if I ever had to use it, would probably be used at night so the Speer could have an edge there with reduced flash.

**Mike Irwin** · June 20, 2013, 05:40 AM

"The Speer 135g GDHP Short Barrel is THE choice for your application."

That's my choice for my S&W 042 Centennial Airweight, as well.

Few years ago I shot several into a water-filled trash can.

Penetration was about 24" based on the dents on the opposite side of the can, and expansion was perfect.

dahermit · June 20, 2013, 06:52 AM

Quote:

...Few years ago I shot several into a water-filled trash can...

Wow! I would like to do some testing like that with my carry .38, but cannot afford that "test media", I guess I will have to wait until the neighbors go to sleep so I can borrow theirs.
Years ago, I filled some milk jugs full of water, lined them up to see what kind of point blank expansion and penitration I would get with a .45 loaded with the old Speer, "flying ash trays"...got very wet.

**Mike Irwin** · June 20, 2013, 07:08 AM

It was very good have a friend whose parents had a farm.

CleanDean · June 20, 2013, 10:43 AM

My old mid-range load of Speer 140 gr. & Unique had a rural begining..( friends of Farm-folk)Having a good friend in "Jack C." made my practice time, very enjoyable. His folks had a farm in Pa. 23 miles from me . ALONG SIDE OF GOOD TRIGGER-TIME; Jack's parents wre always happy when I brought their Son (back home)for an extra family visit.
I developed as a better revolver shooter at that time. Actually a better shot ,all the way around. As John C. Sr. was a M.P. ( in Post-War Germany) his expertise in shooting techniques , were very valuable to me.
Thanks to both; Dad & Son.

**Mike Irwin** · June 20, 2013, 11:59 AM

Oddly enough, my friend's farm was in Pennsylvania, outside a small town near Harrisburg.

We shot everything there over the years, handguns, rifles, shotguns, and even several blackpowder cannon we made ourselves.

Super Sneaky Steve · June 20, 2013, 08:25 PM

I use a hard cast LSWC with a +P dose of Power Pistol behind it.

Makes a good SD round in my airweight and a good woods round in my 3" SP101.

Joe_Pike · June 20, 2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

I use the Buffalo Bore® Std Pressure 158gr LSWCHCGC.

This is what I'm gong to try next. I was going to try the +P version in my 642, but I have since changed my mind.

ClydeFrog · June 20, 2013, 10:50 PM

In .38spl, I'd look at the Corbon DPX, the Ranger T/T Series, the Magsafe +P, the Golden Saber, or the popular Speer Gold Dot +P 135gr JHP.

My friend just got a new 20rd box of DPX for his Ruger LCR.

Colorado Redneck · June 20, 2013, 11:43 PM

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/593...oint-box-of-20

Brian48 · June 21, 2013, 05:34 AM

I still go with the old school FBI load. Still have a partial box of Corbon 158gr +P+ LSWCHP and a box of the equivalent Remington +P loading. I think it offers plenty of punch even from a short barrel.

Webleymkv · June 21, 2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

In .38spl, I'd look at the Corbon DPX, the Ranger T/T Series, the Magsafe +P, the Golden Saber, or the popular Speer Gold Dot +P 135gr JHP.

If you're going to use frangibles, I'd stick with Glasers due to Magsafe's spotty reputation for QC.

June 18, 2013, 09:30 PM	#1
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	38 spl defense loads I've been using Win silvertips 125 grain 38 spl +p for my night stand revolver but I'm looking into a replacement round. From a 3inch barrel what are your thougts on the 158 FBI load vs the short barrel 135 grain type loads. Looking for a compromise between expansion and adequate penetration. Accuracy is a second thought as my longest shot would be five yards.

June 18, 2013, 09:56 PM	#2
GP100man Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2007 Location: Tabor City , NC. Posts: 1,969	I have three bullets I use for 38 spc. NOE 358429 175 gr. Keith swc Lee 158 rnfp Lyman 358156 HP BareBottomed All use 3gr. of CLAYS all do a good job ! __________________ GP100man

June 18, 2013, 10:06 PM	#3
badge851 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2005 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 326	I use the Buffalo Bore® Std Pressure 158gr LSWCHCGC. Same velocity & energy of the Remington® FBI +P load w/o the heavy recoil or muzzle blast. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever died for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & Marine. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

June 18, 2013, 11:13 PM	#5
51.50 Member Join Date: December 1, 2010 Posts: 66	38 spl ammo A few years ago, I ordered 38 spl ammo from CTD that was advertised as being loaded for the snub nose revolver. After shooting the box bought to try out this ammo, I got online to order more but none was available. I think it was Winchester brand. Has anyone else tried this ammo or seen it available?

June 18, 2013, 11:57 PM	#6
armsmaster270 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,951	Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel __________________ http://www.armsmaster.net-a.googlepages.com http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/f...aster270/Guns/ Retired LE, M.P., Sr. M.P. Investigator F.B.I. Trained Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor & Armorer, Presently Forensic Document Examiner for D.H.S.

June 18, 2013, 10:51 PM	#4
vytoland Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 614	148gr DEWC @ 800 fps...

June 19, 2013, 12:00 AM	#7
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	My carry ammo is Cor-Bon DPX Barnes 110gr.+P.

June 19, 2013, 05:48 AM	#8
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Badge 851 I was looking at that load from BB. I'm going to try it out.

June 19, 2013, 12:28 PM	#9
LSP972 Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Posts: 189	Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158gr has same velocity/etc. as the FBI +P load "without the blast and recoil"??? How, exactly, does that work??? .

June 19, 2013, 02:53 PM	#10
ScotchMan Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Posts: 1,368	I'm interested in this as well. I have a 3", and have FBI load or the Speer Short Barrel available. Currently loaded with the Speer, but I'm unsure if 3" is considered a Short Barrel. The risk, of course, would be reduced penetration due to early expansion. __________________ Everyday Loadout NRA Instructor NRA Member

June 19, 2013, 09:44 PM	#11
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	The Speer 135g GDHP Short Barrel is THE choice for your application. There are other +P 125's and even 110g choices (Speer also makes a Short Barrel 110g +P) that would be adequate. But Speer has got the short barrel market cornered. Low flash; low noise, low recoil; while preserving good expansion from short barrel velocities. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

June 20, 2013, 12:07 AM	#12
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	While the 135gr Speer Short Barrel load is an excellent choice for revolvers with sights regulated for lighter bullets and/or when crimp-jumping is an issue (jacketed bullets are less likely to do this than lead), my preference is for the Remington 158gr LSWCHP +P when those two concerns are not an issue. The heavier bullet tends to penetrate a touch more while the soft lead that Remington uses typically expands just as well, if not better, than the Speer Gold Dot. Also, the recoil of the 158gr bullet seems to be more of a slow push while the 135gr Speer feels more like a sharp snap from my revolver (S&W M36).

June 20, 2013, 12:41 AM	#13
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	I have a large supply of CCI Blazer 148 LSWHP +P on hand. I've been trying to find out the actual velocity for this discontinued ammo without seccess. My chrony is not working, and I'm wondering if the Blazer ammo is close to the "FBI load"? Also, what I would really like to use in my LCR is the Speer Short Barrel +P. However, It is impossibly to find in my area. Does anybody have a line on an internet source? All I have checked are also out of stock. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

June 20, 2013, 05:19 AM	#14
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	I'll get both and see how they do. Maybe some informal testing on phone books or something. The load, if I ever had to use it, would probably be used at night so the Speer could have an edge there with reduced flash.

June 20, 2013, 05:40 AM	#15
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,382	"The Speer 135g GDHP Short Barrel is THE choice for your application." That's my choice for my S&W 042 Centennial Airweight, as well. Few years ago I shot several into a water-filled trash can. Penetration was about 24" based on the dents on the opposite side of the can, and expansion was perfect. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 20, 2013, 07:08 AM	#17
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,382	It was very good have a friend whose parents had a farm. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 20, 2013, 10:43 AM	#18
CleanDean Member Join Date: March 18, 2012 Location: Penna◇VIGILANT CURMUDGEON Posts: 80	Rural freedom My old mid-range load of Speer 140 gr. & Unique had a rural begining..( friends of Farm-folk)Having a good friend in "Jack C." made my practice time, very enjoyable. His folks had a farm in Pa. 23 miles from me . ALONG SIDE OF GOOD TRIGGER-TIME; Jack's parents wre always happy when I brought their Son (back home)for an extra family visit. I developed as a better revolver shooter at that time. Actually a better shot ,all the way around. As John C. Sr. was a M.P. ( in Post-War Germany) his expertise in shooting techniques , were very valuable to me. Thanks to both; Dad & Son. __________________ FNH Scar 17 s --Black ; cause it goes so well with my formal wear, for those special occasions. Customized Mini 14 ,& ATI stock and a 3.5 lb.-- Pittsburgh trigger. / SIG P227 / Colt Python 8 in.Nickel / Colt Gold Cup N.M. ; Voere * KDF in .270 ; N. frame S&W revolvers; and TC Contender in 41 Magnum . Last edited by CleanDean; June 20, 2013 at 10:56 AM.

June 20, 2013, 11:59 AM	#19
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,382	Oddly enough, my friend's farm was in Pennsylvania, outside a small town near Harrisburg. We shot everything there over the years, handguns, rifles, shotguns, and even several blackpowder cannon we made ourselves. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 20, 2013, 08:25 PM	#20
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	I use a hard cast LSWC with a +P dose of Power Pistol behind it. Makes a good SD round in my airweight and a good woods round in my 3" SP101.

June 20, 2013, 10:50 PM	#22
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	.38spl defense loads.... In .38spl, I'd look at the Corbon DPX, the Ranger T/T Series, the Magsafe +P, the Golden Saber, or the popular Speer Gold Dot +P 135gr JHP. My friend just got a new 20rd box of DPX for his Ruger LCR.

June 20, 2013, 11:43 PM	#23
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	We have these in our 357's in the house http://www.midwayusa.com/product/593...oint-box-of-20

June 21, 2013, 05:34 AM	#24
Brian48 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2001 Location: Boston, People's Republic of MA Posts: 1,616	I still go with the old school FBI load. Still have a partial box of Corbon 158gr +P+ LSWCHP and a box of the equivalent Remington +P loading. I think it offers plenty of punch even from a short barrel. __________________ Proud to have served.