recommend a .38 round for self defense

[SONYEXEC]

Ok hardware is a Taurus 5 shot .38 with a 2" barrel it's not the lightweight model.

So, what ammo do you recommend for self defense. I prefer JHPs but I'm confused about the grains (gr).

THX

[calidefector]

I like the Golden Sabre...

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/handgun/golden_saber_HPJ.asp

They're also easily available at many retail outlets.

[SwissFluCase]

One of the best loads for the snubbies was the Federal Nyclad. It is coming back:

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/22/federal-nyclad-ammunition-in-38-special-reintroduced-at-2009-shot-show/

This guy has some good info was well:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2038%20Special.htm

Basically, the FBI load and the Treasury load were the two top loads when snubbies were more common. I don't think JHPs really caught on because they were relatively new back then, and the velocities involved are low enough to make expansion problematic.

Regards,


SwissFluCase

[SwissFluCase]

And here are the new Nyclads. They aren't JHPs, but they are with a serious look. In fact, I am going to order some for my S&W 36.

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=828

Regards,


SwissFluCase

[rivviepop]

Most folks tend to agree that Speer 135gr GDHP +P is the way to go; it was designed for expansion out of a snubnose, there are tons of articles online about it:

http://www.thegunzone.com/speer135jhp38sp.html

http://users.novaone.net/photoman/speer135.pdf

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38%20Snub%20Ammo%20Test.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_11_50/ai_n6210003

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=112942

I've never had to point a gun at a bad guy much less shoot one, so no real life experience here - it's all on paper and theoretical. For non +P rated revolvers (I have a few of those) I keep some Hornady 158gr JHP-XTP in case those guns should ever need used, I've read they're some of the best non +P rounds for SD. $0.02.

[rkt88edmo]

If you run a search on THR in the 642 club thread you will get some data for snubbie loads. I use the "FBI load" from remington. Buffalo Bore also has a regular and +P load.

[Davidoff]

+1 on the Speer GDHP short barrel .38+P.

I also have a 5-shot Taurus snub nose, but mine is the Model 605 (Chambered for .357mag). I don't like shooting it with full power magnums though, and usually load it with .38+P ammo for defense.

Like rivviepop, I've never had to use a gun on a person. From what I have read however, the GDHP short barrel load is specificly designed to expand at the slightly lower velocities that a 2" barrel will produce. Also, it has a little less recoil than the standard GDHP.

Honestly though, any modern .38+P hollow point will probably get the job done.

BTW, a Grain, in terms of bullets and powder is a unit of weight measurement. 1 Grain = 1/7000 of a pound (0.000142857 Lbs) Most .38SP bullets range from 125gr to 158gr.

[jazman]

Most folks tend to agree that Speer 135gr GDHP +P is the way to go; it was designed for expansion out of a snubnose, there are tons of articles online about it:

http://www.thegunzone.com/speer135jhp38sp.html

http://users.novaone.net/photoman/speer135.pdf

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38%20Snub%20Ammo%20Test.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_11_50/ai_n6210003

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=112942

I've never had to point a gun at a bad guy much less shoot one, so no real life experience here - it's all on paper and theoretical. For non +P rated revolvers (I have a few of those) I keep some Hornady 158gr JHP-XTP in case those guns should ever need used, I've read they're some of the best non +P rounds for SD. $0.02.

I use the Gold Dot +P pretty much exclusively in my S&W 642, which of course is +P rated. Use it for both practice and it's in the gun for home defense. Good to practice with what you will play with.

[h2harris]

Handloaded lead full wadcutters with concave base forward.

[Timberwolf]

+1 on Remington Golden Sabres

[1911su16b870]

Shoot whatever HP rounds you can find and use the ones that you can reliably hit the target with. Some even like 38 wadcutters. 5 hits with 38WCs is better than a miss with a hot load.

[Kid Stanislaus]

Quite frankly, there is NO .38 spec. round that I'd RECOMMEND for self defense. From my perspective, the .38 spec. is what you "settle for" when you can't handle .357 mag. recoil.

[rp55]

As far as I know one of the best .38 snub loads is a roll your own. Use Speer 148 gr. Hollow Base Wadcutters and load them upside down. I used to like about 5.2 grains of Unique and they would step out smartly.

[h2harris]

+1 on the Speer 148 gr. Hollow Base Wadcutters loaded upside down. They craft an interesting wound channel.

[PorkLover]

+2 on the Rem Golden Sabre......I'm sorry but I have to disagree with Kid Stanislaus.......38 and 9mm sd ammo has come along way over the years and are quite effective......in a hd "bump" in the night situation, being able to shoot accurately along with follow up shots are important.......someone who isn't able to handle the recoil of a .357 magnum and chooses to shoot .38, imo is a wise man......when it comes to protecting your home.....use what you can to the best of your abilities..........