.38+P ammo thread

[WDE91]

I was wondering what you guys carry and use for defensive ammo in your .38s?

My first and currently only revolver is a Smith and Wesson 642

For defensive ammo option I have the following two
Hornady Critical Defense 110gr +Ps
Speer Gold Dot 135gr +Ps

[GunDog]

I like to use Remington Golden Saber 125g BJHP. Believe this round was specifically designed for use with the S&W 2" bbl snubbies. It's a very effective round offering superb expansion while minimizing recoil in short barreled revolvers.

[WDE91]

I like to use Remington Golden Saber 125g BJHP. Believe this round was specifically designed for use with the S&W 2" bbl snubbies. It's a very effective round offering superb expansion while minimizing recoil in short barreled revolvers.

heres that load being tested

[VAReact]

I was wondering what you guys carry and use for defensive ammo in your .38s?

My first and currently only revolver is a Smith and Wesson 642

For defensive ammo option I have the following two
Hornady Critical Defense 110gr +Ps
Speer Gold Dot 135gr +Ps

This is what I use in my Ruger SP101 indoors -Speer Gold Dot 125gr. .357 mag outdoors.

[the_t0ny]

I have PDX1 .38special 130gr +P in my 4in GP100

[stevie]

Remington or Buffalo bore 158gr SWCHP

[Brandon04GT]

I heard the Gold Dot 135gr +P stuff is the best for snub nose revolvers....if only I can find some locally...

[WDE91]

Remington or Buffalo bore 158gr SWCHP

These are the "traditional"/"Classic" .38 special loads correct?

[plumbum]

I have both my .38's and my .357 stuffed with the PDX stuff - 'cause it's says DEFENSE right on the box.

[HAVOC5150]

.38+P Gold Dot Short barrel. I really like the GD's and they are specifically designed for a snub nose.

[Legasat]

Gold Dots for me

[paul0660]

Never shot anyone, so I don't have an opinion on what is best. Intellectually I am drawn to 124grainish HP as fast as it will go. I have some 115 that shows up in the guns too. Given what is driving a .38, even +P, I don't think 158 will work as well.

Again, intellectually.

[guitargeak99]

.38+P Gold Dot Short barrel. I really like the GD's and they are specifically designed for a snub nose.

+1 - Speer has a line of ammo made just for Short barrel guns (3" & under)

[ojisan]

These are the "traditional"/"Classic" .38 special loads correct?

Yes, the traditional "FBI" load of a 158g Lead HP at near 1,000FPS

The Buffalo is loaded a little hotter with quick burn powders for shorter barrels.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

[WDE91]

Never shot anyone, so I don't have an opinion on what is best. Intellectually I am drawn to 124grainish HP as fast as it will go. I have some 115 that shows up in the guns too. Given what is driving a .38, even +P, I don't think 158 will work as well.

Again, intellectually.

I am of a similar mindset
You need both speed and weight retention without horrendous recoil.

I know that from what I have seen of the .38+P JHP market the 158grs loads are not overly plentiful