Bullet grain selection

[Waggs]

This may be a dumb question but then I'm not a real gun addict so I could use a simple answer to a simple question. I have a S&W .38 Special +P snub nose revolver. I am looking to buy some ammo. This isn't a gun for long range shooting and it'll only be for personal protection so what would you recommend for the bullet weight? I see everything from 110 grain to 158. If I'm threatened I want to stop the threat.

Thanks for your help.
Greg

[NorCalFocus]

In a self defense situation, anything between, 110-158 grains would work. I would get a hollow point round and call it good.

Presonally, I have one box of premium hollow points that I keep for self defense, I hope I never have to shoot one of them.

[Waggs]

What grain is your box of HPs? I have 2 boxes of Hornady .38 Special +P 158 gr. but the place where I bought those are out. There are 25 in a box.

I can get (2nd photo below) 38 Special +P - 147 gr Hydra-Shok JHP - Federal Law Enforcement - 50 Rounds for $34.00 a box. What do you think?

Thanks for your replay and the conversation. May look into reloading at some point since the Fed GOv seems to creating a shortage.

[NorCalFocus]

I don't own a .38 but I do have the Hydra-Shoks for my .45ACP. 50 rounds is a little more than you need, but its a good round IMO.

[Waggs]

LOL Better too many than not enough. So you think the second choice is a good round?

[Waggs]

I'd love to get a .40 or a .45 but funds are too low. I need to sell a new motor I have.

[mark501w]

mine shoots 110's low 125-130's dead on & 158's high. you need to spend some dough & go to the range. any of the premium loads should work.

[Sutcliffe]

Speer Gold Dot Short barrel

135 grain jacketed hollowpoint at 850-900 fps. Ain't cheap, but formulated for short barrels.

[Waggs]

I know but it's kind of hard to get away form the house. My wife is on Hospice and I'm her total care giver. I'm thinking about this round 38 Special +P - 129 gr Hydra-Shok JHP - Federal Law Enforcement - 50 Rounds for $37.50 per box.

[NorCalFocus]

I know but it's kind of hard to get away form the house. My wife is on Hospice and I'm her total care giver. I'm thinking about this round 38 Special +P - 129 gr Hydra-Shok JHP - Federal Law Enforcement - 50 Rounds for $37.50 per box.

That would be a wise choice.

[Waggs]

This will give me 100 rounds for home protection. In case the Feds show wanting to disarm me.

I love your gun list. I think I would like to have the .45 and a 30-06, not to mention the others you listed.

[falar]

Since it is a short barreled .38 I'd pick out a premium 158gr JHP for that scenario.

[Waggs]

Problem is you can't find them. This was the heavist grain I could get. So 2 boxes of 158s (total 50 rounds) and a box of 50 for the 129 grain.

[Armando de la Guerra]

Heavy (158gr) jacketed bullet w/exposed lead core in +P. No point in HP; you're not going to get enough velocity for expansion. Penetration is the goal.

[thomashoward]

I know but it's kind of hard to get away form the house. My wife is on Hospice and I'm her total care giver. I'm thinking about this round 38 Special +P - 129 gr Hydra-Shok JHP - Federal Law Enforcement - 50 Rounds for $37.50 per box.

you won't be under gunned with these. Not for a steady diet,serious social work only.
I have Federal 125 gr Nyclad HP in my Chief 37