.38 spl question

[02Caltaco]

I aquired a 2" barrel, .38 spl revolver that I've been wanting to take to the range. I went today to buy a box of ammo. I'm not sure why but I thaught I should go with a lighter grain round. Tell me if this is wrong.

In 125 and 130 gr. they had 3 brands all the same price, same count, brass cased and fmj. This had me wanting to find out if one is better than the others. It was winchester target?, Aguila and Sig Sauer elite. Is there a noticeable difference that would make one better than the others?

[curtru]

Test them all see what you like best

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[stilly]

I aquired a 2" barrel, .38 spl revolver that I've been wanting to take to the range. I went today to buy a box of ammo. I'm not sure why but I thaught I should go with a lighter grain round. Tell me if this is wrong.

In 125 and 130 gr. they had 3 brands all the same price, same count, brass cased and fmj. This had me wanting to find out if one is better than the others. It was winchester target?, Aguila and Sig Sauer elite. Is there a noticeable difference that would make one better than the others?

.38 is .38

All of the smaller calibers/ weaker loads go pop.

When you get to the magnums, some will go pop, some will go boom and others will shake the house and rain fire from your barrel...

I agree that you should buy a box of each and see what you like.

There are many different powders that could have been used. And...

Many different powders that you can use when you reload.

BUT, ugh. what a waste for a 2" barrel. Try your shots on near targets first. Once you get used to the gun, then go for targets beyond 10-15' with a 2" barrel it would not surprise me if you were all over the paper.

Those are best for up close and personal.

[Divernhunter]

I use 110gr ammo in my 2". I use 125gr ammo in my 4" 357mag revolvers. I did use some 140gr JHP but went back to 125gr JHP.
All loads are jacketed bullets.
I have shot a few 148 lead WC rounds for fun at the range. But mostly shoot jacketed bullets.

[stilly]

I use 110gr ammo in my 2". I use 125gr ammo in my 4" 357mag revolvers. I did use some 140gr JHP but went back to 125gr JHP.
All loads are jacketed bullets.
I have shot a few 148 lead WC rounds for fun at the range. But mostly shoot jacketed bullets.

I know my comments are true for me, but do you find that accuracy is a bit lacking in the shorter 2" vs the 4" ?

And do you notice a difference between the power in the 2" and the 4" ?

I only have a M&PR8 revolver or a lever action RRH with an 11" barrel to try my loads on. Power wise they seemed about the same.

[02Caltaco]

I'm not expecting much from this little gun as far as accuracy goes, but wanted to hit the range with it for a change. I've also had it sitting here for awhile and felt I should at least have some ammo on hand for it.

[stilly]

I'm not expecting much from this little gun as far as accuracy goes, but wanted to hit the range with it for a change. I've also had it sitting here for awhile and felt I should at least have some ammo on hand for it.

I think that is a good feeling. And the ammo that you make/buy for it should work in all other .38/.357 mag as well...

[Divernhunter]

I was surprised how good the accuracy was in the 2" gun. It will be one of my carry guns.
I am better with the 4" but then they are heavier and a longer sight radis.

I do not shoot 38Sp out of my 4" 357 guns so trying to compare is not in the books.

[stilly]

Hmmm. I used to think there was a lot of savings by making .38 instead of .357, but actually, there isn't. You can make the same .38 loads in .357 as well as .357 loads so why even bother? The only difference is powder which is about .01-.02 per shell most likely. Not much of a savings for me.

[Divernhunter]

Maybe no savings but if the firearm is chambered in 38sp then you have to load 38sp brass.
Otherwise I can just load down my 357 brass . I do not shoot 38sp in my 357 firearms as it just causes more cleaning issues. Same for 44sp in 44 mag or 45LC in 454Casull.

[mark501w]

My mod 38 smith likes 125's for elevation . 110's shoot low , 158's shoot high.

[TexasJackKin]

My mod 38 smith likes 125's for elevation . 110's shoot low , 158's shoot high.

yea, it's a bit counter intuitive, especially with a revolver at shorter ranges higher velocity rounds hit lower. They get out of the barrel faster, before the gun has recoiled as much. An interesting phenomena.