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Posted: 10/11/2007 7:28:04 PM EDT
[#1]
.38spl has been killing people for over 100 years. It works. And you don't need a +P round. With that barrel length there will still be a lot of unburnt powder and that is what makes the big muzzle flash. Personally I believe in the power of the lead semi-wadcutter. That is what the local PD gives their officers who carry a .38spl off-duty.
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Posted: 10/11/2007 8:10:11 PM EDT
[#2]
The .38 special is a killer.The only rap I have on them is they are of a lower capacity than a hi-cap pistol. .38+P is great too. .357 always seemed like overkill and made it harder to double tap.
Back whem I was an LEO I used 158 grain .38 semi-wadcutters to kill many large roadway crash injured deer. I carried a Colt six shot Cobra for years loaded with 158 grain semi wadcutters as my backup gun for 20 years. It makes things dead and deaderer. |
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Posted: 10/12/2007 4:55:25 AM EDT
[#3]
thank you for your replies, my old man said the same thing last night about the 158 grainer (he was leo 25+) years ago.
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Posted: 10/13/2007 3:58:56 PM EDT
[#4]
The "FBI load" a lead 158gr +P hollow point is supposed to be great. If you read about the Gold Dot 135gr round, it's an excellent "modern" round. Either will work great if you put the round on target.
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Posted: 10/13/2007 4:10:44 PM EDT
[#5]
I have not used the DPX...yet. In my 3" Model 13, I use either the 130gr. Winchester Supreme or the Speer 135gr. Gold Dot, which ever I can find at the store. Given your shorter barrel, I think that the Gold Dot or DPX might be a better choice than the Winchester Supreme load. Then again, maybe not. Also, the .38 has been killing people since 1899. It is plenty good enough for personal protection. |
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Posted: 10/16/2007 2:06:47 PM EDT
[#6]
Ive used 158gr SWCHP for so many years!
Havent tried GD 135 but have a few 1000rds of 125 and 158 hp Gold Dots I reloaded in 95 |
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Posted: 10/28/2007 5:05:09 AM EDT
[#7]
I like the 125 gr. +P Remington Golden Sabers. They just shoot well through my 2" if that makes sense.
I carry the 5 in the gun and then a speed strip in the key pocket of my jeans. |
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Posted: 10/28/2007 5:18:22 AM EDT
[#8]
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Posted: 10/28/2007 9:56:28 PM EDT
[#9]
+1 on the Speer short barrrel load.
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Posted: 11/3/2007 5:12:58 PM EDT
[#10]
I asked this very question a short while back. The concensus was the 135 grain Gold Dot which is actually made for short barreled revolvers. After much research, it's what I chose. It's definately not your plinking ammo at near a dollar a pop, but I'll trust my life to it.
 www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=4&t=48939 |
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Posted: 11/4/2007 5:19:06 AM EDT
[#11]
There are 3 viable loads I think
Corbon DPX (it's a +P load): http://www.brassfetcher.com/Cor-Bon%20110gr%20+P%20DPX%20all%20copper%20hollowpoint%20(Heavy%20clothing%20test).html Speer's 135grn +P Gold Dot: http://www.brassfetcher.com/Speer%20135%20grain%20GoldDot%20Short%20Barrel.html Buffalo Bore 158grn standard pressure (NOT the +P version) SWC-HC: http://www.brassfetcher.com/Buffalo%20Bore%20158gr%20(non%20+P)%20SWC-HC.html The DPX is probably the best balanced load in terms of expansion versus penetration. Speer's loading is an aggressive expander, but exhibits lesser penetration. Buffalo Bore's loading penetrates quite well, but is not an aggressive expander. |
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Posted: 11/4/2007 2:37:27 PM EDT
[#12]
Speer 135gr +Ps seem to be one of the more common and better choices
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