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Posted: 1/28/2020 2:18:18 PM EDT
[#1]
The FBI load is what I have always carried in my pocket .38`s.
Years back Federal I think, chose to go the other route with fast 110 gr JHP loads. I will stay with the tried and true 158 gr LSWC HP +P! |
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Posted: 1/28/2020 3:44:55 PM EDT
[#2]
Me to, when I took my model 15 4” to Wyoming I had Remington 158 grain +P LSWHP and snake loads with shot.
If I was concerned about penetration for bigger animals I’d load up with hard cast 158 grain LSW. |
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Posted: 1/28/2020 6:31:42 PM EDT
[#3]
The 158gr SWCHP loads were the pinnacle for the 38spl up until the early 2000's. I think the 135gr Gold Dot is better personally but the 158 is still a very good load. The 158 is much more likely to hit point of aim too, compared to some 125gr loads.
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Posted: 1/29/2020 1:14:44 AM EDT
[#4]
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Posted: 1/29/2020 5:48:11 AM EDT
[#5]
If your going to carry that load go with Buffalo Bore or Underwood. The lead they use in major manufacturers is too hard.
BB and Undrwd use a really soft lead that performs well. The +p are quite stout and come up to low power 357s in my reloading data (I use 357s & SWC to mimic them) but they also have a standard pressure offering as well. But right now my snub has Speer 135gr in it because my LGS had it in stock @ a great price and I needed ammo. Still a great round. |
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Posted: 1/30/2020 11:35:53 AM EDT
[#6]
Think Power Pistol or Unique would be a good powder choice for 158 grain SWCHP in a snubbie?
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Posted: 1/30/2020 2:10:48 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Think Power Pistol or Unique would be a good powder choice for 158 grain SWCHP in a snubbie? |
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Posted: 1/30/2020 9:13:20 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
. There are much better Reloaders on here than I. We have a very good reloading subforum. I'll ask there. Thanks. |
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Posted: 1/30/2020 10:22:21 PM EDT
[#9]
That round was intended to be run from steel snubs. Out of aluminum or polymer snubs, there are lighter loads w/ more modern bullets.
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Posted: 2/1/2020 3:44:03 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Think Power Pistol or Unique would be a good powder choice for 158 grain SWCHP in a snubbie? |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 10:31:37 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thats what I use. |
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Posted: 2/1/2020 10:41:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Think Power Pistol or Unique would be a good powder choice for 158 grain SWCHP in a snubbie? ------------------------------------- I think for CCW, a 110-140gr would be better. I like the new HST 
. . . +P 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter HP - Winchester Super-X 
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Posted: 2/2/2020 12:22:37 AM EDT
[#13]
Good load, i would not feel poorly armed with that.
But a few police department like New york, Chicago, are going with the Speer 130 gr. +P Gold Dot. They are getting good results with this load in back up snubbies. |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 1:17:05 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: yes ------------------------------------- I think for CCW, a 110-140gr would be better. I like the new HST https://cdn-secure.luckygunner.com/media/catalog/product/cache/geltest/860/158832a06d127bc3c94937ee7189d0f2.jpg . . . +P 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter HP - Winchester Super-X https://cdn-secure.luckygunner.com/media/catalog/product/cache/geltest/860/42e4cc6766c066434890d05097bc7513.jpg |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 1:32:52 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:... Those hsts look great but do horrible with barriers and typically underpenatrate in organic gel/tissue. where are you seeing that ? |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 1:41:58 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
@03RN where are you seeing that ? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:... Those hsts look great but do horrible with barriers and typically underpenatrate in organic gel/tissue. where are you seeing that ? Luckygunner reports 13" in clear gel which means it'll be less in organic which is in line with the above results. @Derek45 |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 2:15:11 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Federal-38-Special-130gr-P-HST-in-Organic-Gel-Tested-/20-181119/ Luckygunner reports 13" in clear gel which means it'll be less in organic which is in line with the above results. @Derek45 close enough shrug I haven't carried my 642 in months |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 2:48:29 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
11.25" and 11.75" close enough shrug I haven't carried my 642 in months Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Federal-38-Special-130gr-P-HST-in-Organic-Gel-Tested-/20-181119/ Luckygunner reports 13" in clear gel which means it'll be less in organic which is in line with the above results. @Derek45 close enough shrug I haven't carried my 642 in months |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 1:25:58 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Best case scenario and it cant even get to the minimum. Autoglass? Lol. 
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Posted: 2/2/2020 1:49:41 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
these days I'm carrying Q4369 in a shield or M&P 2.0 compact Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Best case scenario and it cant even get to the minimum. Autoglass? Lol. There are some really good .38 loads out there. I just think people mistakenly assume .38 hsts are great because the rest of the line is. |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 1:59:11 PM EDT
[#21]
Modern 130-grain loads expand and do not over penetrate.
158 does not expand, and does over penetrate. Hits from either within the 8-ring are reliably lethal. |
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Posted: 2/2/2020 3:32:54 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Federal-38-Special-130gr-P-HST-in-Organic-Gel-Tested-/20-181119/ Luckygunner reports 13" in clear gel which means it'll be less in organic which is in line with the above results. @Derek45 I'm wondering if I should use this ammunition or work up a load using 158 grain SWCHP lead bullets? |
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Posted: 2/3/2020 2:45:07 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Modern 130-grain loads expand and do not over penetrate. 158 does not expand, and does over penetrate. Hits from either within the 8-ring are reliably lethal. |
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Posted: 2/3/2020 4:46:24 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Overpenetration is not a concern for civilians. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Modern 130-grain loads expand and do not over penetrate. 158 does not expand, and does over penetrate. Hits from either within the 8-ring are reliably lethal. |
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Posted: 2/3/2020 4:59:00 PM EDT
[#25]
110 grain Silver Tip works great for very short barrels and Air Weight revolvers. Reduced recoil, decent terminal performance and a nasty surprise for someone.
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Posted: 2/3/2020 6:58:48 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That depends on who/what is behind the target. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Modern 130-grain loads expand and do not over penetrate. 158 does not expand, and does over penetrate. Hits from either within the 8-ring are reliably lethal. |
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Posted: 2/4/2020 12:42:06 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That depends on who/what is behind the target. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Modern 130-grain loads expand and do not over penetrate. 158 does not expand, and does over penetrate. Hits from either within the 8-ring are reliably lethal. |
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Posted: 2/11/2020 12:33:09 AM EDT
[#28]
I use 5.5 grs. of Unique and a 148 gr. SWCHP cast at 9.0 Bhn in my .38's. Specifically a couple of Model 10's and a Model 15, a 4". This load runs about 1050 fps from all three and having shot a couple of deer with cast HP bullets of similar hardness, I have little doubt that it would expand nicely. I scavenged this picture of the bullet I cast/use off of the www, as it's much too cold for me to be in the shop taking pictures of bullets-
 Loaded next to one of my beater 10's-  Matt's Bullets sells lead HP bullets and Rimrock Bullets actually sell the cast SWCHP that Buffalo Bore loads in their .38 ammunition. |
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Posted: 2/11/2020 3:27:04 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I use 5.5 grs. of Unique and a 148 gr. SWCHP cast at 9.0 Bhn in my .38's. Specifically a couple of Model 10's and a Model 15, a 4". This load runs about 1050 fps from all three and having shot a couple of deer with cast HP bullets of similar hardness, I have little doubt that it would expand nicely. I scavenged this picture of the bullet I cast/use off of the www, as it's much too cold for me to be in the shop taking pictures of bullets- https://i.imgur.com/CEzRJyD.jpg Loaded next to one of my beater 10's- https://i.imgur.com/kxcRIbe.jpg Matt's Bullets sells lead HP bullets and Rimrock Bullets actually sell the cast SWCHP that Buffalo Bore loads in their .38 ammunition. |
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Posted: 2/11/2020 7:46:52 PM EDT
[#30]
Exactly how fast does 158 Grain SWCHP have to travel to reliably expand?
Is 850 FPS fast enough? |
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Posted: 2/11/2020 8:02:21 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Exactly how fast does 158 Grain SWCHP have to travel to reliably expand? Is 850 FPS fast enough? I loaded 150-155 gr. cast SWC with 5.0 grs. of Unique for my wife's CA Pink Lady and I want to say velocities were around 900 fps from the 2" barrel. I'll check my load log and confirm those readings. |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 4:12:21 PM EDT
[#32]
150 grain LWC's from Buffalo Bore's run almost 900fps out of a 1 7/8" barrel. That is my favorite .38Snub street and suburb load... Underwood 150 grain Hard Cast 150 LWC's for backup snub in the woods.
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Posted: 4/7/2020 6:30:05 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Federal-38-Special-130gr-P-HST-in-Organic-Gel-Tested-/20-181119/ Luckygunner reports 13" in clear gel which means it'll be less in organic which is in line with the above results. @Derek45 @03RN what's your preferred 38 snubbie defense ammo ? . |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 8:47:30 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote History'Beater' or not, that's an Old School beauty right there! |
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Posted: 4/10/2020 11:56:49 AM EDT
[#35]
I carry 148gr WC.
https://www.luckygunner.com/38spl-winchester-super-match-148gr-wc-50#geltest |
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Posted: 4/10/2020 10:32:18 PM EDT
[#36]
Does Lucky Gunner have any ammo in stock at all?
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Posted: 4/11/2020 8:35:49 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @03RN what's your preferred 38 snubbie defense ammo ? . Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Federal-38-Special-130gr-P-HST-in-Organic-Gel-Tested-/20-181119/ Luckygunner reports 13" in clear gel which means it'll be less in organic which is in line with the above results. @Derek45 @03RN what's your preferred 38 snubbie defense ammo ? . I know it doesn't expand reliably but my wife uses the 130gr +p winchester ranger in her 2" m15. Mostly because its so accurate. If i was going to carry it i might switch out to 158gr swc at close to 1kfps. They recoil a bit to hard for my wife in her gun since the vz grips are a bit narrow and the backstrap is proud.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/11/2020 3:16:02 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know it doesn't expand reliably but my wife uses the 130gr +p winchester ranger in her 2" m15. Mostly because its so accurate. If i was going to carry it i might switch out to 158gr swc at close to 1kfps. They recoil a bit to hard for my wife in her gun since the vz grips are a bit narrow and the backstrap is proud. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433221/Resized_20200327_104809_jpg-1362078.JPG that’s what i’m carrying in my speed strip and speedloader I like these cast LEE 158gr flatpoints also  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/11/2020 9:48:32 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: that’s what i’m carrying in my speed strip and speedloader I like these cast LEE 158gr flatpoints also https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2275/C45B798D-029C-4C59-8366-4F3A8B0EDB61_jpe-1362533.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I know it doesn't expand reliably but my wife uses the 130gr +p winchester ranger in her 2" m15. Mostly because its so accurate. If i was going to carry it i might switch out to 158gr swc at close to 1kfps. They recoil a bit to hard for my wife in her gun since the vz grips are a bit narrow and the backstrap is proud. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433221/Resized_20200327_104809_jpg-1362078.JPG that’s what i’m carrying in my speed strip and speedloader I like these cast LEE 158gr flatpoints also https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2275/C45B798D-029C-4C59-8366-4F3A8B0EDB61_jpe-1362533.JPG I like those FPs These are my uspsa bullet which would be pretty ok if it was the only bullet i had 158gr fp |
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Posted: 4/11/2020 11:01:58 PM EDT
[#40]
here's what I'm casting... https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010197875   Looks like this may be the LEE mold also... https://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=266&zenid=f0mijhuebjehf7fc2npfkqict6 |
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Posted: 4/25/2020 9:19:27 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: yes ------------------------------------- I think for CCW, a 110-140gr would be better. I like the new HST https://cdn-secure.luckygunner.com/media/catalog/product/cache/geltest/860/158832a06d127bc3c94937ee7189d0f2.jpg . . . +P 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter HP - Winchester Super-X https://cdn-secure.luckygunner.com/media/catalog/product/cache/geltest/860/42e4cc6766c066434890d05097bc7513.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Think Power Pistol or Unique would be a good powder choice for 158 grain SWCHP in a snubbie? yes ------------------------------------- I think for CCW, a 110-140gr would be better. I like the new HST https://cdn-secure.luckygunner.com/media/catalog/product/cache/geltest/860/158832a06d127bc3c94937ee7189d0f2.jpg . . . +P 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter HP - Winchester Super-X https://cdn-secure.luckygunner.com/media/catalog/product/cache/geltest/860/42e4cc6766c066434890d05097bc7513.jpg That HST does terrible after barriers. |
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Posted: 4/25/2020 9:21:43 PM EDT
[#42]
The best bullet weight is the one that shoots to point of aim from your fixed sight revolver.
In the case of my 442 that is standard velocity 158Gn |
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Posted: 4/30/2020 4:59:17 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: The best bullet weight is the one that shoots to point of aim from your fixed sight revolver. In the case of my 442 that is standard velocity 158Gn Exactly!! Performance means squat if you miss. |
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Posted: 4/30/2020 5:01:49 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By psegnatelli: Exactly!! Performance means squat if you miss. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By psegnatelli: Originally Posted By StevenH: The best bullet weight is the one that shoots to point of aim from your fixed sight revolver. In the case of my 442 that is standard velocity 158Gn Exactly!! Performance means squat if you miss. It’s an overlooked issue in lightweight fixed sight revolvers. |
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Posted: 4/30/2020 7:30:23 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By psegnatelli: Exactly!! Performance means squat if you miss. practice practice  RUGER LCR 90 yard steel |
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Posted: 4/30/2020 7:58:51 PM EDT
[#46]
Is that ur range? If so bravo! And nice shooting! |
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Posted: 4/30/2020 10:14:00 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryOriginally Posted By Derek45: Originally Posted By psegnatelli: Exactly!! Performance means squat if you miss. practice practice  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY3XP8Ghe1EPoint missed, lol. |
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Posted: 4/30/2020 10:21:22 PM EDT
[#48]
Not offhand, but not bad.
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Posted: 4/30/2020 10:26:04 PM EDT
[#49]
The Speer gold dot short barrel 135-gr recipe is what I use. Buffalo Bore has something similar.
Nothing wrong with the old 158-gr SWCHP but bullet technology has marched onward. And yeah - PRACTICE with YOUR GUN and the defense load you are considering. See what the POI is like. That matters a ton. I carry (and shoot) revolvers a lot. Uber light guns tend to discourage practice. Most of my carry revolvers are steel for just that reason. Only my LCR, which has a big enough grip that I can hang onto it well, is a “pocket gun”. The others ride OWB. |
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Posted: 5/1/2020 7:44:41 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: Point missed, lol. How do you figure ? I practice and carry 130gr  
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