110 gr hydra-shock?

[gringolet]

anybody done any testing with the 110 gr hydrashock 38 special?
looking for a light, quick, effective load for a 442. A NON-+P load.
thanks.

 

[Jim March]

I've seen some speed data showing that it's often not even hitting 800fps from a 2" barrel. That's pretty sad for a 110.

The BEST available standard pressure 38s are by Buffalo Bore:

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#standard38

This stuff is so head'n'shoulders on top of everything else it's not even funny.

 

[Dismantler]

I found the recoil to be MUCH harsher than other regular .38's. I looked at the ballistics for it and they compared to many of the +p's that I was looking at. You can look on the different ammo web sites. The HYDRA-SHOK box say muzzle velocity of 1000 fps at muzzle. I think that is in +p territory.

I would not recommend this ammo in a 442. I shot it out of a Model 37 Airweight, and I thought that I had blown my hand off! I cannot imagine why it says "LOW RECOIL" on the box.

I am currently shooting wadcutters out of my 442. I know that they are under-powered, but I like the mild recoil, and the fact that they will not over penetrate. I do not recommend that you buy these (they are expensive) unless you have a revolver that you can comfortably shoot +p's out of. They would be good in a K frame or a .357.

 

[TT]

I load Winchester’s 110 grain standard pressure Silvertip in my 442. Brassfetcher has gel testing of this round on his site.

 

[The Bushmaster]

If you are going to run a slow bullet you might as well whop'em with a BULLET of at least 140 grain or better when carrying a .38 Special...110 grain is like using a .25 ACP. It tickles, but that's all. Actually I really don't care to be hit with a childs BB gun either...

 

[rgs1975]

For .38 Special defense out of a snub I use 130gr Federal HS's. Recoil and noise isn't as bad as the 110's.

 

[cocojo]

I use Federal Nyclads 125JHP standard velocity rounds. Clocked out at 840 2 inch S&W. Good velocity, good expansion, penetration about 10 inches, great control and shoots point of aim. See if you can locate a box or two. Other than that, Buffalo Boar loads are available. Not a lot of standard velocity rounds out there that work. I wish Federal would bring the Chief Special Nyclads back out.

 

[DawgFvr]

I prefer 110 grain Corbon DPX + P. If they hurt the bad guy one half as much as my firing hand hurts firing those suckers out of my 642...I'll be happy.

 

[TT]

Whoops, when I read the original post I thought the OP meant a round with light recoil…if you’re just looking for a lightweight projectile in a defense round try Cor Bon’s 100 grain Pow’R’Ball.