.38 Special Federal Home Defense?

[Bill B.]

I bought some of these Federal 38 Special Home defense loads that are 125 grain JHP. They shoot approx. 6 in low in every .38 & .357 mag. revolver I tried them in. They have almost no recoil. Recoil is about the same as 125 grain lead Cowboy Action loads. In an airweight .38 they would be about as easy recoil wise as anything on the market. Has any else used these and what is your opinion of them?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Is this something new? I had never heard of any of their ammo being called "Home Defense." "Personal Defense," yes.

Most fixed-sight revolvers are regulated for heavier bullets, so the lighter bullets shooting low is not unusual.

 

[Jim March]

There isn't any Federal load in 38/38+P that I would trust in any gun I own. Their usual tendency in ALL revolver calibers is to "wimp out", bigtime.

They make some decent ammo in police autoloader calibers for police sales.

 

[Bill B.]

Is this something new? I had never heard of any of their ammo being called "Home Defense." "Personal Defense," yes.

I may have mis-spoken this. I think you are correct sir!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't care for Federal .38 Special ammo personally. Like said above, a lighter bullet will shoot lower from a revolver with fixed sights. Most fixed sight revolvers, especially S&W are sighted in with a 158gr bullet. The whole reason you practice with your carry ammo is to find out how it will shoot in your revolver. Now that you know it shoots 6" low all you need to do is make that adjustment in your POA and you will be right on.

 

[45Badger]

There isn't any Federal load in 38/38+P that I would trust in any gun I own.

Nothing like sugar-coating your opinion!

I agree with exception of the NyClad 158 gr SWCHP+P. I have not shot anyone with it, so can't give first hand observation of terminal, ballistics or effect.

It does seem to be very accurate and consistent out of my K Frames. It seems to leave the barrel with enough "oomph" to kill somthing. Maybe I got a good case (more than I'll probably ever need).

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Another one using Nyclad 158gr SWCHP +P's. Works well in my 2" M15, my 2" SP101, and the 4" M28.

I also like their 9mm Nyclad ammo.

 

[Jim March]

Another one using Nyclad 158gr SWCHP +P's.

First, let's note that this is out of production.

Second, what kind of speed are you getting? It should need at least 850fps and there are some indications the plastic coating over the lead retarded expansion some as compared to equivelent weight/type ammo.

Federal's plain-lead 158gr 38+P hollowpoints often clocked less than 800fps from a snubby - often down around 750. That's pathetic. I do hope those Nyclads are pushing more than that but I would damnsure chrony test a few to make sure before carrying 'em.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Last time I got a chance to chrono it out of the 2" M15 (more then a few years ago), it was, if I recall, just under 800. I have about 250 rounds of it left.

It's a good choice for me. My wife can pick up either snubby and quickly place the shots where she wants too. I can go hotter, but if you miss more then you hit, what are you accomplishing?