Airlite loads

[SkunkApe]

I just picked up a used S&W 342PD Airlite revolver (.38 sp. +P). Its amazingly light compared to my all-stainless Taurus snubby. Seems like its gonna be great for pocket carry.

The owner's manual mandates the use of jacketed bullets only in the +P loadings, to avoid the bullets moving forward in the case due to recoil.

I was firing some Winchester SXT 130-grain +P loads. I fired four rounds, then checked the fifth before firing. I did see that on the last cartridge, the bullet had lifted about .020". I checked this way twice with the same results. I did not, however, experience any malfunctions. Still, though, the bullet movement has me a bit worried.

Can anyone recommend another option in jacketed +P .38 special hollowpoints? I hear the new 135-grain Speer Gold Dots were specifically designed to avoid this "crimp jumping", but I don't know where to buy them online.

Thanks.

 

[jpIII]

I too pocket carry the 342pd (and on occasion the 642).

I tested the Golden Saber +P, by firing 4 rounds, saving the last, then reloading using the saved one over and over again, letting it "ride" while the others are fired.

After about a dozen rounds the same bullet displayed the same amount of "creep" as the first time I check it out. So I figured if a bullet can withstand 12 rounds without falling out, it'll be ok.

not scientific by any means, but it put my mind at ease.

 

[Clemson]

I have found the Georgia Arms Plus P loading of Gold Dot 125 grainers to be tightly crimped. None have pulled in my 342.

Clemson