Ammo for S&W models 60 and 640

[Arts]

I need your recommendations for S&W Models 60 and 640 .38 snub noses for concealed carry. The wife and I need to get proficient in 7 yd. point and shoot. Thanks.

 

[WT]

Let's see .......

Taylor recommends 158 gr SWC +P or Glasers,
Ayoob recommends 158 gr LWSC +P hollowpoints,
A new thought is 148 gr WC.

 

[FPrice]

I second the 158 gr +P LSWCHP. I have also found Federal 110 gr HS to be an accurate load. Silvertips seem accurate also but have a large muzzle flash.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I suggest the FBI load (158 grain LSWC HP +P).

Winchester white box 150 grain LRN is cheap and good for practice, although it doesn't kick as much as the FBI loads.

 

[Mannlicher]

I am real partial towards Federal HydroShock 129 grain JHP. My Model 60 and my Taurus 85CH love them. The Winchester White Box 125 grain stuff is not bad either.

 

[DBR]

For snubby ammo I suggest the "muzzle up - muzzle down" test. I have found variations of more than 150fps doing this test. The test is to shoot 3 rds with the muzzle down like when you first draw from the holster and 3 rds starting with the muzzle up. Obviously you need a chrono for this test, but you can get an adequate one for less than $100 - small change when compared to the investment people spend on guns and training. Short barrels are very sensitive to powder position with most commercial ammo. In the tests I have done the lighter bullets are much more sensitive to powder position than the heavier ones. I settled on 148gr wadcutters (any major brand) for light weight 38spl revolvers and Remington 158gr semi-jacketed HP for 357 (not recommended for a 357 snubby that weighs less than 20oz).

 

[tbeb]

The best is the 158 gr. lead hollowpoint by Federal or Winchester or Remington. If you want less felt recoil than go with Remington 125 gr. semi-jacketed hollowpoint or Remington Golden Sabre 125 gr. JHP or Federal Classic Hi-Shok 125 gr. JHP or Federal Hydra-Shok 129 gr. JHP. All of these are +P (higher pressure) loads.

You might want to test fire and see what shoots to point of aim. Every barrel is different. I just went through this with a 2 3/4" Ruger Speed Six. 158 gr. and 148 gr. bullet shot to point of aim at 21 feet. 125 gr. bullets hit 1 1/4" low.

 

[MichaelJay]

I'll put in a vote for Winchester .38 SPL +P 125 Gr. Silvertip HP. Works great in a SW #637 airweight.

Michael.