Best S.D. ammo for a .38 special 2"

[Tony Z]

I would have to agree with the 158-Gr +P LSWCHP.

I have reloaded 158Gr LSWCHP using a 357 mag case and a medium load of powder for the fun of it. But I won't use them for self defence. Because of possable legal issues.

Has anyone got any information on useing DEWC's as a S.D. cartridge?


Tony

 

[Jeff OTMG]

Everyone knows that I too am an RBCD believer. The new 'Tactical' loads sound good with a 50 gr bullet.

As far as 'independent' testing goes. If Sandia Labs ever publishes their testing of handgun ammo I will believe it when I see the credentials of the testers. I would prefer to see a PhD in Physics, a medical doctor with a background in trauma, as well as a mechanical engineer tell me which they think holds the most promise. Roscoe does have a degree in mechanical engineering as does one of my consultants and they agree that RBCD is the best thing out there.

 

[Gordon]

Of course if you reload and don't live in an apartment or around others in house then a 173 grain hard cast Kieth or wide flat point at 900fps blows a 3/8" hole thru anything everytime for sure, for sure!

 

[P12]

In that combat handgun article, I thought the Hornady Custom performed quite well, considering the expansion vs penatration vs no clothes vs clothed.

It had uniform expansion and good penatration.

Never fired the stuff. Been thinking about trying it though.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Another solid vote for - - -

- - -the 158 gr. LSWCHP +P

I have a mild preference for the R-P version, but have no qualms about taking the Winchester. Never tried the Federal version.

This load was first catalogued by Win as the "MS" back in the late 1970s, I believe. Had a couple of good contacts/shooting buddies at firearms section of Dallas County Crime Lab (Southwest Institute of Forensic Science,) which was just upstairs from the medical examiners office. Those guys were very enthusiastic about what they called "The City Load," or the "DPD load." Worked well on every solid torso hit. Noticible expansion from two-inch revolvers, and classic performance from the four-inchers.

My Colt Agent is loaded with the R-P ammo now. I also provide it for house and/or carry guns for my wife, ex-wife, son, and daughter-in-law. I've also given cylinders full to a least four other friends. I DO try to practice what I preach, at least in this regard.

I will note that this load is a bit vigorous for full-time use in alloy frame revolvers. I check point-of-aim vs. point-of-impact, certainly, but do my regular practice with lighter loads. Years ago, I developed a handload with very similar trajectory and recoil for practice, and shot an M37 Airweight Chiefs Special loose, twice.

Best,
Johnny

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. My S&W M642 is loaded with the Remington 158 gr LSWCHP +P load right now. Recoil is there, but managable; at the current time, I think it's the most viable type load for a 2" snub for protection.

Best.

 

[Ol' Badger]

148 gr. Double Ended Wadcutters. And they'er hell on cats

 

[COHIBA]

i dont see anyone mentioning silvertips. are they not a good stopper. i always thought they looked pretty good as a snubbie loading.

 

[ruger357]

I use Federal's Hyra Shock 129.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Somebody asked about chrono data for 2" w/ 158-SWC+P

Can't find my card, but here's what I remember
6" mod14-HB 905fps
4" mod15-HB 840fps (rebarreled for me by Jim Reyes w/S&W PC,'00)
3" mod337Ti 790fps
2" charterU-C 760fps

I carry the WallyWorld WinUSA 125+p HP. $11.00/50. I Don't cry everytime I pull the trigger from the "cramp under my wallet".

3" mod337Ti 980fps

 

[sm]

COHIBA

quote:
dont see anyone mentioning silvertips. are they not a good stopper. i always thought they looked pretty good as a snubbie loading.
...
Thread asked in reference to 2", alluded in my earlier posts use of the standard 110 grSTHP.

In a model 64 with a 3" HB I carried the 125 gr STHP( +P), the gun loved this load, most accurate, POA/POI , just made for each other.

Kept in a hidden Jframe ( model 36) in an business, these used also, didn't run a bunch through it, mostly standard WC for range. For business encounters-stoked it up.

I've personally used STHP for years, like 'em , were available, found something that worked and really didn't shop around once a load worked for intended purpose.

'course I buy a truck every ten years (maybe longer) whether I need It or not. Current one is 10--don't like pmts--maybe bump this to a 15 yr rule

 

[Art Eatman]

Wuz on a jury where the demise of the late unlamented came about as a result of five HydraShoks from a 2" S&W 36. The coroner's report stated that any of the five would have done the deed.

One cross-body hit, through the right bicep and on to the heart. One or two in the back, stopping in the front of the body at the ribcage. One across the upper jaw. Disremember the other.

Sounds good to me.

Art

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Art?

Was that the "non +P" version of H-S?
A guy at a gun shop just told me that he had tried several brands in water filled milk jugs and the +P Golden Sabers and the non +P H-S had the best expansion. I neglected to ask him if he tried the "+P" H-S. He was using a 2 inch barrel snub.

KR