Need Help Choosing Ammo For SP101

[JediKnight]

Hey guys just bought my wife a new ruger SP101 3 1/16" barrel basically for home defense. I had my mind set on the hornady critical defense stuff but I've recently seen and heard some really disturbing stuff. People seem to be reporting a lot of misfires, I saw one guy who had the cases keep expanding so much after firing that he was unable to extract them by hand, and there was another guy who had one of the primers come out of its seat slightly and bind up the action. Anyways I'm looking for something that will do about 12" penetration with as much expansion as I can get. I'd rather use 357's over .38's since shes comfortable with them and they've got a little more kick. Is there anything out there that fits the bill. Seems like most of the 357 ammo out there penetrates way too deep, at least for me. Thanks

 

[2WheelsGood]

Well, since you said you want .357, perhaps this advice is pointless, but my wife's SP101 is loaded with Gold Dot .38 +P. I can't imagine needing anything more than that for the two legged predators. I've shot the Gold Dots and .357s out of that gun, and the .38s are definitely easier to control.

 

[JediKnight]

you know that might be the way to go. I'm also considering a lighter 357 maybe a 100gr or a 110gr. But the 135gr gold dot 38 sp. looks really good too.

 

[unclenunzie]

For what it is worth, the buffalo bore 158gr LSWCHP +P load shoots well out of my sp101. It feels like a low-end magnum round and is a hot version of the classic FBI or treasury load. But as suggested above the 135gr gold dot is highly respected also, I have no experience with it myself though.

Regarding the critical defense, I had a bad lot of 110gr .38 +p which was replaced by hornady (multiple strikes to set them off). I also had some 125gr .357 CD, and that lot worked just fine, nice moderate .357 round.

 

[788Ham]

The Gold Dot 135 gr. mentioned above, is a very good round. I've had an SP 101 for a couple of months, thats what I keep mine loaded with. This round shoots well, not any recoil at all, I do have some .357 ammo around, just this GD ammo suits me fine. Good luck.

 

[willypete]

I carry my 2.25" SP101 with 158 gr Gold Dots loaded by Georgia Arms. They chrony 1150 fps and are listed at 1250 fps (assume 4" bbl). Shoots to point of aim and will get the job done. I've never measured penetration on any reliable test media, but I'd imagine it would at least meet your 12" requirement.

Any of the premium SD rounds should fit your bill, I just happen to really like this load in my gun. With the 3 1/16" bbl, you'll be better able to take advantage of 125 grain loads than I can with my 2.25" bbl.

 

[forty5]

The 38 Spec +P 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel would be a good choice, but I like the 357 Magnum 135 gr Gold Dot Short Barrel even better. That is what I carry in my SP101.

 

[*Klutch*]

If you really want 357's Speer makes the GD in 135gr for the 357 mag also

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/12...num-135-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-20

 

[moxie]

Rem. Golden Saber, .38 Spl. 125 gr. +P. I like them for home defense.

 

[CPLofMARINES]

.38 Spl FBI load, Golden Sabers or Gold Dots, sure .357 Mag if your wife
has quick access to hearing protection. Most encounters occur during
low/no light, think about muzzle flash.


Semper Fi

 

[Fish Springs]

125 grain JHP from Federal or Remington. Both chronograph 1225 FPS or so from my 101.

 

[Old John]

My DSW likes .357 mag., 110 gr. LHJHP's in our SP101's. But, she readily will shoot about anything. 125 gr., Silvertips, Golden Sabres. It doesn't matter. And she handles it well.
I do not generally use .38 specials in my .357 mags., except for practice. It's a .357 mag. That's why I have it.

 

[NMGonzo]

Anything will do, really.

 

[230therapy]

What does your wife want?

You should buy a wide variety of ammunition and let her try them all. Review the pros and cons of each and then settle on a practice load and a defensive load. Buy in bulk and make sure to take her to the range every month.

 

[gamestalker]

I don't shoot factory ammunition, but maybe I can still offer some help here. I load both .357 and 38 spcl. and have found the Gold Dots to perform very well from both cartridges. However, the 38 spcl. version is very comfortable to shoot, and still has plenty at the business end of things.

XTP's also get the job done well.

"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away"

 

[JediKnight]

getting some good feedback but what do you guys think about the critical defense stuff from hornady?

 

[Hoxviii]

My take is run fullbore 158's out of it. I've clocked full magnums right at 1100 out of a 2.25 sp. This is equivalent to the original plus p's out of a six incher and I doubt you'll hear anyone gripe about the efficacy of a full size with plus p's.

But let her try first.