mrbladedude
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I have called every gun shop in my area and no one has this round. Does anyone know anywhere online were it is in stock?
Speer Gold Dot 38 Special + P
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WardenWolf
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mrbladedude
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Have you bought from them before?
WardenWolf
member
Nope, but it looks like a fairly major site.
Cycletroll
Member
Just a suggestion but in my testing (Clear Ballistic Gel) and that of many others the .38+p Remington Golden Saber proves to be much more consistent in penetration and expansion and seems to be easier to find. I bought a case of it at sgammo.com and they almost always have it in stock at decent prices.
I carry a S&W M&P 340 almost 24/7 and have found this to be the best overall ammo considering recoil, terminal ballistics, and regular availability. It is generally not too expensive either.
BTW, I am a huge Speer Gold Dot fan and carry it in my 9mm but it just doesn't expand enough and tends to get clogged easily at the modest speeds attained in a 1 7/8" barrel snub.
I carry a S&W M&P 340 almost 24/7 and have found this to be the best overall ammo considering recoil, terminal ballistics, and regular availability. It is generally not too expensive either.
BTW, I am a huge Speer Gold Dot fan and carry it in my 9mm but it just doesn't expand enough and tends to get clogged easily at the modest speeds attained in a 1 7/8" barrel snub.
There is .38spl +P 135gr Speer Gold Dot and then there is .38spl +P 135gr Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel. The short barrel variant is not sold in 50 round boxes. I don't know how much if any of a difference there is but according to Speer's boxes they are different.
I still have the regular one from 50 round boxes in my 642 right now, but generally carry a 158gr LSWCHP +P aka FBI load
I still have the regular one from 50 round boxes in my 642 right now, but generally carry a 158gr LSWCHP +P aka FBI load
redbullitt
Member
The short barrel version is 135g and it looks like the hollow point cavity is a bit bigger. The tip of the bullet looks a bit flatter too, less rounded like the regular gold dot.
I think I would trust either one, but my snubbie gets the 135 short barrel version since I figure it should do a bit better.
I like the FBI load, but I think I would prefer the speer in my 2 inch gun. 3 or 4 inch ought to get them moving fast enough for the LSWC HP to do its thing. Just depends how soft they have it cast I suppose. Probably have to test it out to get a good idea of what either bullet will do for sure.
I think I would trust either one, but my snubbie gets the 135 short barrel version since I figure it should do a bit better.
I like the FBI load, but I think I would prefer the speer in my 2 inch gun. 3 or 4 inch ought to get them moving fast enough for the LSWC HP to do its thing. Just depends how soft they have it cast I suppose. Probably have to test it out to get a good idea of what either bullet will do for sure.
I should have mentioned my preferred FBI load is from Buffalo Bore...which is hot as all hell so I don't think velocity from the tiny barrel will be an issue. It's a handful though.
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mrbladedude
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Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. Will the short barrel ammo make that much of a difference? I'm shooting out of a S&W 686 with a 4 inch barrel
Llama Bob
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They are a reputable outfit that I've bought from many times with zero problems.
That said I'm not 100% confident how the short barrel ammo performs out of a longer barrel. I'd buy this instead:
https://www.wideners.com/handgun/38-special-ammo#speer-38-special-p-135-grain-jhp-20-rounds
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mrbladedude
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That box in your link is the short barrel 135 grain ammo. The 125 grain is the regular 38 + P according to Speers website.
How would the 125 grain compare to the 135 grain fired out of a 4 inch barrel?
jakk280rem
Member
Out of the 4" barrel velocity would be higher, thereby increasing increasing expansion. Only testing would reveal if this would lead to fragmentation. Increased fragmentation and expansion generally lead to a decrease in penetration.
SouthernBoy
Member
Panzerschwein
member
The 135 grain stuff is all "short barrel" ammo, whether or not it says so on the box.
It performs well from 1 7/8"-4" barrels. This ammo is used by NYPD and LAPD in snub nose and service revolver, the same load for each barrel length.
It performs well from 1 7/8"-4" barrels. This ammo is used by NYPD and LAPD in snub nose and service revolver, the same load for each barrel length.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I have bought from them, nothing bad to report. (Ammunition Depot)
dickydalton
Member
I bought a box of this Underwood to try and it was 1184-1196 out of my 2.25" SP101. I didn't notice any flash. That's two boxes of 20 for the price of one of the other brand's 357 Mag that is comparable (1225fps advertised). They are the ones in my 101 for carry at this time.
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mrbladedude
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I emailed Speer and they recommend the 135 grain over the 125 for a 4 inch gun
Panzerschwein
member
+1
Doesn't surprise me. The 135 grain +P Gold Dot is GREAT from both snubs AND 4" barrels. Not many loads like that.
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