The Best 'NON' +P .38 Defense Load?

[chupacabrah]

The XTP is a deep-punch high velocity hunting slug. Loading it in 38Spl was the dumbest idea Hornady ever had. The only way to make that load expand is to pull it out of the shell, whack it with a hammer and load it into a very high powered slingshot. It's just junk.

BuffBore's 158 is probably the most serious standard-pressure load out there, followed by their 125 and then 150. Nobody else can even touch BB in standard pressure.

I better order some more ammo then! doh!

 

[kmrcstintn]

The XTP is a deep-punch high velocity hunting slug. Loading it in 38Spl was the dumbest idea Hornady ever had. The only way to make that load expand is to pull it out of the shell, whack it with a hammer and load it into a very high powered slingshot. It's just junk.

if this is fact, then there are alot of junk dealers and junk collectors throughout southcentral Pennsylvania

within 40 miles driving distance from my residence in both directions, I have seen the Hornady stuff sold consistently and steadily at more than 8 retailers, both major chains & smaller independent shops;

in the Hornady cataolg, it shows a chart on the page where they list their bullet heads ~~ IIRC, the 125gr .38 caliber bullet has an operational range between 800 fps up to 1600 fps, basically .38 spl, .357 magnum, and .357 maximum velocity ranges;

also I have had my favorite shop order in Buffalo Bore stuff before...then comes the waiting, and witing, and waiting, and order cancellations; damned hard to get the great stuff when they won't ship the stuff out...I used my instore credit to get other stuff that comes in steadily & consistently...namely Hornady XTP 180gr .44 spl load for my magnum revolver to be used for protection around my residence

 

[rj112275]

+1 to buffalo bore

 

[statelineblues]

Thanks for all the info - ordered some Buffalo Bore 125g Speer and Glaser Safety Slug.

Also found Magtech has a standard load .38 spl, along with Federal and Remington.

 

[Dr. Fresh]

Just curious, how does the 158-gr lead round nose stack up? What do unjacketed lead rounds do when they hit?

 

[novaDAK]

Just curious, how does the 158-gr lead round nose stack up? What do unjacketed lead rounds do when they hit?

When police used to carry that load, they called it the 'widowmaker' for a reason. It's ineffective. Acts like ball...except it will bounce off metal and windshields.

 

[Dr. Fresh]

LOL that's not good. Bouncing off windshields? Yuck.

 

[charanda]

DocGKR (respected ballistics poster on other forums) recommends 148-gr standard-pressure target wadcutters.