38spl 2 inch Snubbie Ammo [Archive]

Berto

04-27-2007, 18:40

Originally posted by Joey
Why that weight bullet over the rest of em??

It's not as much bullet weight as the overall performance of that particular round in jello tests..for whatever that is worth to you.

It looks to be a good bet,but it's relatively new and doesn't have much of a track record at this point. It was designed to penetrate deep and expand reliably through thick clothing and optimized for the 2" snubby.
A few police agencies have adopted that load for backup gun use, including the NYPD.

For track record,the 158gr LSWCHP +P is still the most acknowledged and has been used in service length to snubbies with success. Velocity in the 2" is borderline for expansion-esp through clothing,so the Rem version is often the way to go with the softest lead bullet of the bunch.

If you're not worried about the extra recoil, Buffalo Bore cranks the velocity up to an honest grand in a 2" gun and should take care of any doubts regarding expansion.:)

Joey

04-27-2007, 18:56

Originally posted by Berto
For track record,the 158gr LSWCHP +P is still the most acknowledged and has been used in service length to snubbies with success.

That's what I tried shooting, but the 442 is not rated at +p and the recoil is quite brutal on the hand.

Lugi

04-27-2007, 19:03

Originally posted by Joey
That's what I tried shooting, but the 442 is not rated at +p and the recoil is quite brutal on the hand.

Then don't shoot any +P ! :thumbsup:

Berto

04-27-2007, 19:05

Well, not to keep pimping Buffalo Bore, but they have a standard pressure load that duplicates the FBI load.....http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#standard38

The 125gr Gold Dot they have might be a good choice since it'll be easier on your hand and still gets good velocity and expansion. The Gold Dots are always a solid bullet design that works as advertised.;)

Joey

04-27-2007, 19:16

Originally posted by Lugi
Then don't shoot any +P ! :thumbsup:

Then I can't try the Gold dot 135 gr +p stuff :brickwall: :brickwall: :brickwall:

How hard is shooting +p on a frame not +p rated???

stmcelroy

04-27-2007, 20:10

Originally posted by Joey
Then I can't try the Gold dot 135 gr +p stuff :brickwall: :brickwall: :brickwall:

How hard is shooting +p on a frame not +p rated???

Limited amounts are not going to hurt the gun.

Steve

Skintop911

04-27-2007, 21:10

Originally posted by Joey
I've got a S&W 442 and am looking for some good cary ammo.

Black Hills 125 +P GDHP
Speer 135 +P GDHP
Corbon 110 DPX

Lots of other good ones, those are my preferences.

Lugi

04-27-2007, 21:13

Originally posted by stmcelroy
Limited amounts are not going to hurt the gun.

Steve

+1

but why even do it , it's not worth the risk of injury or messing up the gun !

There is other rounds . :thumbsup:

Ak.Hiker

04-27-2007, 22:30

I thought the 442 was a +P rated 38 Special. But at 15 oz. I bet it would be a handful. Both Remington and Winchester make a 158 standard lead SWC that would be pretty mild. They have the same ballistics as the 158 round nose loads with the SWC bullet. Federal has a 110 grain low recoil load that would be worth looking at as well. Not sure about your Smith but my Colt 2 inch 38 hits point of aim with the 158's.

michael t

04-27-2007, 23:35

My old steel mod 49 from 1970's has had a limited diet of +P and still good and tight. I also keep loaded with the 158grLSWCHP +P Had a mod 36 from 1967 that knew a lot of +P Was stolen not wore out.
Never owned one of the lite ones I always like a real steel pistol helps control recoil of the +P

Guns & Cockpits

04-28-2007, 00:07

Originally posted by Berto
Well, not to keep pimping Buffalo Bore, but they have a standard pressure load that duplicates the FBI load.....http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#standard38

A big +1 here on this.

Not too long ago, I asked about these Buffalo Bore rounds here on GT, as I'd seen them while I was shopping rounds for my .480 Ruger and my .45-70 Gov. I've always loved the Buffalo Bore rounds for hunting, so I was interested.

At the recommendation of the GT members, I picked up a few boxes, and couldn't be happier. They shoot well, quite accurate, and while I've never shot anything living with them, if they work as well as their hunting rounds do, they'll be fantastic.

Joey

04-28-2007, 00:31

They must be really proud of Buffalo Bore ammo :banana: :banana:

Cant see paying $21.99 for 20 rounds of 38spl & then adding S&H on top of that. :brickwall: :ack:

Snowman92D

04-28-2007, 09:17

Originally posted by Joey
I've got a S&W 442 and am looking for some good carry ammo.

Dunno why investing in a small stash of it for defensive purposes, plus some limited practice, would be a problem. I'm assuming that you're "really proud of" your life, or you wouldn't post here asking about "carry ammo".

akbound

04-28-2007, 09:29

Hi Joey,

How old is your 442? The current 442's are in fact +P rated and as far as I know always have been in their current iteration. Its sibling the 642 is also +P rated and differs from the 442 in finish only, (brushed aluminum and stainless instead of black).

Unless your 442 is a limited production item or part of a special run or sometime such, I'd think it likely a +P rated weapon. It would certainly be as easy as contacting Smith & Wesson with the serial number range to make a positive confirmation. (Assuming of course the original owner's manual is unavailable.)

We have both a 637 and a 642 which are basically the same gun with either and/or a different hammer configuration and an external finish. Both of these Airweight series guns are in fact +P rated by the manufacturer. Neither have shown any negative side affects what so ever by continuous use of +P ammunition.

Our favorite (and current) carry load in both these (as well as a 649 we have) are the Speer Gold Dot 135gr.+P's. In addition we have a decent stock of the old standby 158gr LSWHP+P's on hand in case we should have difficulty finding the Gold Dots. One other carry load we keep in quantity for those few instances we find when a minimum recoil load is needed or called for are several cases of standard pressure 110gr. Hydrashock, Personal protection loads. These are great for those instances where either very limited penetration or minimal recoil are called for.

Best of luck with your search!

Dave :)

Rugby

04-28-2007, 09:55

Originally posted by Joey
That's what I tried shooting, but the 442 is not rated at +p and the recoil is quite brutal on the hand.

I own and absolutely LOVE my S&W 442. It's a new one that is +P rated. Some of the older ones are +P rated too. Contact S&W and give them your serial number and they will tell you. I can already tell you what they will say and that is (as already mentioned) moderate amounts of +P will not hurt it. Practice with standard, finish practice with a few +P's and keep +P's loaded in it for carry. Without +P, it makes a better paper weight.

Edited to clarify: When it comes to the 442, they were designed to shoot +P, it's just that they are not marked. The call to S&W will put you at ease.

Rugby

04-28-2007, 10:00

Originally posted by Joey
I've got a S&W 442 and am looking for some good cary ammo.

What bullet weight and/or style has a better than average track record being shot out of a 2 inch snubbie.

Reason 'm asking is I've just loaded the last of my Nyclads and need to find something else to feed her with.

The GD short barrel ammo is super popular and excellent. Remington's GS is excellent. I've used both. There is also the CorBon DPX which I bet would do well. I think the best right now is the new DT ammo for the .38 and what I am currently using, the "FBI Load" 158gr LSWCHP+P.

PBR Sailor

04-28-2007, 10:01

Winchester +P 158g SWC HP Lead. They work and hit where I aim.

Enough said.

:thumbsup:

Rugby

04-28-2007, 10:09

Originally posted by PBR Sailor
Winchester +P 158g SWC HP Lead. They work and hit where I aim.

Enough said.

:thumbsup:

To each his own but I agree that is tuely the best to shoot out of a J-Frame. The difference in mine is that I have handloads. They are loaded EXACTLY to Winchester's specs. I am fortunate to have a local ammunitions dealer who sells factory box stuff (he's my secret Ranger T supplier) and can handload anything you desire. He assures me that no one would be able to tell the difference between the box stuff and his loads. 1000 rounds for less than 100 bucks so I use it for practice and carry.

MorkBork

04-28-2007, 13:16

I have the 642 (442 with a different finish) and it is rated +P, though I don't shoot +P with it.

It's a 15 ounce gun and it stings with heavy +P loads, so who cares if yours can handle +P or not. I carry 110 grain standard pressure Winchester Silvertips.

akbound

04-28-2007, 13:39

Originally posted by MorkBork
I have the 642 (442 with a different finish) and it is rated +P, though I don't shoot +P with it.

It's a 15 ounce gun and it stings with heavy +P loads, so who cares if yours can handle +P or not. I carry 110 grain standard pressure Winchester Silvertips.

Hi MorkBork,

Not sure if the above comments were address my way or not, but just in case, here's my explanation. I didn't assume anyone cared, I only passed the information along to Joey in the event he wasn't aware of it. Additionally I asked a few questions trying to assertain for myself what all the issues were. I thought that might present me with the best opportunity to be in a position to maybe have more informed suggestions to offer! ;)

Dave

MorkBork

04-28-2007, 14:43

My comments weren't really directed to anyone in specific, I was just offering my own personal experience.

50 rounds of standard pressure 135 grain target loads hurt with this weapon. At least for me.

Rugby

04-28-2007, 14:54

Rugby

04-28-2007, 14:57

Originally posted by MorkBork
My comments weren't really directed to anyone in specific, I was just offering my own personal experience.

50 rounds of standard pressure 135 grain target loads hurt with this weapon. At least for me.

Wow. Don't shoot the FBI load then. You'll be driving home from the range in tears with an icepack on your wrist!

(Disclaimer: The above above comment was said in jest.)

MorkBork

04-28-2007, 15:46

Originally posted by Rugby
Actually the 442 is aluminum alloy and the 642 is stainless steel.

They are both aluminum alloy, and both weigh 15 ounces. The only difference is the finish.

Rugby

04-28-2007, 15:55

Originally posted by MorkBork
They are both aluminum alloy, and both weigh 15 ounces. The only difference is the finish.

To claify further, The 642 has an aluminum alloy frame with stainless steel cylinder & barrel. The gun has an overall silver/gray look.

The 442 has an anondized aluminum alloy frame, with a carbon steel cylinder & barrel. The gun has "black" look to it.

Joey

04-28-2007, 18:02

Originally posted by Rugby
The 442 has an anondized aluminum alloy frame, with a carbon steel cylinder & barrel. The gun has "black" look to it.

Hummmm, black look eh??? Ignore the other items in the picture, this is the only picture of the 442 I've got. Think it was around 94 or 95 when I purchased her & have been told by S&W she is not rated for +P

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e184/Rampy556/IMG_2083.jpg

Joey

04-28-2007, 18:11

Since I've been shooting/carrying Double Tap's ammo in my 357sig's and do think it's the schnitz think I'll try some of their 38 Special +P 125gr. Gold Dot JHP (LV) 50rds - 1100fps & 336 ft. lbs out of a 1.875" bbl S&W pistola.

Besides, it's "only" $24.95 for 50 rounds :supergrin: :supergrin:

akbound

04-28-2007, 19:05

Originally posted by Joey
Hummmm, black look eh??? Ignore the other items in the picture, this is the only picture of the 442 I've got. Think it was around 94 or 95 when I purchased her & have been told by S&W she is not rated for +P

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e184/Rampy556/IMG_2083.jpg
Hi Joey,

Now you've got me looking in my archives. That "442" you've pictured looks exactly like our 642. All the 442's I've ever seen were black, so I'm off to double-check for variants.

Dave

P.S. Hi again MorkBork, I hadn't taken offense or anything I just wasn't sure if you were commenting on my remarks or some others, so I explained what I had meant. :)

akbound

04-28-2007, 19:33

Hi again Joey,

I'm trying to figure out the variant/time of manufacture of your revolver. If you don't mind my asking when you open the cylinder and crane what are the numbers under your serial number? Should be located near the frame/crane junction at the front end of the frame.(Please do not include the serial number unless you don't mind posting just the first couple of digits of the number followed by XXX's.) Knowing these numbers will certainly help sort out which exact variant you have, and whether or not it is +P capable.

Thanks again!

Dave

P.S. It'll also help me stop scratching my head! ;)

Joey

04-28-2007, 19:48

No numbers at all under the serial number, it just says MOD.442

The serial number starts with BRE and then 4 digits.

Originally posted by akbound
Hi again Joey,

I'm trying to figure out the variant/time of manufacture of your revolver. If you don't mind my asking when you open the cylinder and crane what are the numbers under your serial number? Should be located near the frame/crane junction at the front end of the frame.(Please do not include the serial number unless you don't mind posting just the first couple of digits of the number followed by XXX's.) Knowing these numbers will certainly help sort out which exact variant you have, and whether or not it is +P capable.

Thanks again!

Dave

P.S. It'll also help me stop scratching my head! ;)

Joey

04-28-2007, 19:53

ACK, after looking at S&W's web page the 442 looks like the picture of a 642 :shocked: :shocked:

akbound

04-28-2007, 19:58

Originally posted by Joey
ACK, after looking at S&W's web page the 442 looks like the picture of a 642 :shocked: :shocked:
Beats the dickens out of me......(hey M2 Carbine where you at? ;) ), I'm still looking to see what I can find. Maybe someone over at the Smith & Wesson forum can help.

I'm still learning new things everyday! :supergrin:

Dave

Joey

04-28-2007, 20:08

Stupid question time :supergrin: are ya talking bout a S&W forum here, or another one???

Originally posted by akbound
Maybe someone over at the Smith & Wesson forum can help.

Tyrantresister

04-29-2007, 09:05

According this guy's experience (http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38%20Special%20158gr%20LSWCHP.htm)the 158 grain FBI load is still possibly the most effective load in this caliber. The soft lead of the remington load is garanteed to expand, even out of snubbie. The 135 grain GD load may be a good load or not, I'm not sure how many shootings the round has been used in. It could prove to be a very effective round, or it could not. Lab tests don't always mimick real world results (IE, the 230 grain Hydrashok .45).

akbound

04-29-2007, 09:10

Originally posted by Joey
Stupid question time :supergrin: are ya talking bout a S&W forum here, or another one???
Either or both if necessary. Try the one here first and if you don't get a response then check out the Smith & Wesson Forum.

Dave

Joey

04-29-2007, 12:01

From the S&W forum.

"Yours has a nickle finish. I haven't seen alot of those around."

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=693080

akbound

04-29-2007, 21:18

Originally posted by Joey
From the S&W forum.

"Yours has a nickle finish. I haven't seen alot of those around."

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=693080

Hi again Joey,

I've checked out the thread you linked to, but I'm not too certain aboout the gun being nickeled, at least not at this point yet. I've rechecked the photo you posted showing your gun, and it doesn't look like a standard nickel finished revolver. I can see a distinct two-toned appearance on your gun and it exactly matches the finish on our 642 and 637. They have aluminum alloy frames (brushed appearance) and stainless steel barrels and cylinders.

There are in fact nickeled guns, but I'm not sure the 442 was one of them.

Dave

Gunnut 45/454

04-30-2007, 19:58

I just purchased a hundred of each, 125gr /135gr GD's I think the 125 gr would be a better choice as you can get to 1000+ Fps at +P loading easier then with the 135gr. I'm going to save the 135gr for loading 357 Mag's. Speer say's these will blow up at high 357 mag loads so if kept at 1200 fps out of a snub they should be the cat's meow! :thumbsup: