Recommend a good .38spl+p ammo?

PlayboyPenguin · 03-05-2011, 04:03

Does anyone have any recommendations for some good .38spl+p ammo. I would really like something made for a 2" barrel if possible. I am currently carrying Gold Dot short barrel 135gr. GDHP in my EDC.

mastrbloata · 03-05-2011, 07:45

Sounds like you're using the gold standard already. I can't think of even one instance where I've heard anything negative about that SB .38 GD you're using. I just bought some of that 125gr. +P .38special Winchester White Box JHP not because it's so great or anything but because it was priced so well at SGammo.com. I'm trying to locate myself the GD 135gr. .357 mag SB barrel stuff with no luck. I'm pretty sure you've already got the best there is for your snub but I'm sure someone will be along shortly here with other ideas. I'll be watching as I'm curious about this too.

Take care.

Joshhtn · 03-05-2011, 08:06

You are already carrying some of the best .38spl ammo IMO... I carry 135gr +p Winchester PDX bonded in my 2" M85 UL... I like it.

SuperSleuth · 03-05-2011, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayboyPenguin

I am currently carrying Gold Dot short barrel 135gr. GDHP in my EDC.

That's what I've been carrying in my 642, until I recently switched to Nyclads for an in-gun load (I may switch back, though...still debating that). However, I still carry SBGDHP for my reloads (JHP are easier to reload and don't deform in the pocket/pouch like the Nyclads in the 642 or the Buffalo Bore LSWCHP I carry in my 65).

I've tried BB 125gr +P JHP, but they have noticeably sharper recoil than SBGDHP, so I stayed with the latter for +P loads.

cowboywannabe · 03-05-2011, 08:55

Remington 158gr. +p LHP.

Brucev · 03-05-2011, 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayboyPenguin

Does anyone have any recommendations for some good .38spl+p ammo. I would really like something made for a 2" barrel if possible. I am currently carrying Gold Dot short barrel 135gr. GDHP in my EDC.

Look at Buffalo Bore and Hornady Critical Defense.

Dogguy · 03-05-2011, 11:10

The 135 gr GDHP +P has become the standard these days. I also like 125 gr Nyclad non-plus P in aluminum framed guns.

jakebrake · 03-05-2011, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshhtn

You are already carrying some of the best .38spl ammo

i'm inclined to agree

PlayboyPenguin · 03-05-2011, 11:19

Hmmm...it looks like I might have accidently done something right for a change. To be honest I do not even remember buying these Gold Dots. They were just in the cabinet.

I am going to check out the Buffalo Bore stuff though.

albyihat · 03-05-2011, 17:39

Remington LSWCHP +p 158gr.

supermanct · 03-05-2011, 17:50

Remington 158gr. +p LHP. (the FBI load)

Berto · 03-06-2011, 05:55

The BB +P 158gr load will do at least its advertised velocities of 1000fps from a 2" bbl, but it has a bit of recoil....though it should be OK in a steel gun.
I like the Gold Dot 135gr too, a great bullet design, but milder for alum. framed guns.

TSAX · 03-06-2011, 06:02

http://www.ballistics101.com/38_special.php

Bannack · 03-06-2011, 06:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayboyPenguin

Does anyone have any recommendations for some good .38spl+p ammo. I would really like something made for a 2" barrel if possible. I am currently carrying Gold Dot short barrel 135gr. GDHP in my EDC.

What your currently carrying, will already penetrate a refrigerator and hit a steel dinger target on the other side. If I were you, I would just stay with what your carrying and call it good.

BFN · 03-06-2011, 08:06

The 135gr GDHP +P is an good choice, I have used it. I now use Winchester 158gr LSWCHP +P, as I believe the 158gr will get better penetration. I occasionally carry a S&W M642 with a 2.5" barrel, which is just as easy for me to carry and will get up to 100 FPS more velocity than 1.875" barrel http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/s...son-638?page=2

fredj338 · 03-06-2011, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboywannabe

Remington 158gr. +p LHP.

I've shot the 135grGDHP+P, I still prefer the old 158grLSWCHP+P. It always expands, even in the 2" guns & digs deep. It's also easily/cheaply duplicated for practice using cheap 158grLSWC.

IvanW · 03-06-2011, 14:00

+ 1 on the BB. Unless you have a steel gun, however, check out the BB STANDARD PRESSURE .38 load. They don't recommend the +p load for Airweights and lighter. The standard pressure has plenty of punch. It's good stuff and very accurate for me.

OldScribe2009 · 03-06-2011, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bannack

What your currently carrying, will already penetrate a refrigerator and hit a steel dinger target on the other side. If I were you, I would just stay with what your carrying and call it good.

+1 All Day.

The reason why you are hearing so many repeat comments is because you are already carrying some of the best JHP's for the .38 Spl. It's +P, which is what you requested, and it was specifically engineering FOR snubby revolvers BY Speer. I read an article on its development, and I looked over photos on its penetration and expansion. A+ all day long. It's damn near perfect ammo--if there is such a thing.

However, it's also expensive ammo, so keep those rounds in your cylinder and be happy they're there!

cjcutter1 · 03-06-2011, 17:20

+1 on the remington 158+p Lhpwc or the speer 135+p thats whats in my 642.

PlayboyPenguin · 03-06-2011, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bannack

What your currently carrying, will already penetrate a refrigerator and hit a steel dinger target on the other side. If I were you, I would just stay with what your carrying and call it good.

A refrigerator you say?

But what if this is on the other side of that refrigerator?

Brucev · 03-06-2011, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayboyPenguin

A refrigerator you say?

But what if this is on the other side of that refrigerator?

Not a problem. Just pop two center of mass and one in the pumpkin and you'll be fine.

bambikilr · 03-06-2011, 19:03

Winchester Silvertip

Ak.Hiker · 03-07-2011, 00:09

In your 2 inch the Speer 135 grain Gold Dot is about as good as it gets. Speer also loads a 135 grain TMJ practise load in their Lawman line. They come in boxes of 50. Also If you have a cop shop in your area you may be able to pick up the Gold Dot in 50 round boxes as well. My second choice would be any major brand 158 grain LSWCHP +P. In a 4 inch 38 Special these would be my first choice.