Help with 38 Snub ammo

[cleanneon98]

Hey guys so I have a ruger LCR 38+p. This is my “take it everywhere” gun. I carry a GLOCK 19 for more densely populated areas (malls, city, etc) and a GLOCK 26 in lesser populated areas. The LCR is my “I need to run out for an errand” gun because I realized a small gun with only 5 rounds is better than none at all. However 38 special isn’t a very powerful round out of a snub and there is my problem

There don’t seem to be any standard pressure cartridges out there that penetrate and expand reliably and well out of a snubnose (if you know of some please let me know). This leaves me with +p ammo which is a lot snappier to shoot, and more expensive than regular 38 as well to train with. This leaves me carrying either Critical Defense 110gr +p or Golden Saber 125gr +p, both of which are pretty expensive to shoot and train with regularly.

Im looking to see if there is any standard pressure ammo out there that will be good for concealed carry, and if not, what weight standard pressure round would “feel” like a 110-125+p so I could get a similar effect when practicing at the range. No point shooting soft shooting ammo at the range and carrying hot stuff for defense and not being able to manage it.

I found a great deal on Tula 130gr FMJ training ammo for it but I doubt this will give me a similar feel to either the 110 or 125gr +p.

Help me out gang, is there any answer to my dilemma, or should I abandon what some call an outdated cartridge?

[R L Suehr]

Hey guys so I have a ruger LCR 38+p. This is my “take it everywhere” gun. I carry a GLOCK 19 for more densely populated areas (malls, city, etc) and a GLOCK 26 in lesser populated areas. The LCR is my “I need to run out for an errand” gun because I realized a small gun with only 5 rounds is better than none at all. However 38 special isn’t a very powerful round out of a snub and there is my problem

There don’t seem to be any standard pressure cartridges out there that penetrate and expand reliably and well out of a snubnose (if you know of some please let me know). This leaves me with +p ammo which is a lot snappier to shoot, and more expensive than regular 38 as well to train with. This leaves me carrying either Critical Defense 110gr +p or Golden Saber 125gr +p, both of which are pretty expensive to shoot and train with regularly.

Im looking to see if there is any standard pressure ammo out there that will be good for concealed carry, and if not, what weight standard pressure round would “feel” like a 110-125+p so I could get a similar effect when practicing at the range. No point shooting soft shooting ammo at the range and carrying hot stuff for defense and not being able to manage it.

I found a great deal on Tula 130gr FMJ training ammo for it but I doubt this will give me a similar feel to either the 110 or 125gr +p.

Help me out gang, is there any answer to my dilemma, or should I abandon what some call an outdated cartridge?

I see no reason not to use the softer cheap stuff for training. That's what most people do, since it's cheaper. Just run a box or two of your carry ammo every so often if you want. Reality is in an actual "oh shit" situation where you do have to draw and fire, your not going to notice recoil much at all. If you're comfortable with the LCR and are willing to have it with you when you need it, that's the most important thing.

[Steve_NEPhila]

I agree with R L.
The intent of a self defense gun is to "break contact" not to duke it out with multiple armed opponents. Pick one of the major brands that penetrates well in gel tests (penetration is more important that expansion) and shoot a couple of boxes of it so you know where it hits in relation to your fixed sights. Practice as much as you can (target transitions, drawing and shooting etc) and be happy.

[Bang]

Google Lehigh Defense 38 special. Here is a gel test video:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lehi...hrome&ie=UTF-8

I can share an LCR experience as a warning. I installed Crimson Trace laser grips on (my wife's) LCR and the recoil now bites pretty hard with non-plus-P ammo.

There will always be a trade-off in terminal energy with a shorter barreled handgun, as you already acknowledge. There will always be an increase in perceived recoil as the gun gets lighter in weight (and the cartridges gain p's).

Handguns are primarily for close-proximity engagements. Decide on a realistic defender shooting distance and shoot anything that will group in the target. The "real $tuff" for carry need not be $hot in practice beyond experiencing them. Concern for follow-up shots regarding recoil/muzzle flip will level off.

Practicing with carry ammo became a must do (for police officers) when some lawyer questioned an officer's competence in a police shooting and made much ado about nothing when he prevailed (jury bought it).

[Driswalds]

The Federal 130 grain HST expand and penetrate well from a snub. They are non +P as well.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/rev...llistics-test/

[jthrelf]

According to Mas Ayoob the gold standard for a 38 snub is the 135gr Gold Dot +P short barrel. Snubs have pretty stout recoil regardless of standard or +p...

[ItchyTick]

I use low recoil jhp. A .38 hole is a .38 hole.

[TonyF]

I'd also recommend the Nyclad but this offering from buffalo bore seems to be in the same vein.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=110

[Justin2012]

This is what I carry in my .38 snubby

[Zeke2A]

I have Ruger ARX in my Ruger LCR. Good penetration, lower recoil point of aim is a little low.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2...tion-test.html