Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default 38 Special 158-grain efectiveness and leading question

    I've been trying to find info and haven't come across it yet:

    The information I am looking for is in regards to the FBI OR"Chicago" load,38 Special 158-grain LSWCHP (lead semi-wadcutter hollow point) and 158 gr +P SEMI-jacketed hollowpoints.

    The question I have is:

    What is the effectiveness out of the barrel in a snub nose revolver ( 1 7/8 barrel). Also, should I be concerned with the issue of leading in the barrel with either round?.

    My Thoughts are:

    I think the SJHP will open better than a fully-jacketed round, and think the semi-jacketing wouldn't lead up the barrel like unjacketed.
    "He who goes unarmed in paradise had better be sure that is where he is."
    -- James Thurber

  2. #2
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    Default Re: 38 Special 158-grain efectiveness and leading question

    You will always have leading with any non-jacketed bullet. The .38spl doesn't push the bullet fast enough to have a high degree of leading. Keep it clean by using a brush after you use it and it will be fine.

    I don't understand what you mean by "semi jacketed". If you are refering to a jacketed hollow point then you won't have to worry about leading.
    ““Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.””

    -Anonymous

    Jeff

  3. #3
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    Default Re: 38 Special 158-grain efectiveness and leading question

    "I don't understand what you mean by "semi jacketed". If you are refering to a jacketed hollow point then you won't have to worry about leading."

    In reference to my post and your question to it. In the picture I attached is an example semi jacketed round. It is the one on the left.
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    "He who goes unarmed in paradise had better be sure that is where he is."
    -- James Thurber

  4. #4
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    Default Re: 38 Special 158-grain efectiveness and leading question

    there are several factors involved with leading, or the lack there of.
    the hardness/softness of the alloy is one that should be taken into account.
    how hot a load is another. lead can move pretty good, but over cooking it makes a leading mess.
    there is a bit of science behind it. when everything work well you get very little leading.
    it's only metal, we can out think it....

  5. #5
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    Default Re: 38 Special 158-grain efectiveness and leading question

    Quote Originally Posted by ojcwn View Post
    "I don't understand what you mean by "semi jacketed". If you are refering to a jacketed hollow point then you won't have to worry about leading."

    In reference to my post and your question to it. In the picture I attached is an example semi jacketed round. It is the one on the left.
    The one on the left is commonly referred to as"JSP" or "Jacketed Soft Poiunt".

    "Semi-jacketed" or "half-jacketed" is certainly archaic terminology.

    "Short-jacket" would also apply. Archaic, nonetheless.

    Flash
    "The life unexamined is not worth living." ....... Socrates

  6. #6
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    Default Re: 38 Special 158-grain efectiveness and leading question

    If I was loading for a short barrel I would without a doubt go with the all lead 158 gr.SWCHP Will they cause any leading? maybe a minor amount unless your cylinder throats are huge but even then not to the point of affecting accuracy.The vel. is fairly low in those short snubby barrels and having shot various bullets into media from short barrelled guns The jacketed HP's just dont expand very much or at all! I have not tried any of the newer breed of ammo geared towards short barrelled guns but the average 158 gr jhp will expand very little and penetrate deep.

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