.38 special ammo

***Klutch*** · May 23rd, 2014, 02:11 PM

Anyone test any? I know there is a bunch of guys on YouTube but I'm interested in some local guys and your findings. I saw that my carry load doesn't do very well from a snub nose in balistic gel with denim Speer 135+p short barrel. I also saw the Remington golden saber did pretty well. Anyone have a decent load that has been tested? I'm not interested in the FBI load as it's not that good so I'm trying to stick with modern defense ammo.

**Armor Snail** · May 23rd, 2014, 02:39 PM

I have the Underwood 135gr +P XTP in my 10-6. From what I saw online it performs write well.

**frankski** · May 23rd, 2014, 03:00 PM

Depends on the gun, barrel length. Some bullets shoot great in my 686 4" and 5", less oomph in the LCR 1 7/8" gun.

Here's a couple independent studies that may be of guidance.

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

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/38special.html

***Klutch*** · May 23rd, 2014, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by frankski

Depends on the gun, barrel length. Some bullets shoot great in my 686 4" and 5", less oomph in the LCR 1 7/8" gun.

Here's a couple independent studies that may be of guidance.

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

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/38special.html

Yea these don't mean much for what I'm talking about. That's just number not performance

**jthrelf** · May 23rd, 2014, 04:31 PM

Can you post a reference to where the 135 gr +P Gold Dots didn't perform well? From all accounts I've heard that is the best short barrel ammo on the market now.

***Klutch*** · May 23rd, 2014, 11:10 PM

Just go to YouTube and search it. Watch tnoutdoors9 the bullet didn't do well out of a snubbie.

**Sparxfly72** · May 24th, 2014, 01:18 PM

I don't waste jhp on 38spl. I only use 158gr lswchp's out of my S&W model 64-3 4"bbl.

**elweasel** · May 24th, 2014, 03:12 PM

I saw the videos and the Win PDX did not do well. It looked like the hole filled with denim and it did not expand. Now if you buy an expanding type of bullet, you expect it to expand. Now I don't think the criminal shot with one will care, either way it is doing to hurt. One of the best quotes ' A Man's Got to Know his Limitations'
That includes the limitations on your weapons. A .38 snubbie is a shoot and run away type of weapon. It is meant for up close distances and if you want more power go bigger .357 mag or .44 mag but much harder to control. Just the same as you would not bring a Monster Truck to race at Indy.
Maybe if I lived in TN where you could do gun testing off the back porch and not get arrested. I too would make testing vids for youtube.