.38 Special Self defense ammo

[TravisJH]

I just got a .38 special 5 shot revolver. I was hoping someone could give me some insight to which ammo is best for self defense.

[Shawn.L]

If it is a snubby ( I assume), and can take +p, then I would go with:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=738035

their short barrel line works as advertised, I have tested it (in 9mm from a 3inch) first hand in denim covered gel and was very impressed. Also (same load) have shot it at night and the flash suppressing powders work as advertised. I'm a big fan of this line for any short barreled pistol.

http://www.speer-ammo.com/products/short_brl.aspx

[JoeWilliams]

First is to find the ammo that will hit close to point of aim. My favorite is the Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot previously posted, but my Ruger SP101 shot several inches low with most light +P .38 Special loads. I ended up carrying Winchester SXT .38 Special 130 gr +P's for a while, because they hit about point of aim.

Buffalo Bore ammo has some very interesting looking numbers in both their +P and standard pressure loadings, but I've never shot them.

Here's a neat sight to check the performance of different loads, and perhaps help you make a decision:

http://www.brassfetcher.com/38%20Special.html

[CoyoteJack]

An older article but still useful, http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

I have a S&W J-frame that is rated for +P and I have had good range results from the Federal Premium +P 129gr Hydra-Shok loads in their personal defense product line.

[XD-Drew]

I second the Federal Premium +P 129gr Hydra-Shok. Just make sure your gun can handle the +P loads.

[Shawn.L]

I have seen way too many haydrashocks fail to function, esp when shot out of shorter barrels. That design relys heavily on velocity to function and all that extra powder in the short barrel is just more flash, its not going to move the bullet any quicker cause it is still burning when it exits.

Hydrashocks are old technology, they are way outclassed by the SXT, or most current HST and DPX.

if you have a longer barrel (at least 3 inches+) I would go HST or DPX.

[DaveM55]

For a snubby, I second the nomination for the Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot ammo.

[gf45acp]

Howdy Travis, and welcome to the forum.
There are as many answers to your question as there are .38 snub owners on this forum.
Your particular needs will have to dictate what you use.
As for me, my snubbies are loaded with Winchester Silvertip 110gr. HP's, non +P.
This is as I have an older person in the house who has some problems with hand strength, and a load that recoils hard will not work for her.
Lesser recoiling load also means faster follow up shots. Especially in a S&W Airweight.

[JoeWilliams]

Howdy Travis, and welcome to the forum.
There are as many answers to your question as there are .38 snub owners on this forum.
Your particular needs will have to dictate what you use.
As for me, my snubbies are loaded with Winchester Silvertip 110gr. HP's, non +P.
This is as I have an older person in the house who has some problems with hand strength, and a load that recoils hard will not work for her.
Lesser recoiling load also means faster follow up shots. Especially in a S&W Airweight.

Federal is making their 125 grain standard pressure Nyclads again. The Nyclads were really neat loads before, so if you haven't tried 'em out you might want to.

[gf45acp]

Howdy Joe,

Believe it or not I still have two and a half boxes of the original ones!

Have to try the new ones. The originals made it a pain to clean after shooting.

Thanks.