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Thread: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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February 3rd, 2009, 12:23 PM #1Junior Member
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.38 Special Self defense ammo
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.
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February 3rd, 2009, 12:35 PM #2
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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
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February 3rd, 2009, 12:45 PM #3
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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"Never give up, never surrender!" Commander Peter Quincy Taggart
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February 3rd, 2009, 12:51 PM #4
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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."When the winds of change blow hard enough, the most trivial of things can become deadly projectiles." - Unknown.
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February 3rd, 2009, 02:53 PM #5Member
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Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
I second the Federal Premium +P 129gr Hydra-Shok. Just make sure your gun can handle the +P loads.
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February 3rd, 2009, 02:59 PM #6
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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.
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February 3rd, 2009, 04:23 PM #7
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
For a snubby, I second the nomination for the Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot ammo.
"Having a gun and thinking you are armed is like having a piano and thinking you are a musician" Col. Jeff Cooper (U.S.M.C. Ret.)
Speed is fine, Accuracy is final
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February 3rd, 2009, 07:22 PM #8
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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.
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February 3rd, 2009, 07:34 PM #9
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February 3rd, 2009, 07:50 PM #10
Re: .38 Special Self defense ammo
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.
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