38 Special Defensive Loads in Snub Nose 38

B

Bill Daniel

New member
My wife has a S&W model 60 chambered for 357cal. Firing 357 mag. from this J frame is too punishing on my hand much less hers. Will a 38 Special defensive load reliably expand fired from a 2" barrel and if so which one is best?
Thanks,
Bill Daniel

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Prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law and their weapons will become harmless.
 
Hello. I suspect that the pure lead SWCHP +P as offered by Winchester, Remington, and Federal is a top load from 2" guns, but these too offer a bit of recoil from the smaller revolvers although I don't think that one would notice in a fight. The best standard pressure load I'm aware of, and the one I use, is Federal's 125 gr Nyclad HP. In informal expansion tests, it's never failed to mushroom. Recoil is less than the previously-mentioned loads and it hits poa from my 2" J-frame airweight. Best.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bill Daniel:
My wife has a S&W model 60 chambered for 357cal. Firing 357 mag. from this J frame is too punishing on my hand much less hers.
[/quote]

Consider Remington Golden Saber 125gr. .357magnum, GS357MA

Which is a medium-velocity .357magnum load.
And its what I carry in my 5shot .357 snub.

If that's still punishing, try any of the
158gr. LSWCHP .38 special +P loads.

The best standard pressure .38 special load is the 125gr. Federal Nyclad HP, which has already been mentioned.
 
Concur with Stephen, I also use the Federal 125 grain Nyclad HP load (standard pressure). A +P loading is also available.

It is a bit hard to find at gunshops. You may want to order through the mail from J&G Sales (see their ads in SGN and TGL) if you cannot find it locally. Cost is around $17-22 per box of 50 rounds.

Justin

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Justin T. Huang, Esq.
late of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
 
Agree with Justin.

Also try the Federal PDA HydraShok load, it is not hard on the hand. Purists may not like it but it's better than a rock by a longshot.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dvc:
Consider Remington Golden Saber 125gr. .357magnum, GS357MA

Which is a medium-velocity .357magnum load.
And its what I carry in my 5shot .357 snub.

[/quote]

Interesting. That's what I use in my SP101 as well, but I wouldn't consider it a "light" load. I've always found the report and recoil from this load to be delightfully strong compared to most 158 g loads... Good choice!

Here's another vote cast for the Nyclad. The nylon coating won't foul the cylinder chambers at all and I think you can also find it in +P loadings. Check www.ammoman.com.

Regards,
--
Brian
 
Since we are talking about an all steel .357 magnum revolver and not an airweight you should probably stick to the 158 grain +p LHP in 38 spcl, the old "FBI load". This is probably still the best 38 spcl round out there and it's what I have in my home defense gun, a S&W model 19 with a 4" barrel.
My wife has no problem at all with this combo.

You can also get this round in Nyclad configuration (P38G) in order to avoid lead fouling.
 
A group ran some tests at the local range with different ammo out of short barreled wheel guns.The one that expanded consistantly was the 110 gr winchester silvertip.That what I keep my 36 loaded with.

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beemerb
We have a criminal jury system which is superior to any in the world;
and its efficiency is only marred by the difficulty of finding twelve men
every day who don't know anything and can't read.
-Mark Twain
 
You might consider trying an aftermarket grip. Adequate as the factory stocks are, depending on vintage, it might make a big difference in your handling of the weapon.

Hogue and Pachmayr produce fine rubber-style grips, which feel "sticky" and comfortable. I definitely perceived less recoil once I put a Hogue on my SP. Maybe it deadens or "absorbs" impact; maybe it's just that they're more comfortable so I'm not aware of the blast. Or maybe I'm just "that" good... ;)

Regards,
--
Brian
 
Thanks fellows! I really appreciate your experience and willingness to share.
Bill Daniel

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Prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law and their weapons will become harmless.
 
I carry 2 WC, 2 Hydra shok, and the last one is a Silvertip.
I practice shooting 3's and the WC's have no recoil so I have 2 in the target before a serious one goes. Then the last 2 are for if they are needed.
I always practice 3's pop pop BAM
Only reason for the silvertip is for a little more weight and they SEEM to do more damage to metal.
I like the sloooooow flat WC's as they don't have to expand to transmit their energy.

[This message has been edited by Lavan (edited May 31, 2000).]
 
IIRC, John Koppel (who runs Pro-Load) told me that his .38 Special +P 125 gr Gold Dot load was optimized for 2" barrels. (How many companies can you call and talk to the guy who runs the shop?)

Assuming I'm right, and given that Pro-Load has an extensive reputation for accuracy and dependability, and also given the reputation of the Gold Dot bullet design, this load would be manageable, accurate, dependable and effective -- a strong contender for your choice.
 
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