.38 special short barrel ammo?

[Dunross]

I still carry the Speer "flying ashtray" in my short-barrelled 45.

But, in a 38 snubby I favor full wadcutters, usually 125grs because they shoot to point of aim in my pistol. No need for hot loads because they don't have to expand. About 800fps is plenty. They're going to penetrate.

 

[KyJim]

I’ve carried Gold Dots in my .38 revolvers for a long time but have always considered good expansion to be “iffy.” Every test I have seen on the micro-HST has shown good expansion and adequate penetration. I’ve just never actually seen any for sale, even before COVID.

 

[Brian48]

I still carry my SW M60 from time to time. My preferred load is the traditional 158gr LHP +p FBI loading. Buffalo Bore or Underwood only. All the other FBI loads are watered down these days.

As a lightweight alternative, I sometimes use Speer 130gr "Short Barrel" Gold Dots. The older, 125gr +p, Remington Golden Sabre is not bad either.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I have owned a S&W model 42 that was shot loose from lots of use with hot .38s.

 

[badge851]

Sorry, it's going in a Charter Arms, I don't use +P in a Charter as it tends to rattle them to pieces.

I have a 16oz Charter Arms® Undercover® DAO 38 Special #13811...

https://charterfirearms.com/collections/undercover/products/13811-undercover-blue-dao

I load it with and shoot this standard pressure ammunition which is quite accurate in my gun...

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/handgun/38-special-110-gr-ftx-critical-defense#!/

I am very pleased with this gun and ammo combination.

 

[101combatvet]

Load your own.