.38 Spl Nyclads - Standard Pressure vs. +P

[Sarge55]

Haven't read much about the .38 Spl 125 Gr Nyclad +P round. Was just wondering if it's performance as a defensive round would be much more significant than the standard pressure round out of a 2" snubbie? Can't find any data that compares the two. Was thinking about switching to the +P, but I haven't been convinced yet. Any opinions?

Thanks...

Sarge55

 

[Hal]

Federal lists the 125gr @ 830 FPS w/190 FPE.
The +P is lists a 125gr @ 950 FPS w/250 FPE.

If my math is correct, that's about a 15% increase.

http://www.federalcartridge.com/andex2.html

 

[LIProgun]

Here is some actual chronograph data, from my testing.

Using a 2" Colt, the standard pressure .38 Special 125 grain Nyclad gave a 10-shot average velocity of 843 fps, for 197 ft-lbs energy. Extreme spread was 84 fps, and Sd was 26.7.

From the same gun, the +P version gave a 10-shot average of 875 fps, for 212 ft-lbs energy. Extreme spread was 60 fps, and Sd was 17.5.

Both tests were run on the same day, with a temperature of 60 degrees.

Regarding the factory specs, remember that the standard pressure listing is from a 2" barrel, and the +P load is from a 4" barrel. The standard pressure load is actually designed to perform from a 2" barrel (and was once even called the "Chief's Special" load), and really performs as advertised.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I've not had any of the standard velocity Nyclad to try, but out of my 2" S&W the +P stuff exits at about 900-910 fps.