637 -38spl+P

R

Rojoe67

New member
I broke down and bought one today at a local shop. New priced $345.95 and a free all day range pass (7.00 value). I put 75 mixed through it at 7 yards. I am very happy with results of 3"-4" group. I was thinking such a light airweight was going to be kicking harder with the +p loads. I found the standard grips a little to small/short. After the range I went and bought the slightly larger pair from Butler Creek/Uncle Mike's.

Anyone want to help me out with info on premium +P JHP manufactured. I see Cor-Bon is real good looking for Muz. Velocity and energy. I also see Black Hills are looking like 2nd to Cor-Bon. The best I could find today was Speer Gold Dot -125g JHP with a velocity of 1150 and an energy of 248. I would think from 4" test?

I like my new snub nose on day one........hope I can say this in a year...

Thanks for the info.........
 
Speer has a 135g Gold Dot that was made specifically to perform in the snubbies; I have heard nothing but good things about it. I still prefer the old 158g. lead semi wadcutter hollow point +P; it has a proven record on the street.
 
Oh my! Have I been asleep at the switch!

I was about to warn against using +P ammo in your 637 but decided to look it up first. The 637 is the reintroduction of the stainless airweight, but using the new J-Magnum frame and it's rated for +P ammo. Nifty! :D And they're making it as the 638 ("bodyguard") too. This thread may have just cost me $500 on a new companion to my 649!

For ammo, try the 129gr Federal HydraShoks - 258ft-lbs muzzle.
Or Remington's Golden Saber +P 125gr BJHP @ 975fps for 264 ft lbs
 
Thanks for the info folks........ It is a sweet little hide revolver.....

I know this is going to be a stupid question but here goes anyways....... What is more important at close combat revolver range of 21 feet or less. Is velocity (speed) more important than energy (ft.lbs.) I know I could dig for an hour and find out but I thought I would take a minute and ask the experts in a few minutes here. Thanks for repeating it as I could guess it's been here before a gazillion times in the past.
 
"The F.B.I. Rule Of 3's"

"Three shots, in three seconds, at three feet" center mass is most
important.

Best Wishes,
 
rojoe67 said:
I know this is going to be a stupid question but here goes anyways....... What is more important at close combat revolver range of 21 feet or less. Is velocity (speed) more important than energy (ft.lbs.) I know I could dig for an hour and find out but I thought I would take a minute and ask the experts in a few minutes here. Thanks for repeating it as I could guess it's been here before a gazillion times in the past.
Click to expand...

Not a stupid question, just the wrong question.

It's not velocity or speed that is the critical factor. It's penetration. If your round doesn't acheive at least 10 inches of penetration (preferably about 14") in ballistic gelatin then you're not going to adequately shut down your assailant.

A light bullet (say 110gr) flying out of your gun at 1200fps may, on paper, have the same momentum energy as a lower powered 158gr bullet. On paper this looks good. In practice, when the bullet strikes denser tissues (e.g. muscles) it's lighter weight means it has less mass to push against the obstruction. Thus, it dissapates its energy and slows down. Slowing down means it's that much less effective against the next mass it finds (e.g. bone, heart muscle, etc.). The heavier 158gr may perform similarly given it's moving at the lower velocity but percentage-wise it gives up less at the first obstacle.

There are tradeoffs. A lightweight bullet is generally less likely to reach the critical depths especially due to unforeseen conditions -- heavy leather jacket, striking the zipper, hitting a checkbook or wallet in the pocket, etc. Heavier bullets may attach a recoil penalty that makes follow-up shots difficult. But these can also be defeated (though somewhat less so) by similar unforeseen conditions.

You might want to read the information at http://www.firearmstactical.com/tactical.htm to educate yourself not only about modern ammuntion performance, but many other subjects as well.
 
BillCA, I'd put reliability first. The bullet must leave the barrel every single time. This means that bullet pull due to heavy recoil, or primers that are too hard to reliably fire are out. Once the bullet leaves the barrel, then accuracy becomes the most important. Only when the bullet has reached it's target does penetration matter. After than you can consider expansion, and whatnot.

Rojoe67, If you have the money, then I'd buy a big selection of popular SD rounds and see which you and your gun like best. Then take the best 5 or 10 and compare reported terminal ballistics. Another option would be to ask a local LEO when their department shoots. Chances are it will perform better than average.
 
Thanks

Thanks folks......... I will read up and take your words in deep.........


again thanks for the info....
 
Gazpacho,

You're certainly right. Reliability, Accuracy, Power.

But I made the presumption :o that the conversation was more about terminal performance than getting the bullet out of the gun in the first place.
 
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