best j-frame ammo?
- Thread starter chorlton
- Start date
Target/range: 148 gr. full-wadcutter target ammo
Predators: 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter standard velocity (hollowpoints or softpoints are of no use in a J-frame snubbie as they will not expand at the reduced velocities, the use of a heavy blunt or flat-nosed bullet is a better choice as a stopper)
Predators: 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter standard velocity (hollowpoints or softpoints are of no use in a J-frame snubbie as they will not expand at the reduced velocities, the use of a heavy blunt or flat-nosed bullet is a better choice as a stopper)
I disagree with mtnboomer: The 158 grn +P lead hollowpoint is suppossed to be the best rated stopping load for a .38 special, regardless of barrel length.
Don't know of anyone who has tried them but Speer is producing a new line of ammo especially designed for performance in short barrels.
Don't know of anyone who has tried them but Speer is producing a new line of ammo especially designed for performance in short barrels.
I have not tried Speer but I have tried Federal Personal Defence 38s.They preformed poorly with my gun.According to Federal these rounds have 20% less recoil but 20% more penetration with a 110gr JHP.My tests showed otherwise as did others.A lot of companies are now producing 38s for short barreled revolvers as snubs outsell all other types of revolvers.
HighVelocity
New member
Right now I'm carrying the Winchester Ranger 110gr +P+ in my snubby.
Even if the bullet doesn't perform, the basketball sized fireball and sonic boom will scare the crap outta them.
Even if the bullet doesn't perform, the basketball sized fireball and sonic boom will scare the crap outta them.
+p+
As for the +P+ 110 gr. Winchester, I have a box of police surplus headstamped 1985.
I think they had at least a 4 inch K frame in mind when they designed it. I fired one cylinder full from a K snub one time and that was quite enough. At an outdoor range. It does blow a huge fireball and has big blast. But I noticed my ears were ringing despite excellent hearing protection. Even my 4 inch magnum does not do that! I think that stuff would really be a good way to quickly wreck a 5 shooter if used much. I will be happy with the +P LHP loads or maybe even the new load that is snubby specific. I don't lust after a 2 inch magnum rev. either! I think that is pushing it a bit.
As for the +P+ 110 gr. Winchester, I have a box of police surplus headstamped 1985.
I think they had at least a 4 inch K frame in mind when they designed it. I fired one cylinder full from a K snub one time and that was quite enough. At an outdoor range. It does blow a huge fireball and has big blast. But I noticed my ears were ringing despite excellent hearing protection. Even my 4 inch magnum does not do that! I think that stuff would really be a good way to quickly wreck a 5 shooter if used much. I will be happy with the +P LHP loads or maybe even the new load that is snubby specific. I don't lust after a 2 inch magnum rev. either! I think that is pushing it a bit.
HighVelocity
New member
I know what you mean. I've only fired 5 rounds of it with my snub to check point of aim/impact and that the gun would hold up.
If I ever use it again it's going to be in a defensive situation.
My K frame model 10 on the other hand makes the same ammo feel tame.
hmmm, even with .357mag? I guess i should hav mentioned i had a .357mag j-frame in mind with this. I'd expected everyone to suggest some kind of .38+p for range and 2legs, and maybe a .357 for 4legs? Iknow, I shouldn't be trying to do it all with one weapon, but my wallet dictates otherwise 
Flowers will not be necessary. I dont want to get into a bear discussion for the 1000000th time, but I would still appreciate anyone's advice or input on what they use with their J-frames. Sure i could buy a 44 or even a 454, but the bear would probably die laughing when i miss with my first revolver.
Coltdriver
New member
I have gone to 158 grain LSWC that I reload for my j frame .38.
For my .357 I am using 158 grain jacketed hollow points that I also reload based on an Elmer Keith formula. I would not want to shoot these from a j frame.
I think heavier is better when it comes to bullet selection and I am not worried about overpenetration.
For my .357 I am using 158 grain jacketed hollow points that I also reload based on an Elmer Keith formula. I would not want to shoot these from a j frame.
I think heavier is better when it comes to bullet selection and I am not worried about overpenetration.