Best loads for a .38 spl snuby
- Thread starter Anibal
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Dfariswheel
New member
This depends on the gun.
Some small revolvers can handle hotter +P ammunition, and some can't.
For revolvers factory rated for +P ammo some of the best are:
The famous FBI/Police round which is the +P, 158 grain, lead, semi-wadcutter, hollow point.
The +P 125 grain, jacketed hollow point.
The new Speer +P Gold Dot ammo developed especially for short barreled revolvers.
For revolvers NOT factory rated for +P ammo, any good 125 grain to 158 grain hollow point ammunition.
Usually if you stick with a good, premium defense ammunition, particularly American-made brands, you'll be OK.
Over the last 20 years, American ammunition makers have made major advances in bullet design that make premium defense ammo much more effective.
Some small revolvers can handle hotter +P ammunition, and some can't.
For revolvers factory rated for +P ammo some of the best are:
The famous FBI/Police round which is the +P, 158 grain, lead, semi-wadcutter, hollow point.
The +P 125 grain, jacketed hollow point.
The new Speer +P Gold Dot ammo developed especially for short barreled revolvers.
For revolvers NOT factory rated for +P ammo, any good 125 grain to 158 grain hollow point ammunition.
Usually if you stick with a good, premium defense ammunition, particularly American-made brands, you'll be OK.
Over the last 20 years, American ammunition makers have made major advances in bullet design that make premium defense ammo much more effective.
PReferences
I prefer the 158 grain +P loadings such as Winchester X38SPD or Federal Classic 38G. Others like some of the lighter bullets in +P loadings such as the new 135 grain Speer Gold Dot load. Perhaps the lighter loads have lower recoil, but I have steel frame guns instead of alloy, so the 158 is perfectly manageable.
I prefer the 158 grain +P loadings such as Winchester X38SPD or Federal Classic 38G. Others like some of the lighter bullets in +P loadings such as the new 135 grain Speer Gold Dot load. Perhaps the lighter loads have lower recoil, but I have steel frame guns instead of alloy, so the 158 is perfectly manageable.
After much testing in my snub, the best load I've found in terms of performance vs recoil is the PMC 125gn starfire in 38pl+p. Doesn't kick as much as a 158gn, but shows good expansion and penetration in testing. And, since I'm cheap, It's only $8.50 per box of 20. Use it in my 9mm as well in 124gn. 
Give it a try, I'm sure you'll like it.
PS, stay away from the corbon, it'll rip your wrist off!
Give it a try, I'm sure you'll like it.
PS, stay away from the corbon, it'll rip your wrist off!
The 135 gr. Gold Dot .38 +p is the best currently available defense ammunition for any snub .38 revolver, though with weaker or older guns you should check with the manufacturer to see if it's appropriate to regularly fire +P rounds for practice. If not, practice with a standard pressure 125 or 130 grain load and use the 135 rarely for practice and (hopefully never) for defense.
Dakota Law Dog
New member
I won't proclaim any load as "The Best" because there are way too many factors out there in every individual shooting. But I have been extremely happy with 158 gr. SWC-HP +Ps over the years, Federal or Winchester either one.
JHPs out of a 2" barrel just don't seem to expand reliably.
JHPs out of a 2" barrel just don't seem to expand reliably.
I understand Federal Hydrashok .38 and .38+P are good. I carried regular .38 special Hydra's in my gun for the past couple of months.
Just yesterday I....well "fired" them and replaced them with Winchester Super X .38+P 125gr Silvertip Jacketed Hollowpoint.
I don't know that any of these two are better or worse than any others....but I am sure they will get the job done. If I was shot in the chest with any bullet, I would no doubt be in a lot of trouble.
Maybe one of these other more knowledgable men in here could comment on Silvertips
Just yesterday I....well "fired" them and replaced them with Winchester Super X .38+P 125gr Silvertip Jacketed Hollowpoint.
I don't know that any of these two are better or worse than any others....but I am sure they will get the job done. If I was shot in the chest with any bullet, I would no doubt be in a lot of trouble.
Maybe one of these other more knowledgable men in here could comment on Silvertips
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And search that forum, it is loaded with info!
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Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
My choice - -
1. First and foremost - -
158 LSWCHP +P - - Remington by preference, otherwise Winchester.
2. If I couldn't locate #1 choice, then the Speer 135 gr. GDHP +P. (Hard to locate in my area.)
3. The Remington 158 gr LSWC +P, NON-HP.
I have provided #1 to my wife, both sons, ex-wife, and myownself. It expands when fired from a 2", and works fine in 3, 4, and 6 inch revolvers. It stays in my bedside model 10 and is in my Colt Agent in my pocket as I type this. I also keep it in the first four chambers of my 3" model 65. It is too brisk for routine practice in alloy frame snubs, but you could fire a cylinderful once a year from now on.
Reason? Over the years, I've probably examined 20 to 30 examples of #1 at Dallas Medical Examiner's office. You know where the ME gets these? At autopsy, usually. I've also read the reports concerning another 50 or so, used in NON fatal shootings. Those were removed during surgery, which indicates the recipients had to go to TO THE HOSPITAL. Excellent sectional density with adequate velocity. They go deep and do significant damage. These are not magic bullets, but they work quite well. They are the standard that the 147 gr. 9mm loads strive to attain.
Best,
Johnny
1. First and foremost - -
158 LSWCHP +P - - Remington by preference, otherwise Winchester.
2. If I couldn't locate #1 choice, then the Speer 135 gr. GDHP +P. (Hard to locate in my area.)
3. The Remington 158 gr LSWC +P, NON-HP.
I have provided #1 to my wife, both sons, ex-wife, and myownself. It expands when fired from a 2", and works fine in 3, 4, and 6 inch revolvers. It stays in my bedside model 10 and is in my Colt Agent in my pocket as I type this. I also keep it in the first four chambers of my 3" model 65. It is too brisk for routine practice in alloy frame snubs, but you could fire a cylinderful once a year from now on.
Reason? Over the years, I've probably examined 20 to 30 examples of #1 at Dallas Medical Examiner's office. You know where the ME gets these? At autopsy, usually. I've also read the reports concerning another 50 or so, used in NON fatal shootings. Those were removed during surgery, which indicates the recipients had to go to TO THE HOSPITAL. Excellent sectional density with adequate velocity. They go deep and do significant damage. These are not magic bullets, but they work quite well. They are the standard that the 147 gr. 9mm loads strive to attain.
Best,
Johnny
Springer45
New member
After reading here and elsewhere, I went looking for the Speer 135 gr GDHP +P, which were engineered especially for optimum performance in short-barreled revolvers. A box of 50 was $26 at a local gun store.