Best NON +p .38special?

C

circa81

New member
It seams to be that out of an airweight snub, +p .38 specials might not be worth the ballistic gain. First, does anyone carry regular .38's in their snubbies, and if so, what do you think is the best type?
 
I don't carry +p in my Colt's Cobra or Agent which are both pre-1970 and not rated for it. I carry either a handload with a 158 grain semi wadcutter or the Hornady 158 grain XTP non +P. Others may recommend the Federal Nyclad 125 grain and I have used those but prefer to stay with the heavier bullet as it shoots to POA in my revolvers.
 
Last edited:
I've never been much of a fan of +P ammo. The extra gain is just not there in my eyes for a 2" barrel. I usually carry Hornady Critical Defense.
 
I have a DS and a Cobra also, they were both made in the 70's. I carry hand loaded XTP's at normal velocity. Don't see the need for +P and don't want the extra wear on my guns.
 
I carry these:

20C-a-2.jpg




https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110
 
sellier&bellot 158gr. sjsp in my s&w 638-3 i dont much care for plus p in my snub guns since hand injurys make +p shooting uncomfortable. the s&bs i can shoot enough to keep in a 4" plate at 7 yds. :)
 
In my opinion, you want the heaviest bullet you can find when it comes to a snubby (whether it be .38 spl or .357 mag). Light, fast rounds aren't in the barrel long enough to generate anywhere close to their potential velocity.
 
From the ballistic gel youtube videos I have seen from ScubaOz If I were to carry non-plus P in my LCR It would be the Hornady Critical Defense. But I don't, so for now It is CCI Blazer 158gr LSWCHP +P "FBI" loads I have on hands. When they become available, soon I hope, I will switch to the Speer Good Dot +P Short Barrel loads which are even more impressive to me.
 
I have always liked 158 SWC at normal velocities. Have been known to use plain ol' WC as well. To my thinkin, these sorts of loads are what 38s were intended to do, and if more horsepower is needed, a 357 would be a better launcher.
 
The Buffalo Bore 158gr softcast LSWCHP are stout shooting loads...even their standard pressure stuff. A lot like 'old school' loads from many years ago.
 
Skadoosh said:
The Buffalo Bore 158gr softcast LSWCHP are stout shooting loads...even their standard pressure stuff. A lot like 'old school' loads from many years ago.
Click to expand...


If I were gonna use a non + P load it would be the 158 grain semi-wad cutter HP. I carry the Gold Dot 135 grain +P short barrel load. It's a handful as far as recoil but I feel it's the best load available for snubs being specifically designed just for snubs.
 
Last edited:
I carry the 110 critical defense non +P or federal 110 hydra shok. I don't use +P in my older colts. I don't feel the need to carry +P even in a +P gun.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top