Best non +P .38spl ammo for a 2" barrel?

B

Blade37db

New member
Looking for opinions on the best self defense .38spl ammo (not +P) for home defense to be fired out of a 2" barrel (specifically, a Det Spec. or Cobra).
 
For .38 Specials (particularly short barrels) I prefer 158grn loadings. Going to a 2" barrel is going to sap a lot of velocity from the round (and a non +P is no death ray in the velocity department anyway). Heavier bullets do not derive so much of their power from velocity anyway. I guess it's the concept that heavier loads compromise less from short barrels.
 
Does +p concern you because your gun is not +p rated, or because you are having problems contolling recoil?
 
Jkwas,
I'm more curious than anything. My gun is rated for limited +P and I would only use it when carrying or if the SHTF at home.
 
I load up mine with 158gr SWC or SWCHP. I agree with the philosophy of if you're gonna have a slow bullet, have a slow heavy bullet. Probably ANY bullet will do alright at the ranges a snub will ever be used for in a bad situation. SWC loads at least are good for practice, and nice and cheap. That way you can practice with what you carry. In summertime I have carried full wadcutters as well but with the cold, I'm going for more penetration.

I need to make friends with someone with a chrony ;)

Randy
 
I opted for Hornady XTP 140gr JHPs.

Its not a 158gr SWC, and its also not a 120gr JHP. It just kinda splits the difference.
 
I'd also opt for a 158-grain semi-wadcutter in non +P ammunition for a .38 Special. Try various cartridges out, of course, to see if a particular weight or load works better for you. Good shooting! :)
 
I have found the 125gn pmc starfire 38spl +p to be a very nice round to shoot out of my snub. It's also reasonably priced, and allows me to "shoot what I pack". I find with my snub, there is a big difference in the way different loads hit the target. ;)
 
A snubby load that some folks like is a home loaded 148gr wadcutter (not a factory target load) loaded to the max.. Such as: 3.5gr of 700X under any of the CAST Lyman, Lee, RCBS, H&G, etc. 148gr wadcutters. A very efficient full diameter cutter for a short barrel. I use this in a S&W #36. Quantrill
 
To add to my original post, I would also suggest using a SJHP. The soft lead tip is more likely to allow the hollow nose to expand at lower velocities.
 
158 grain lead hollowpoint +P
Reducing the power of an already marginal weapon trying to make it last forever is not the way to defend yourself. Some for familiarization and whatever you use in gunfights will not wear out the gun, anyhow.
 
Both Aguila® & MagTech® offer 158gr JHP's that are standard pressure. They do remarkably well at snubby velocities. That's what I carry in my BUG/ODG S&W Mdl 37 Airweight®. We use these two exclusively for our officers packing revolvers.
 
Try the Sellier & Bellot 158gr. FMJ-FP, too. They offer good penetration, and their loading is warmer than standard without going to +P....
 
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