+P ? No thanks.

We were issued 110 gr +p+ for our 38 caliber duty revolvers. I always felt that if you want a magnum, carry a magnum. For me 38 specials are for fun and practice.
 
Hmm. Brassfetcher shows 16 inches of penetration for 148 gr wadcutter. That's a bit more than I'd want around the house.
Click to expand...

That 16" was in bare gelatin. Keep in mind the FBI recommends 12-16' of penetration in 10% bare gelatin with expansion. There is minimal expansion with the wadcutter load.

This particular load is a target load meant for competitive bullseye. It does about 710 fps from a 6" barrel. It has less than 200 ftps of energy at the muzzle. Energy is required for both penetration and expansion. It has enough for penetration in plain gelatin but not enough to expand.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/23...38-special-148-grain-lead-wadcutter-box-of-50

After penetrating clothing or another barrier it's small amount of energy would rapidly dwindle. So if you live in an apartment building and were concerned about penetration this round might be a decent one. But it will not expand much at all in flesh, unless it strikes bone.

tipoc
 
Sure, but the police and FBI have different requirements for penetration and have lawyers on staff. I think I'd prefer a hollowpoint that tops out at 11-12 inches rather than a non-expanding, penetrating slug, at least in an apartment or crowded neighborhood. You never see gel tests for what's really important - 12-inches of gel backed by wallboard...

My favorite for years was the hard-to-find 125 gr Nyclad - 8-10 inches of penetration. I still have some left over, but the Gold Dots have supplanted them.
 
I was advocating against the target velocity wadcutter.

But I do think you're making a mistake in thinking 11-12 inches of penetration in bare gelatin is something to be looked for, that's sort of a minimum.

tipoc
 
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