Snubby Ammo

F

F350Lawman

New member
38 Special + P 158 grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollowpoints Nyclads, will these expand from a 2 1/2" barrell????

The particular round is the 158g Federal SWC-HP Nyclad

Maybe just a hunch, but it seems they will not be moving fast enough to expand reliably.
 
Just a thought. I finished chronographing some 158gr LSWC .357 loads (pretty light, 4.3gr bullseye) from a 4" ported taurus tracker and a 2" non-ported windicator.

Avg. 840fps for the 4" tracker, 809fps for the 2".

Not that much difference. The faster the powder, the less difference (in general).
 
F350: I would suggest switching to the Winchester or (better yet) Remington version of that same load, in plain uncoated lead.

Those WILL expand in 2" snubs. The Nyclad is iffy, in large part because Federal didn't drive 'em fast enough. With a few notable exception, Federal tends to "wimp out" on the powder charges...Winchester less so, while Remington does some of the hottest stuff of any of the major ammo houses.
 
I was issued these rounds years ago and then started carrying a Glock 19 and 380. Lately I've gone back to the 2" 38 (maybe I'm getting sentimental :D ) w/ ceratin clothes. I will be shooting this stuff up and replacing it, so I posed the question. This same topic is running in another thread and the conclusion is that SWC-HP +P is very good so I'll stick w/ them.

I don't think the Federals are carried in the stores anymore so I'll try another manufacturer.

Thanks
 
Take a look at Federal's web site. Virtually their entire line of plain lead handgun loads is no longer listed. The Nyclads have been moved to the LEO catalog, and the LRN, WC, SWC and SWC-HP seem to have ridden off into the sunset.
 
Another good round at nearly the same bullet weight was the Winchester 147gr JHP +P. I say WAS because I haven't seen it offered in any catalogs lately. It was a great alternative for those who carried Ti weapons where lead HP's weren't recommended (recoil being potentially able to cause unseating of the bullets forward out of the cases) but the shooter still desired to carry a heavy bullet for the caliber. It performed in a particular agency test a couple years ago (for off duty weapons) out of the snubbie S&W's, about as well as the LSWCHP +P. There was a non+P version offered as well, but the +P was considered the better performer in the gelatin testing. As I recall, the Remington version was rated best for the lead HP's ... but I've carried the Wincshester & Federal versions with the same confidence.
 
Carry RBCD in .38 in your snub...
Click to expand...
I just acquired my first box of RBCD .38 Special. What ideal ammunition for the 342PD AirLite.

That combination solves a number of problems for me, enabling me to carry (more than a .22) at all times.

Many thanks to Jeff OTMG.

Tyro
 
tyro, thanks, but I didn't invent the stuff, I just reported that I use it. That was in 11/99, two and half years ago. I happen to think it is THE stuff to carry for citizens and off duty LEO's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top