Standard Load .38 Special versus Heavy Clothing

[Dragline45]

I agree with that plan... Assuming you or your loved ones are not cornered.

Well if that's the case I am obviously not fleeing the scene, and seeing how this is a made up scenario I cannot come up with an answer as to what would happen. Ideally I would try to gain a better firing position, hope like hell they leave cover to give me a better shot, or hope help arrives. Throwing rounds downrange hoping I hit the small part of their head sticking out is not the best decision when I only have 10 rounds on person. Not to mention I am risking hitting my loved ones.

 

[secret_agent_man]

Nothing beats a wireless keyboard for smashing through heavy clothing in the dead(no pun intended) of winter.

 

[Camar]

This is my first post. I could not find anywhere to introduce myself.

I only load my .38 Spls. with 173 gr. LSWC. when they hit bone the bone brakes.
Expansion is not an issue.

 

[5thShock]

Well put Camar. Welcome.

 

[dieselbeef]

I wonder what on earth the cops in New York, Chicago and other
cold winter climates did back in the 50's and 60's when they carried
.38 specials as duty weapons. This whole winter clothing thing is
really a non-issue. Hang up your heaviest flannel shirt and then shoot
it with a .38spl 158gr jhp. You will have your answer in short order.


what trex said

 

[cocojo]

NYPD and most big city Pds used standard velocity round nose lead 38 special. I guess no one told them they needed a hp to get the job done or a gee wizz winter bullet.

 

[10 Beers]

Wadcutters are like chocolate bunnys, there's hollow and solid. If the box says wadcutter it's whimpy target ammo in either case. The ONLY wadcutter self defense ammo worth talking about would be a full power or +P handload with a SOLID wadcutter. I'd rather have that than a hollow point that acted like a roundnose out of a snubby. In any case remember that gun magazines have been around for decades and they're running out of things to write about so now they're flappin' about coats.

 

[zxcvbob]

NYPD and most big city Pds used standard velocity round nose lead 38 special. I guess no one told them they needed a hp to get the job done or a gee wizz winter bullet.

That was the cheapest round they could find. The Chief and the accountants were not out on the street, so marginally effective was good enough. Just think of all the money they saved.

 

[seeker_two]

Unless the stores in your area are having a sale on Kevlar-&-chainmail coats, I would think just about any quality ammo would do.....

...if you need the extra penetration, pick up a box of S&B 158gr FMJ-FP....guaranteed to put holes in stuff....


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/394204/sellier-and-bellot-ammunition-38-special-158-grain-full-metal-jacket-box-of-50?cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Ammunition+-+Centerfire+Handgun+-+Blasting-_-PriceCompListing-_-394204

 

[OxyGuy]

Does anyone here actually think that heavy winter clothing will stop a .38spl bullet of any kind?

Just the mall ninjas that believe everything they read on the interweb.

 

[10 Beers]

This coat's pretty tough.

 

[SFsc616171]

1. The OP framed their question, in the use of --STANDARD LOAD -- .38 Special ammunition! It amazes me, that no matter whether it is this gun board, or others, that within the first ten replies, folks start talking about "plus p" ammunition!

2. Along with that inclusion of "plus p" ammunition, they bombard the OP with weblinks for "Buffalo Bore" ammunition, like the Ron Paul posters, who flood the political boards. I suggest to the OP that they go to YouTube for the following videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvVNtKicux4

BB 158 grain SWC-HC (hollowpoint clone "plus p FBI load") FAIL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWakgnKs6wk

Suggested ammunition. Accurate, and doesn't care what the BG is wearing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJcbKVesjc4

Suggested ammunition. Bullet will perform as designed. Former police issue.

3. The late Jim Cirillo, NYPD Stakeout Squad, is on this video, suggesting 148 grain wadcutters, for all snubnose revolvers chambered for .38 Special.

http://www.officer.com/video/10245411/defensive-snub-revolver-part3

The 148 grain "flying soda can" wadcutter will indeed perform for the SD role, whether at home, or in the pocket. Why? It is already full width, ( as most soda cans are), therefore does NOT require a faster velocity to "design to fail", as hollowpoints have to be driven faster to "lose integrity". It will punch, not move around, or push to separate, whatever is in front of it, as it travels within the body. Wadcutter loads do not create heavy recoil on the wrist, or a giant flashball in the dark on the eyes, or a very loud report on the ears. Lastly, and the "dirty little secret", unlike the modern day hollowpoint ammunition that are sold 20 rounds for an average of 25 dollars, a box of 50 rounds can be had for less than eighteen dollars!

Always, as with launching any rounds downrange from your particular choice of handgun, keep an eye on what's BEHIND that which you are shooting!

 

[baccusboy]

This is the ticket for a .38 snub. I have no doubt:

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=111

Hard bullet. Wadcutter that will cut a clean hole and not glance off of things. Excellent crush stats. Benefits include very low recoil and flash.

 

[johnbt]

They've invented a bullet that won't glance off things? I don't believe it. Do you have the patent number by any chance?

 

[Buckeye!]

148 gr. LWC ..or 158 gr. LSWC ...these are good defense loads for standard pressure loads in a 38spl... all year around

 

[Edward429451]

If a 148 gr wadcutter will penetrate 16 inches @ only 586 fps then most any 38 is good medicine. I easily get my 158 LSWC's to 599 fps with only 3 gr of Bullseye and it shoots real good.