Super Vels 38spc, safe to shoot?

L

ltcdoty

New member
Hey Folks...
Former police officer here,( about thirty years ago), and I was recently digging through junk in the garage,( wife's wishes), and found a box of 38 spc hollow points made by Super Vel. I remember carrying these in my S&W Model 36 while on plain clothes assignment. I showed them to a buddy of mine and he told me that they were unsafe to shoot in the small snubbie. I seem to remember something about that way back when,( maybe that's why I still had them in the box). Any thoughts? Are they safe to shoot?
Thanks!
Tom D
 
Just a guess, but my suspicion is that if they're standard .38 special, the concern had to do with whether these particular hollow points had enough muzzle velocity out of a snubbie to expand properly. If not, there might have been some concerns about overpenetration and efficacy in a defense situation. They'd probably be fine for the range, though.
 
I would say that they're perfectly fine to shoot, especially if you have gun that was made within the last 20 years. I would however, not shoot these as there might be some collector interest for them. Besides, today's JHPs are better than ever.
 
+1. They are probably safe to shoot, but why shoot up something that collectors will pay well for. I've seen them go for up to $1 per bullet, and if you have them in an original box it can be even more.
 
You're a former LEO, asking a collective opinion relating to the feasability of shooting 30-40 year old, stored in a garage, defensive ammunition?

No disrespect, but that just doesn't make sense.

Shoot it for practice and see if it works, or sell it, or throw it in the river as a public service, but I sure would not depend on Jurras' first generation JHPs.

salty
 
I think the "sell to collector" makes the most sense. I collect ammo, especially vintage brands and bullet designs. Take it to a gun show, and swap it for two boxes of something new.
 
I too was a fed (back in the day) and used those when they came out in D frame Colts.They are hotter than current +p ammo.Isaw a test that put them in the +p+ low range. I fired them in a D frame Cobra and later agent with no problemsfor a few boxes. I don't think that they deteriorate hotter, I think they deteriorate to lower ordud statis. I still have a few boxes of.38, 9mm ,and .357 Super vel.I keep them asa collector item!:)
 
but I sure would not depend on Jurras' first generation JHPs.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if the OP was asking if it was safe to use as defensive ammunition but rather if it was safe to use in a light frame revolver.
Super Vel was real popular with law enforcement officers that were allowed to buy their own ammo in the late 60's or very early 70's. It was touted as quite a destructive round in those days. I carried it in a python for several years. I too remember some restrictions on its use in light frame revolvers. Since I didn't use it in that capacity I have no specific information. My guess is if you were using in same revolver you are asking about now it is probably ok.

As has been said, I think you would be better off saving it or trading it away at a gun show.
 
Hey Guys...
I appreciate all the input, I will take the advice and take them to a gun show.....just happens there is a local one this weekend. I never got to work plain clothes very often, day in and day out I carried a S&W Model 19.
Regards,
Tom D
 
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