Where is the FBI load?

M

Model12Win

Moderator
Hello everyone!

I've had a heck of a time finding a box or two of any 158 grain .38 special +P Lead Semi-Wad Cutter Hollow Point (LSWCHP) ammo, otherwise known as the "FBI load". I was planning on getting some for my Model 64 police trade in that's coming to me from J&G Sales.

I just have searched EVERYWHERE, Gun Broker, Ammoseek.com, Arms List, Gun Auction... for whatever reason I just CANNOT find this load for sale either commercially or in private transactions.

I know Remington still has this load in there lineup, marketed under there "HTP" line. Here it is at Sportsman's Guide dot com, but it's out of stock w/ no backorder like every other place on the internet:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/prod...terminal-performance-ammo-50-rounds?a=1500063

I understand this was a popular defense round in .38 special revolvers, and gave good performance out of both snubs and service revolvers. So what gives? It appears that it has all but disappeared on this planet and for the life of me I don't know why, so if anyone can help me in finding some that would be TREMENDOUSLY appreciated! :)

Thanks!
 
The world has gone high-tech.

But you're right: it is (still) a good and effective round for 38 Special.

I have an abundant supply of them - I load my own. I use Speer's 158 Swaged LSWCHP.
 
I simply roll my own, using a relatively soft DEWC and Bullseye or HP-38 powder. The WC's I use are generally in the 148 grain range, rather than 158, but it's not difficult to duplicate the ballistics of the old FBI load.
 
A Lyman 358156 HPed & the gas check shank removed.



3.5 grs. of CLAYS in 38 cases or 4.5grs. in 357 cases with a spp for spark.

Makes as good as it gets !!

 
^ Dang GP100 man that looks like ideal expansion! What was the test media, and how deep was penetration if you don't mind me asking?

I will keep an eye out for any FBI load I can find but in the meantime I recently learned that the NYPD issues the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain .38 special +P short barrel load not only for there snub nose guns... but also for the few officers left who still carry there 4" Model 10 revolvers on duty as there service handgun. They do not use a special load for the longer barrel guns, and supposedly the longer barrel gets about 50% more energy and the velocity is about the same as the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 grian .357 magnum load... which also uses the same bullet as the .38 special +P load... so basically using the .38 special +P short barrel Speer load in a 4" gun (like my Model 64 police trade in) would be like using the .357 magnum short barrel load in a 1 7/8"-2" snub nose revolver. I have a couple boxes 20 round boxes of the .38 +P short barrel load that I use for CCW in my S&W Model 642-1, and last night I ordered two 50 round boxes of the same load so I can test them and see how they run in my Model 64.

I think I will use that at least till I can find some of the aforementioned FBI load out there. Just haven't had any luck so far!
 
There's a myriad of good .38 Special SD/HD ammo out there. Terminal performance outta most of them is similarly effective. Even if you find some of the elusive "FBI Load", you'll still want to try several other factory offerings if you don't reload, to make sure there is something else out there that is not more accurate and shoots closer to POA of your fixed sight revolver.
 
There is a poster over on THR named Cooldill looking for the same load. You might check his thread to see what others have recommended.

GP100MAN what was your test media for that expanded bullet? It looks like it was shot into dirt

Iload my own FBI loads with Speer bullets. I bought a bunch of them several years ago before the world went nuts and they were cheap and easy to find. I also prestress the hollow point with a #2 phillips screw driver as suggested by one reviewer on Midway USA.
 
Originally posted by ratshooter: There is a poster over on THR named Cooldill looking for the same load. You might check his thread to see what others have recommended.
Click to expand...


Since the OP of both threads was almost exactly the same word for word, I assumed it was the same person on both forums........
 
Originally posted by ratshooter:

Buck460XVR I also figured it was the same guy. I was being facetious..
Click to expand...


I know, I was too,:D, especially since the OP had replied about others besides him looking for the ammo, thanked you for the link and he was gonna check it out.


Now I see he changed his post..........
 
Model12Win

As others have mentioned, Buffalo bore makes a version of the FBI load and you can order it from Midway USA.

I was in the market for some .38 sp defensive ammo and found some nice reviews.about Hornady's XTP 158gr JHP loads.

The XTP load seems to do as well or better (larger wound channel) than the Buffalo Bore loads. I ended up buying the XTP ammo instead.

The XTP load is a standard pressure load (not P+).
 
Try going directly to online retailers. The search bots are not showing all the sellers of ammo. I found mine on Lucky Gunner once and bought a few boxes. Check out Buffalo Bore though. They have some great ammo. I like their full wadcutters at about 150 gr., non plus P because they do not need it to penetrate 18 inches.
 
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