Looking for recommendations for carry ammo for the S & W 442. It's a fairly light gun so recoil is sometimes difficult for me to tame. I realize this isn't a range gun, but I do believe in practice, practice, practice, and believe in practicing with what's carried. Suggestions?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Which carry ammo for S&W 442?
- Thread starter marca
- Start date
My preferred carry ammo is .38+P Federal or Gold Dots in 125 grain range. Here, have been able to find Winchester white box +Ps for fairly reasonably priced practice ammo.
Some ladies at our range like the110 grain Fed. Personal Defense loads in straight .38s due to light recoil, but it is real pricey to practice with - and is not necessarily known for its penetration from a snub. Most economical factory .38 practice loads (with modest recoil) are typically found here to be 130 grain FMJs. 158 grainers often a little too harsh on hand for some ladies.
Altho it often makes the guns a little bigger, I've found that some aftermarket grips (like Hogue) can really help tame recoil on the lightweights - and let people practice more with loads they favor.
Some ladies at our range like the110 grain Fed. Personal Defense loads in straight .38s due to light recoil, but it is real pricey to practice with - and is not necessarily known for its penetration from a snub. Most economical factory .38 practice loads (with modest recoil) are typically found here to be 130 grain FMJs. 158 grainers often a little too harsh on hand for some ladies.
Altho it often makes the guns a little bigger, I've found that some aftermarket grips (like Hogue) can really help tame recoil on the lightweights - and let people practice more with loads they favor.
Winchester makes good stuff:
http://www.winchester.com
So does Remington:
http://www.remington.com/ammo/ammofr.htm
Personally, I use Remington's 158 grn lead hollowpoint. There's really not that much recoil (at least to me) and it's cheap enough to try one box to see if it suits you.
I also second Greybeard's suggestion about the aftermarket grips.
http://www.winchester.com
So does Remington:
http://www.remington.com/ammo/ammofr.htm
Personally, I use Remington's 158 grn lead hollowpoint. There's really not that much recoil (at least to me) and it's cheap enough to try one box to see if it suits you.
I also second Greybeard's suggestion about the aftermarket grips.
Kentucky Rifle
New member
We liked that non +P Nyclad also...
But, my contact at Federal tells me that they have made the decision not to sell it to non-LEO types anymore.
Did you read my post in "General Handguns"? I think RBCD ammunition would make a fine carry load. It's standard pressure, too. From my Mustang Pocketlite the recoil...well, I didn't even think about the recoil! The Mustang Pocketlite weighs in at 12 ounces. I think that .380 would be pretty close in recoil to a .38.
Eddie: I used to carry non +P Glaser Blue in a steel .38. I liked it. You can also get it in Glaser "Silver" and in +P loadings. My wife carries Glaser Silver in her Taurus Total Ti .38 Special. I think she read that Paxton Quigley book that recommended Glaser Silver.
KR
But, my contact at Federal tells me that they have made the decision not to sell it to non-LEO types anymore.
Did you read my post in "General Handguns"? I think RBCD ammunition would make a fine carry load. It's standard pressure, too. From my Mustang Pocketlite the recoil...well, I didn't even think about the recoil! The Mustang Pocketlite weighs in at 12 ounces. I think that .380 would be pretty close in recoil to a .38.
Eddie: I used to carry non +P Glaser Blue in a steel .38. I liked it. You can also get it in Glaser "Silver" and in +P loadings. My wife carries Glaser Silver in her Taurus Total Ti .38 Special. I think she read that Paxton Quigley book that recommended Glaser Silver.
KR
hankrearden2000
New member
Why only law enforcement?
I've tested this load and the +P version in water. They both expand reliably out of snubbies. Penetration is a little shallow for my taste though.
The non +P version actually penetrates slightly deeper than the +P version.
I've tested this load and the +P version in water. They both expand reliably out of snubbies. Penetration is a little shallow for my taste though.
The non +P version actually penetrates slightly deeper than the +P version.
Thanks so much guys for all the info. Thats why I love these forums- you learn so much just asking questions and reading the threads. Yeah KR, I like the way the Glasers and Mag Safe Ammo beef up the snubbies .38 spl. round. They hung one guy up here out to dry 'cause he defended himself with Black Talons. Said he was looking to maim someone for life. You have to watch what you use against these vermin that want to kill you, one guy lost his house because the guy he shot robbing him was paralyzed. It gets nuttier by the day.
Eddie, the use of MagSafe and Glaser Safety Slugs go a long way toward defending the shooter. None of that maiming crap with those, it won't fly. It shouldn't work with Black Talon's if the guys attorney was earning his money and doing his homework. I would be very interested in the 'expert' testimony and who gave medical evidence where the Black Talon slug was proven to be more likely to 'maim' someone than a FMJ, including the number of shootings studied, location of hits, depth of penetration, and other pertinent factors. RBCD is some awesome stuff, I went to it about 2.5 years ago and never looked back. Knowing what we do about RBCD it should be defensible from a performance standpoint.
Yeah you are probably right Jeff. That guy lived in the next town over (Easton, CT) and was all the talk a few years ago in the gun shops here. Thats what makes these fanatics so scary, once a jury hears someone was shot with armor piercing ammo it's "Case Closed" he's "Guilty as charged". Even Clarence Darrow can't get you off. In Connecticut you cannot sell a gun to anyone without a permit. They did away with the 2 week waiting period. No permit, No gun. That simple. And when you sell a gun you have to call the State Police (Dept. of Public Safety) give them the buyers permit number and wait for an authorization number. Then make the buyer fill out a form that asks him or her all the standard questions about wanting to over throw the gov't, have you ever had a restaining order against you? Ever been arrested for a felony? You better have the right answers. I have been told more than once "Do not sell that person your gun!".
don't shoot it's me
New member
If you like to cover your ass better, pick a round a local dept uses...like a gold dot 125 +p
Marca, search my old posts, I love the snub. I went through a similar soul search when I had my 342PD. That thing hurt!!! But, I did find several rounds comfortable for extended practice. Winchester Winclean 125Gr @ about 750FPS, USA 130Gr FMJ around 800FPS, 3-D 100Gr. DEWC-dual end wadcutter (lead) @ 730FPS. I thought the Federal Nyclad was loud with a very bright flash. Use Grips that cover the backstrap for extended range sessions. Also, might try a shooting glove. Good luck, Dave.
shooter1201
New member
I carry my 442 as a backup to my duty weapon(SIG P239/.40) and as my 'always' gun'. I shot an 89/100 on my department's 'Q' course using SPEER 158 grain TMJ +Ps. !!!OUCH!!! By the last 10 rounds, I was ready to throw that thing at the target!
My current carry load is Anderson's 158 grain NON+P LSWC. It is a VERY pleasant load to shoot. I also replaced the factory-supplied UM grips with AJAX 'Diamondwood' grips. I carry my 442 in my front pocket(left if on duty) and the rubber grips snagged on drawing.
My current carry load is Anderson's 158 grain NON+P LSWC. It is a VERY pleasant load to shoot. I also replaced the factory-supplied UM grips with AJAX 'Diamondwood' grips. I carry my 442 in my front pocket(left if on duty) and the rubber grips snagged on drawing.