Now that Federal has discontinued the Nyclad 125gr. Std load .38 Special, many seem to recommend going back to 148 gr wadcutters or 158gr. semi-wadcutters for defense ammo in lightweight snubs. For the most part these loads are pretty low velocity and are also getting harder to find. What brands/models of these loads are available with acceptable performance as a defensive load? I really don't like shooting the +P loads in my Airweight. Just too much recoil!
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Which Std Load .38 Sp Semi Wadcutters
- Thread starter rbonin
- Start date
Jim Watson
New member
For what it is worth, Sanow & Marshall say that the .38 Special SWC does not have any better stopping power by police stats or gelatin tests than roundnose.
Federal makes the Personal Defense 110 grain .38 Special. There was a standard velocity Winchester 110 grain Silvertip, but I don't know if they are still making it. I shot some PMC Starfire 125 grain .38 that was labeled +P but was definitely milder than the Remington 125s I had.
Federal makes the Personal Defense 110 grain .38 Special. There was a standard velocity Winchester 110 grain Silvertip, but I don't know if they are still making it. I shot some PMC Starfire 125 grain .38 that was labeled +P but was definitely milder than the Remington 125s I had.
full power wadcutter loads.
I have been told that Hornaday lists a wadcutter load with a volicity of 805 fps. I have as yet been unable to find any but these seem to be a even better bet than the target loads. currently I have 14 rds of the origional hydroshock(from the early 80's) rounds ( from when they were made in full wadcutter style and sold by the round) so for now will use them.
I have been told that Hornaday lists a wadcutter load with a volicity of 805 fps. I have as yet been unable to find any but these seem to be a even better bet than the target loads. currently I have 14 rds of the origional hydroshock(from the early 80's) rounds ( from when they were made in full wadcutter style and sold by the round) so for now will use them.
GunsnRovers
New member
ammoman
Ammoman has .38 125gr Nyclad. Current price is $25 per box or $119 for 5 boxs with free shipping.
Price has gone up since I ordered in September.
Jeff
Ammoman has .38 125gr Nyclad. Current price is $25 per box or $119 for 5 boxs with free shipping.
Price has gone up since I ordered in September.
Jeff
Agreeing with Mr. Dodson @FirearmsTactical.com concerning wadcutters, my load of choice in my 442 is Georgia Arms .38 148gr. Wadcutter. It's $7 per 50rnds, accurate, low flash and very low recoil. Since expansion is iffy with a 2" barrel anyway, I'll take that sharp-shouldered FWC.
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