Best 38spl +p self defense ammo ?
- Thread starter Metal god
- Start date
dogtown tom
New member
Huh?
"all the rage now" by who?
Even if the HP doesn't expand.......we know wadcutters are even LESS LIKELY to do so.
In the '70's, it was popular for gun rags to promote 148gr wadcutter loaded backwards to make a giant hollow point. That wasn't any better than those loaded normally.
If that had been a better load, every ammo maker would have jumped on the bandwagon.....they didn't.
I've read several recent articles concerning wadcutters for self defense. None say, nor do I, they are the elusive magic bullet, but from a 2" barrel HPs rarely open up. Wadcutters don't either but they punch a more damaging hole than a pointy bullet. And followup shots are quicker.
Here's one; google if you want to see more articles:
https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/wadcutter-ammo-self-defense/
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*I'd give right arm to be ambidextrous*
Here's one; google if you want to see more articles:
https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/wadcutter-ammo-self-defense/
_______________
*I'd give right arm to be ambidextrous*
This is the one I carry in my .357 LCR
https://www.luckygunner.com/winchester-38-spl-ammo-for-sale-38specialp130jhppdxwinse-20#geltest
https://www.luckygunner.com/winchester-38-spl-ammo-for-sale-38specialp130jhppdxwinse-20#geltest
My opinion is the best load is whichever one you can consistently double-tap a tight group center mass up to about seven yards away...
I’ll be going to the gunshow Saturday, I’ll update what I end up getting .
What do we think of the Underwoon extreme defender in 38+p ? It’s designed “not” to expand .
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2F0ke...gc3BlY2lhbCB1bmRlcndvb2QgeHRyZW1lIGRlZmVuZGVy
What do we think of the Underwoon extreme defender in 38+p ? It’s designed “not” to expand .
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2F0ke...gc3BlY2lhbCB1bmRlcndvb2QgeHRyZW1lIGRlZmVuZGVy
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Mannlicher
New member
I am still carrying a Speer 146 grain LSWCHP over a stiff charge of SR4756 powder. It performs, and I see no reason to change up now after 40+ years
I bought some Fed 130gr +p punch ammo . Went to range on Friday and never got off the rifle range . I never tried them out . I had went to the gun show expecting to find any and all ammo I was looking for but did not . The punch was the only 38spl +p ammo I found that was on my list .
Bought some 9mm gold dot and Win Ranger ammo as well . Had plans on testing all that new ammo on Friday but was having to much fun on the 300yd rifle range to pack up and move a couple hundred yards up the hill to the pistol range . Next I guess .
Bought some 9mm gold dot and Win Ranger ammo as well . Had plans on testing all that new ammo on Friday but was having to much fun on the 300yd rifle range to pack up and move a couple hundred yards up the hill to the pistol range . Next I guess .
For my J-frames, I have used the Hornady 140 gr XTP's , they no longer make.
For the 2"-inchers and 4" barrels, it was always POA was POI.
Viewed a U-tube video where the presenter he was using .32S&W-L, and used OTC ammo,
it was surprising to see the .32 S&W Long wadcutter exceeded the 12" FBI penetration.
For the 2"-inchers and 4" barrels, it was always POA was POI.
Viewed a U-tube video where the presenter he was using .32S&W-L, and used OTC ammo,
it was surprising to see the .32 S&W Long wadcutter exceeded the 12" FBI penetration.
When you seek personal defensive training you will be advised to NOT use "+p" for your defensive carry ammo. If you are involved in a defensive situation that ended by you ceasing a threat , guarenteed you will face civil liability. A caniving plaintiff attorney will absolutely try to elevate the "defendant" to a "killer" because he "felt the need" to arm himself with optional "higher velocity" ammo. You do whatever you want but just something to think about .
trophyrider
New member
Please cite a case where that has happened.
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Lucky Gunner Labs
Although not ALL ammo is tested at above labs on line
it has been my go-to for details and the ability to sort the results according to my preferences.
Everyone has a preference or a boss telling them what to use but ... based upon what?
You'll also find results based upon barrel length ... very important to outcomes, especially for the 357mag caliber.
Although not ALL ammo is tested at above labs on line
it has been my go-to for details and the ability to sort the results according to my preferences.
Everyone has a preference or a boss telling them what to use but ... based upon what?
You'll also find results based upon barrel length ... very important to outcomes, especially for the 357mag caliber.
BandeauRouge
Moderator
a vented test barrel doesnt always create a linear reason as to why a given load could experience a 200 fps velocity drop in the loading manual.
There online pundits who managed to deduce from publications that certain ammunition like 38 smith and wesson was watered down due to low quality break tops.
It's not just the venting, it's also the fact that the testing was standardized in a 4" barrel instead of the much longer test barrels that were commonly used in older test results.
The tests with vintage ammo compared to modern loadings has, in every test I've ever seen the results for, showed that the apparent differences were simply the result of changes in how velocity was commonly measured, not due to an actual change in the ammunition.
And, in addition to the tests, we have the Remington ammo catalog from the timeframe of the changeover explaining exactly what happened--and showing the results of measurements done the old and new way. With differences that are generally in the ballpark of 200fps.
As Remington says, and underlines for emphasis: "Although values are quite different, the ammunition is absolutely unchanged."
Over the years, SAAMI has altered the standards for a very few "quasi-obsolete" cartridges to avoid incidents with commonly encountered vintage firearms of dubious strength or quality. That's a very different situation.
38sp Super Police
I got some 200gr lead Winchester 38sp. It use to be called super police. That’s what I got stoked in my cruz’n piece a m36 S&W. I know a bunch of the foil hat club says they shot clear through and endanger innocents. Other half says they might bounce back and hit you. Both may be true but at SD ranges the tin foil hat ain’t going to save you.
I got some 200gr lead Winchester 38sp. It use to be called super police. That’s what I got stoked in my cruz’n piece a m36 S&W. I know a bunch of the foil hat club says they shot clear through and endanger innocents. Other half says they might bounce back and hit you. Both may be true but at SD ranges the tin foil hat ain’t going to save you.
BandeauRouge
Moderator
Smith and Wesson used to say full size revolvers could safely fire small amounts of 38/44 ammunition, now these guns are "only fire with regular 38 special ammunition".
Then you have guns like the Armscor 38 special revolvers that are ONLY safe to fire with Armscor produced ammunition of max 158 grain fmj at a max 850 FPS if you read the manual pdf in a literal translation.
Alot of companies have been making low end revolvers these days, the taurus 856 is the most talked about on the smith forum as being "beefy enough for elmer keith load data".
Then you have guns like the Armscor 38 special revolvers that are ONLY safe to fire with Armscor produced ammunition of max 158 grain fmj at a max 850 FPS if you read the manual pdf in a literal translation.
Alot of companies have been making low end revolvers these days, the taurus 856 is the most talked about on the smith forum as being "beefy enough for elmer keith load data".