SD bullet weight - 38 spl

[ghostrider]

I don't want to start a light/fast, slow/heavy bullet flame war, but for those of you who carry .38 Spl revolvers, I'm curious about what bullet weight you choose for carry ammo.

The premium SD rounds cover the range from 110gr (Hornady Critical Defence) to 158gr LSWC +P (Federal FBI load, if you can find it).


thanks.

[AEA]

Federal Premium Law Enforcement Tactical Hydra-Shok 129gr JHP +P.

I would carry Federal HST if they made it in .38 Special but I have only seen it in .45 and 9mm.

[fm2]

I like the Speer gold dot +p 135 gr gdhp (23921). This is the round developed for snubbies and the one I carry.

Buffalo Bore also has some interesting rounds for snubbies 20-C 158gr ; 20-D 150gr HCWC; and 20E 125gr.

[Dan20703]

158gr LSWC +P

[Keith B]

This has been discussed frequently, and lots of varied opinions even among true experts.

My thought is it all relates back to muzzle energy (E=MV2/450400). A faster lighter bullet can be just as effective as a heavier slower bullet if the muzzle energy and momentum are similar. The other factors I consider are diameter as the bigger the hole the faster the bleed-out, and shot placement.

My main carry is a Kahr PM9 with 100 grain 9mm +P Corbon Pow'RBall's. They are rated at 467 ftlbs of muzzle energy. That is the same as their .357 magnum loads. However, if I can I will carry a .35 with Pow'RBall's as it produces a bigger hole and has 550 ftlbs of energy.

While the Corbon loads for .38 are not rated that well, I would look for a good +P+ load that produces a high rate of muzzle energy if your revolver will handle them.

YMMV