.38 ammo query

A

ASBOB

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Feb 8, 2008
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I have a .38 S & W snub for the rare possibility of home and personal defense. If I ever used it, it would be at the 5-7 yard range, possibly less.

Given that short a range, what would be the best ammo? Right now I have Winchester Silvertips, with ball ammo for practice. But will the hollowpoints expand? Am I better off with just ball, or even a semi wadcutter?
 
You're good to go with the Silvertips. I'm sure you'll get other suggestions but if that's what you have you'll be fine.
 
use the old-timers self-defense load--wadcutters. easily available, very accurate, pure lead. that flat front face will expand like a wad of bubblegum when it hits--that's why the old-time detectives started carrying their "target" loads.
 
You didn't mention whether the gun was rated for +P. If so, Corbon's +P load is quite good without too much recoil. If the gun is not rated for +P, then I'd go with Hornady's Critical Defense non +P load.
 
Yes, there are many different snubby friendly hollow points out there. Stick with a good hollow point. in 5-7 feet it'll have plenty of punch to open up and hit much harder then a wad cutter.
 
Shoot five, reload, repeat as necessary.

I've used Federal Nyclad HP in the past..not sure if still available but a good .38 shorty. Might check for a HydraShok load - I carry in .357 >= 3" barrel.
 
Speer gold dot "short barrel load" (says it on the box) It's the best in testing. I carry them, but buffalo bore has some great loads. The hard-cast wadcutter can penetrate 20" of gelatin IIRC, and the flat point "cuts" a wound channel. Perhaps a better mechanism of wounding given the limited power of a .38 and a 2" barrel.
 
I like the old FBI load - 158gr lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint - for use in my M442, M60, and M438. Not fast or high-tech, but it hits to point of aim and will actually expand.

TR Graham
The Glocksmith
 
I have been carrying a S&W Mod.49"Bodyguard" since 1985. I carry it as a back-up/off-duty piece. CAN"T GO WRONG WITH SILVERTIPS! I also love the old Winchester "FBI/Chicago" load, 158gr.semi-wad hollow point +p. regards Henry
 
Another :thumbup: for the FBI load.

Full wadcutters are also regarded are good defense rounds and shouldn't be ignored. They cut full caliber holes and hit hard due to the flat nose. They don't recoil as bad as a lot of other loads and the muzzle flash is a lot less as well. Most folks shoot better with the less recoiling loads and if you don't hit in the right place ain't anything else going to matter.

If you ever get the chance, read some of Jim Cirillo's stuff (or something about him). He has an oldtimer with the NYPD and circumstances led to him being in a high number of scrapes. He liked wadcutters.
 
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Wadcutter, the old FBI load, anything Nyclad. No preference, any of these loads are good.
 
My wheelgun load out is three Glaser blue tips and two silvertips in that order in terms of the revolution of the cylinder. That's for self defense around the home as the wifey can handle it and it won't go through a couple walls and hit someone I'm trying to protect. If I out and about I want a little more penetration and go with five corbons. Lots of good advice above but in reality it's all about shot placement as the hottest load in the biggest handgun may not give a quick stop with a marginal hit whereas a target load out of a .38 will be 100% effective with a CNS hit.
 
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