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Question on recommended .38 special defensive ammo
mr_floppy
Member Posts: 1,090 ✭✭✭✭✭
What's the latest advice for .38 special revolvers regarding home defensive ammunition? A friend is asking and they have 2 wheel guns.
Both steel framed with 2" barrels.
1. Is a Colt Detective Special. I can not at this time determine if pre or post 70's manufacture.
2. Second is a blued steel Smith and Wesson model not currently known. But definitely steel framed.
Sorry the information is a bit thin but what's a good ball park recommendation on defensive ammo? Avoid +P ? or not? and what brand, weight and type bullet.
Thanks for any help. Floppy
Both steel framed with 2" barrels.
1. Is a Colt Detective Special. I can not at this time determine if pre or post 70's manufacture.
2. Second is a blued steel Smith and Wesson model not currently known. But definitely steel framed.
Sorry the information is a bit thin but what's a good ball park recommendation on defensive ammo? Avoid +P ? or not? and what brand, weight and type bullet.
Thanks for any help. Floppy
Comments
The 158's give better penetration and the HP design some expansion. One problem is the short barrels cause a loss of velocity and expansion performance.
Even with a steel frame, less powerful loads give faster follow-up, plus they can still be quite effective. The first US Air Marshal's used .38 wadcutters, & I wouldn't feel handicapped with them.
There's also a lot to be said for frangible rounds, such as Glaser Saf-T-Slug or Magsafe, especially in urban areas where you need to worry about where your rounds will end up.
Personally, there are times when I would prefer lead, but may want to avoid ballistics:
Neal
I just saw this and the multiball you show would be my response. I have a box I saved just for that purpose. The Remington has only 2 balls I believe but I sold some other a while pack that had more. Should have kept it.
Several companies make a good 158 gr. lead SWCHP +P load.
If they gave us 50 responses on this forum, you'd get 50 different opinions.
Even with a steel frame, less powerful loads give faster follow-up, plus they can still be quite effective. The first US Air Marshal's used .38 wadcutters, & I wouldn't feel handicapped with them.
There's also a lot to be said for frangible rounds, such as Glaser Saf-T-Slug or Magsafe, especially in urban areas where you need to worry about where your rounds will end up.
+1
I wish they still made the .357 Mag version.
Dean
Personally, there are times when I would prefer lead, but may want to avoid ballistics:
Neal