Efficient snub nose loads?

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:28 pm

I seem to recall reading somewhere that one of the major manufacturers has a load that was designed to be more efficient in snub nose .38 Specials but now I can't recall who it was or where I read it.

Does anyone remember this and if I didn't dream it up, has anyone tried it?

Thanks!

Old No7 · Post by **Old No7** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:53 pm

I just found This Link which is a good read.

Tight groups!

Old No7

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:34 pm

Thanks, I'll check it out shortly...

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:41 pm

i carry the 135gr. HP Speer Gold Dot +P, it was (i think) especially designed for the snub. another good load is the old FBI load which is a 158gr. Lead HP +P from Winchester and Remington, that's a good load with an incrdible track record... :)

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:45 pm

I think most of the .38spl 125 & 130gr loads a classed as concealed carry loads for belly guns. I still have a couple of boxes of Nyclads for mine.

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 10:45 pm

The Remington load generates the most horsepower. Buffalo Bore has a non +P which does just as well! The 130 gr. NYCLAD non +P has a good rep. I believe you should worry about effectiveness, not efficiency.

86er · Post by **86er** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:33 am

CCI Gold Dot 135 gr SB 38 Spl

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 8:47 am

I'm thinking for my woods the Buffalo Bore 180 gr. cast look good. You would darn sure make it a good way into whatever is trying to harm you.

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:38 am

Don't know about most efficient but I load mine with Winchester 125gr +P JHPs.

mikld · Post by **mikld** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:19 am

FWIW, I remember reading some advertising about S.D. ammo designed for short barrels. Don't remember manufacturer though. (kinda worthless post, huh?)

deafrn · Post by **deafrn** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:58 am

Hobie wrote:The 130 gr. NYCLAD non +P has a good rep.

The Federal Nyclads are my favorite snubbie load, but I have had trouble finding them lately.

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 3:35 pm

Hobie wrote:I believe you should worry about effectiveness, not efficiency.

I agree 100% but perhaps efficient isn't the right word. Optimized for short barrels may be a better way to phrase it. I keep thinking it had something to do with making the most of the short barrel while reducing the muzzle flash/muzzle blast (aka wasted powder and energy). Flash and blast don't bother me up to a certain point (I love mil-surp carbines and short rifles but sold a .30 Carbine Blackhawk after 4-5 cylinders worth of shooting

) but if such a critter is out there, I see no reason not to try it.

mikld wrote:FWIW, I remember reading some advertising about S.D. ammo designed for short barrels. Don't remember manufacturer though. (kinda worthless post, huh?)

Shhh, you just described the vast majority of my posts...

rusty gunns · Post by **rusty gunns** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 5:04 pm

336bl wrote:i carry the 135gr. HP Speer Gold Dot +P, it was (i think) especially designed for the snub. another good load is the old FBI load which is a 158gr. Lead HP +P from Winchester and Remington, that's a good load with an incrdible track record...

That old FBI load 158gr Lead HP +p has been knocking down bad guys for a long, long time.

In a four inch 38, if you hit them chest high (in the rib cage) or higher, they're on their backs with one shot.

The recoil in a five shot wheel gun is a bit stout, but...

"If it aint broke, don't fix it".

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 6:13 pm

OK it looks like it's Speer making the short barrel loads, but these make for some interesting reading:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/25385 ... arrel.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/19888 ... arrel.html
http://www.brassfetcher.com/38%20Specia ... 20Test.pdf

dkmlever · Post by **dkmlever** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 7:24 pm

One more vote for the Gold Dot by Speer.

Efficient snub nose loads?

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