This is a discussion on 158g or 125g bullet for 1 7/8" barrel J Frame? within the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Did a little wheeling and dealing today and ended up bringing home a S&W 438 that I'm trying very hard to develop at least a ...
Did a little wheeling and dealing today and ended up bringing home a S&W 438 that I'm trying very hard to develop at least a modicum of appreciation for.....that's not entirely true...it's very light and conceals quite easily and the dadgum hump on it's back should discourage snags and such in pockets...guess I'll just have to call it "Quasimodo" and get over it.
My question is, with such a short barrel, would it be better to stick with my favorite 158g bullet in 38SP, or drop down to 125g or so in the attempt to put up a little higher fps out of it? My inclination is to stick to the heavier bullet, as that's just what I like, but I've never owned a gun with such a short barrel (excepting the derringer...gone now). Any ideas?
ETA-I'm very tired and going to bed now, so I'll check back in the AM...toodles...
As with many topics on this forum you will get a gazillion different opinions. There are pros and cons to each ammo you state. This no different than asking which handgun/revolver is the best to carry or which holster. In the end you will have to decide which way you want to go.
"One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in this world are to be cured by legislation."
--Thomas B. Reed, American Attorney
Second Amendment -- Established December 15, 1791 and slowly eroded ever since What happened to "..... shall not be infringed."
I have a couple of the hump back beauties. I refer to them as camels. I personally like the 158 gr flavor, but that's just me. I tend to go with the heaviest bullet available. Put the shot where it needs to be and it won't matter much.
My understanding is that 125gr +P SWC come with FBI recommendation.
I shot a couple hundred on each day of a two-day snubby course at Tactical Defense Institute from my S&W 438 aka "Bodyguard" with factory laser. It was all the fun I could handle and would not concern myself with heavier.
Americans understood the right of self-preservation as permitting a citizen to repel force by force
when the intervention of society... may be too late to prevent an injury.
-Blackstone’s Commentaries 145–146, n. 42 (1803) in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008)
I have a couple of the hump back beauties. I refer to them as camels. I personally like the 158 gr flavor, but that's just me. I tend to go with the heaviest bullet available. Put the shot where it needs to be and it won't matter much.
Nice collection, myself I would like to add a “lemon squeezer” or I forget the model number but one with a shrouded hammer that can be thumb cocked to my collection.
I have the 438 too. I carry the 158 grain LSWC loads in it as I do in all my 38 Spls. I've practiced with 130 grain FMJs as well. The 438 just isn't fun to shoot but it is hard to beat for concealment and carry comfort. I've got an old weightlifting glove that I slip on for fun with this thing at the range.
"A first rate man with a third rate gun is far better than the other way around". The gun is a tool, you are the craftsman that makes it work. There are those who say "if I had to do it, I could" yet they never go out and train to do it. (WETSU)
My understanding is that 125gr +P SWC come with FBI recommendation.
I shot a couple hundred on each day of a two-day snubby course at Tactical Defense Institute from my S&W 438 aka "Bodyguard" with factory laser. It was all the fun I could handle and would not concern myself with heavier.
FBI endorses Winchester PDX1 (their 38 comes in 130gr+P).
"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain."
- Roy Batty
I could care less what the FBI endorses. I have a developed an almost foreign concept of thinking for myself. And my thinking leads me to believe there is no better than a 158 weight lswc driven at 800 fps or better.
Thanks for all the comments, I may take it out and put a few rounds through it today if I can get the dang pickup running again (whole 'nother left-over from yesterday). I've got a few boxes of 158 LFPRN loaded to standard pressure laying around here and maybe a box of +P 125's too in plated HP. I like the ease of carry of this gun, but haven't quite gotten past the "feels like a toy" aspect, it's my first alloy gun too.
Nice guns BugDude and wmhawth I particularly like the wooden grips, mine came with "composite".
I also very much like the bullets put up by Hamour, I need to get set up to cast my own, maybe I'll prowl some yard/estate sales this year and hope to get lucky with some equipment.
18Likes
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
What happened to "..... shall not be infringed."
Originally Posted by BugDude
