SoFla at Hom

I'm very new to firearms and ammo choices. I am purchasing an S&W 442 for concealed carry, and would like to know your suggestions for ammo choice. Some people have told me to avoid +P ammo, and to stick with regular 38 special. From browsing forums, it appears that an all-around favorite is Federal Premium, Hydra-Shok® JHP. Do you agree, and I'd also be happy to hear suggestions about Grains/Weight. Finally, I am seeing more posts about HST. It sounds too good to be true: more-effective, less cost. Is it?

FallenPhoenix

I'm not sure why people would recommend standard pressure rounds in a snub nose. Admittedly, +P isn't what I would call "fun" from a scandium frame revolver, but they're not bad.

The Speer short barrel +P is very well spoken of, though I've found it difficult to find other than ordering over the internet. I keep Cor Bon 110gr +P hollow points in my 637.

SoFla at Hom

That's sound advice. In looking around more, I've seen a lot of good feedback on the Speer.

itschuck

terminal 38 special

Check that link out.

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Ron

I use the Gold Dots in my 642.

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DAtrigger

I would suggest that once you receive your gun try it with several different types of ammo at a range. The most commonly given advice seems to be: "carry the most powerful ammo that you can effectively control ". Especially with the snubby (or any kind of double action revolver for that matter) practice, practice, practice. You did not say whether you are buying your revolver new or used. If it's new, you should also expect that the trigger pull will become somewhat lighter after the first few hundred rounds or so. Some people will further suggest to dry fire your weapon for break-in as well as to get used to the sights and to develop a more natural aiming ability.

semperfi.45

I always say you can't go wrong with a round that was designed for the gun...Speer Gold Dot short barrel in 135 grain is what I trust in mine.

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ctr

Carry what you can get hits with. If +p works consistantly for you, carry that. If not, nothing wrong with the standard 38 hollow point load.

bmcgilvray

I'm old fashioned and use +P 158 grain SWCs in my Model 642 as well as all other .38 Specials I have that pull defensive duty.

Superhouse 15

Welcome
We get a lot of requests for snubbie ammo at the gunshop. The most common and easily available is the 110gr Hydra Shok.
Federal Premium - Handgun
Next would be the Winchester 110gr Silvertip.
Centerfire Handgun
Lately it's been backorderd. Remington lists a 110gr JHP but it's allways been backordered. Remington Express® Handgun Ammunition
Some people like the Buffalo Bore LSWCHP in a non +p, I personally have no experience with it. It probably kicks more than the 110gr stuff if that matters to you. Some folks use plain LSWC or LWC for defense, I personally don't. There are good expanding loads available that have enough power to penetrate.

For +p, most folks prefer the Speer 135gr snub load. We sell a lot of the +p Hydra Shok and the +p Gold Saber. The Cor Bon is hot if you can find it too. I like the Gold Saber just because it's a round nose and has a strong jacket. Easy to reload from speedloaders and it doesn't get beat up in your pocket. I have snubs I carry standard non +p in ,some I use with +p, and one with +p+ (a Ruger). I also have a stockpile of Nyclad in +p and standard, but if you carry it the tips get beat up.