Air,Land&Sea

I've been shooting 125 gr. +P's out of my S&W 442, but am wondering if it might be "better" to ease up a bit with something like Winchester 110 gr. Silvertips (standard pressure) in a short, light snubbie.
Thoughts?
Thanks.

__________________
Freedom of speech does not excuse one from freedom of thought.

Rugergirl

I haven't tried the Winchester Silvertips, but the CorBon DPX 110 grain ammo is some of the best rated ammo for a .38 snubbie.
The standard pressure Federal Nyclad 125 grain rounds are rated as very effective and they are what I use when I carry my .38.
I haven't been able to get my hands on any of the DPX locally to try it, yet.

__________________
Disclaimer: The posts made by this member are only the members opinion, not a reflection on anyone else, nor the group, and should not be cause for anyone to get their undergarments wedged in an uncomfortable position.

Superhouse 15

The best of the non +P loads are the Nyclads, the Silvertips, the Remington 110gr SJHP, the 110gr Hydra Shok, and the 158gr Buffalo Bore. I have no experience with the BB loads, sorry, but you're on your own with that one. The Nyclad is great, but won't hold up very well in speedloaders or speed strips. The nylon peels and the hollow points get beat up after a while. Jacketed HPs like the Hydra Shok and Silvertip don't have that problem. The Nickle plated Hydra Shok case stays cleaner longer than the brass Silvertip case. The Silvertip tends to tumble from the snub if it doesn't fully expand, I've seen it over and over in test bullets. The 110gr Remington will mushroom, but it's nowhere near as impressive as it is in the +p or .357 loadings. Those expand big and throw off fragments of that scalloped jacket, the non +p just expands a little.

In the snubs I don't choose to use +p in, I use Nyclads in the gun, Hydra Shok in the spares.

Cor Bon discontinued the non +p DPX load. Maybe if we sent them nasty emails about it they'd bring it back. That's what happened with Federal and the Nyclad.


ETA: I see ads for a new non +P from Hornady. I was not a fan of the XTP as a defense load (and a few loaders use that bullet in .38 loads, I'll pass) But the new rubber tipped Hornady FTX looks interesting. I have never seen or shot one, though. Can't help you with that one either.

cocojo

I wish they still made the DPX in non +p but the reason they stopped was that the bullets were unstable and key holed badly. I use the Nyclads in my snubs. The most accurate bullets in my guns are the remington 110's but they won't open up and expand. I also like the critical defense ammo non +P 110.

AZ Desertrat

I agree.....nothing wrong with 110's....I load a lot of Hornady 110gr. XTP...they shoot very well....Winchester Silver Tips get good reports.

__________________
"Never advance cheerfully on your late opponent without reloading. You may have used your last round, and he may not be properly dead and still spiteful." Major Hugh Pollard, 1920

Glock 19, 20. FNP9, Taurus 85UL, Beretta 92
S&W M29, 60, 66, 686, 10, 36, 40, 42, 64, Ruger Single Six

retsupt99

I have the lighter grain silver tip for my S&W 637, and it's a bit easier for my wife to handle....they work very well.

__________________
"That I cannot do."

"Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks."


***********************************

NRA Life Member

gold40

I doubt that it matters whether you use 110's or 125's in your .38 snubbie. Either will do the job!

gold40

JerryM

Although I do not have test results readily available I am under the impression that 110 gr bullets do not penetrate sufficiently in many cases. Isn't that the reason that the 158 gr SWCHP is preferred round by so many users?

I do not want less than 9 inches penetration and 12 is better. Do any of you have figures? I would fear that the 110 grainers might make too shallow a wound on a very large individual. Some of the bikers in gangs I have seen on TV would need 12 inches I think.

Regards,
Jerry

Superhouse 15

I do remember seeing evidence of instability in the few rounds of 110 (non +P) DPX we tested. A regular customer gave us a few rounds out of his only box. The two we recovered had one "finger" expand open and one partially open. I have a crappy cell phone pic somewhere....

nn

I have shot some non+P critical defence and hydrashok, both 110gr and thought both were good and nasty on soft tgts. Used an LCR.