The BEST .38 Special Snub Nose Loads YOU Should Carry

[@GunSam]

I have an updated version of this video with A LOT more in depth information and is backed by more in depth testing! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKfVhoeOrLWqmNE&t=

[@dirtpitoutdoors2045]

Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ love your videos Sam! Keep up the awesome work!

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

Try painting the bullet with a black Sharpie before you Cronograph it will take care of the problem with the shiny Jacket not reading.

[@peterraab5920]

Is it true that plus P ammo is wasted in a 2-in or snub nose revolver? Plus P power needing to be harnessed in at least a 4-in barrel?

[@agvulpine]

It seems you set your updated video to Private, so we can no longer view it. Would you consider giving us your top picks for 2022?

[@firey5]

@@peterraab5920 From what I consider a reliable source, the short answer to that is... Decades ago, your statement was valid. The way I understood it, +P ammo used to simply be extra powder in the casing, as it was most often going to be used in the 4 inch revolvers that most law enforcement were equipped with at the time. Nowadays, +P is made more so with a different powder formulation to ensure a faster burn, as most ammo companies are now making them on the understanding that it's most likely going to be used in some variant of snub nose revolvers. As long as you have new ammo that isn't 30-40 years old, you should be fine.

[@dieselviper7811]

This is one of the best gun channels on the KZbin machine. The best for a revolver guy

[@GunSam]

Thank you very much!

[@GunSam]

I took it down lol. It didn't get views anymore, and made my channel look funny

[@GunSam]

My problem with that video, is that it did not look like a 28 year old man shooting in 2008. I figured, with that video making me look so young, it might take away from my credibility when I tell people, I have 25 years experience shooting firearms regularly.

[@KevinSmithdc]

I watch Sam's channel and Paul Harrell. Sam's channel is phenomenal. He takes the time to explain stuff, gives useful tips and valuable information in a very down to earth fashion. One of the best tips I got from Sam is to train and practice in a double action only snubnose (because it will force me to improve all aspects of my marksmanship). Then when I go shoot my big full size guns (like my Beretta 92FS, or my Sig Sauer P226) they're easy in comparison. He's 100% right. I don't have a 342, I have a 642, and while it's difficult to hit things, training on it DOES improve other stuff.

[@GunSam]

Thanks Kevin!

[@Mikey5-O]

Nice video. I’m a retired LEO and use both Gold Dot and Hornady Critical Defense.

[@patrickkinney4998]

I mulled this over for years. I finally just loaded all my .38s with 158 grain lswc and settled with that. I’m happy with it.

[@tyronelylesjr]

plus p or standard?

[@shanescatsandcannabisfarm2965]

I have 158gr SWCHP'S in my S&W 640.. Before them I had regular 148gr wadcutters...

[@katrinasmith7576]

I agree with you on the critical defence for the snubnose 38 +P. I personally find it more than adequate self defence. I have no trouble hitting my target with enough velocity to make me feel secure in the knowledge I can protect myself and 3 grandchildren in any situation. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@GunSam]

I have done a lot more testing since this video and believe it or not the 129 gr Hydrashok is even better. It's an odd duck because it's relatively heavy, has a tad more power than the Critical Defense and does more damage, but in a wood penetration test it penetrated the least. Most .38 Special rounds don't deform in wood, but the Hydrashok did which was unexpected with it's thick jacket. It's my carry round when I do carry a .38 Special.

[@shanetomlinson561]

Ive just acquired a .38 snubnose and was curious about my best options for ammo. I had read that +P rounds were a waste for such short barrells because they dont allow for enough burn time. The first two videos from you that I watched both anwered any questions I had. Very informative and I am now a subscriber. I look forward to searching through your library. Thank you.

[@ratagris21]

Always remember that on revolvers in .38 special revolvers like victory revolvers you can shoot 90 grain to 158 grain, but no +P. Semi wad cutters don't disappoint and when doubt go old school. Thank you for all your insights on these cartridges.

[@robaldridge6505]

200 grainers

[@shadowwolf2524]

I'm an old timer. Before the internet, all the gun magazines recommend the 148gr wadcutters for defense back then. Handloading them backwards, with the large hollow end frontwards was also popular. But I've just normally used the 158gr LRN. I have tried various plus P HP's. But I have seen them have very shallow penetration.

[@thebluesrockers]

@@shadowwolf2524 If someone had to shoot someone with a 38 special, would it be better for the bullet to expand and stay in the person, or not expand and go out the other side? Just wondering your take on that. Peace..

[@shadowwolf2524]

@@thebluesrockers It's kind of a toss up I figure. I normally load the 158gr LRN in my 38 revolvers that are not Plus P rated. And I go back and forth on the carry rounds for my Plus P rated 38's. I currently have Federal Punch 120gr Plus P hollow points in my S&W 642 airweight 38. It is one of my main carry guns. Before i picked up the Punch ammo, I had the 158gr LRN in it. I have also carried Hornady 110gr plus P hollow points and some 125gr standard pressure Nyclad hollow points in the 642. I do change up the carry ammo in it from time to time. Just depends on my mood. LoL. I'm honestly not sure how to answer your question. Unlike alot of people, I have some real life experience with both types of rounds. In several calibers, including 38's. I was raised on a farm in the 70's. And helped Dad out around the place until just last year when he passed at 81. One of my chores was shooting beef and hogs that we raised and butchered. And, I also did most of the varmint and pest control of various critters that had to be dispatched. round nose, FMJ and hollow points all worked pretty good. The most important thing was shot placement. Not caliber or bullet type. I did notice the non hollow point ammo had better penetration than the hollow points. And they non hollow points tended not to pass through, even though some people worry about them doing so. The various caliber hollow points did have good expansion most of the time, but they also had very shallow penetration. But with an accurate hit, did go in deep enough to do the job quickly. So the bottom line, shot placement is the key. In my experience - it doesn't matter much either way. Both work just fine. If the bullet does go clean through, it hits more organs and the target has two holes instead of one. The bullet could hit a bystander if it does so. But most of the time, with, no matter the caliber, the bullets didn't exit. And I did see hollow points exit once in awhile too. I do enjoy watching bullet test in gel, like we all do. But I do think we kinda over think the subject sometimes. Just remember - SHOT Placement ! One very accurate one or several mostly accurate ones.

[@thebluesrockers]

@@shadowwolf2524 thanks for your advice. I understand why you said you carry + P ammo, And now I also see why some people actually choose SWC for self defense. Before your statement I really couldn't understand the SWC for a defense round, but I guess for some people that might be their best, or most accurate round. It's funny though how you watch several video's on the same ammo, even with the same 2' barrels, and some of those tests are completely different results. What's your opinion on th PMC ammo for a practice round? are those an accurate LRN, or do you have any idea? I got a decent deal on those last month. Brass, Lead, and 132 gr. I ended up paying $106.00 for 200 rds. That sounds so bad doesn't it. hahaha, to think that's a good deal these days. hahaha..It's highway robbery, that's for sure. Out of all the people I've asked questions to, you've been the most helpful. Thanks for all your time. Prepper Gun shop has low shipping, that's where I scored mine. I won't but re-loads. 856 taurus. 2". PMC 132 gr. any good you think?

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you Sam. I like your recommendations. This weekend I'm carrying my Ruger LCRx with 3" barrel loaded with Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr +P. Appreciate your comments on Gold Dot. I carry Gold Dot in my 9mm and 45 acp pistols. Really appreciate all the work you put in for these presentations!

[@GunSam]

Thank you. And lately I been carrying the Buffalo Bore Tac-Xp 110 gr standard pressure, as it has about the same power (a tad more) than the 110+P Critical Defense. It performs well but I never tried it until after I made this video.

[@Me2Lancer]

@@GunSam Thanks!

[@michaelgauthier7790]

I have a Taurus 605 and you took a lot of the work out of finding the right ammo.Thank You.

[@johnmorganjr769]

I now carry the Hornady CD 110 GR. .38 spl. +P in my S&W 442. You sold me! Thank you for doing all that testing! God Bless.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. I have a new list and it's still on it, but with my new testing medium the Federal Hydrashok 129 gr+P, the Winchester PDX1 130 gr+P, the Underwood (Gold Dot) 125 gr+P, the Underwood 158 gr st pressr LSWCHP, and the Sig Sauer 125 gr+P JHP all gave me in my test what would be equivalent to 15" of ballistics gel penetration (and through fiber board/bologna/denim) and all expanded to 1.5 times or greater.

[@spacetrucker2952]

Federal premium hydra shok is what I have carried for 30 years. It's damn good ammo.

[@HillTrekkerSarge]

As an LEO I carried a S&W 442 as backup and off-duty. I simply loaded it with 130 grain FMJ military ball ammunition (had acquired several boxes of it). I figured with the short barrel no load is going to perform as intended and being that for me it was a pistol carried to extricate myself from a bad situation, and not for a prolonged gunfight, I simply want the bullet to penetrate through clothing and into the bad guy's body and also I practiced quite a bit of head shots and pelvic girdle at very close range (five yards and under) with the pistol and with that placement bullet type doesn't matter. Hurt/stop the bad guy, back off to a safe spot and wait for the sounds of sirens, or as an LEO on duty retrieve the patrol rifle or shotgun at that point.

[@digschopper9321]

Very logical. I've been thinking wadcutters .

[@andrewcleveland]

Very sound plan, I also carry a 442 a lot. I’m still a big believer in the hardcast semi wadcutter, and also the regular wadcutter.

[@shadowwolf2524]

@@andrewcleveland I've carried J frames and other snubbie 38's over the years. My current carry 38's are an older stainless Rossi 88 and a S&W 642 (it's a Ladysmith. I'm a 6'-220 lb guy. But I love my lady lol). I go back and forth on carry ammo. Just depends on the day of the week and my mood I guess. But my main carry round always ends up being the ole 158 gr LRN. I've seen several HP's have very shallow penetration overall. I practice head and groin shots up close. Choosing a 38 round to carry for defense can make a guys head spin !

[@sw1412]

That was my all around fav carry piece. I prefered the hamerless. As a civilian I belive if I can't get out with 5 rnds or less I'm in over my head

[@davidr.5749]

@@digschopper9321 148gr HARD CAST WAD CUTTERS LOADED WITH 5-GRAINS OF UNIQUE GUN POWDER IS WHAT I USED FOR YEARS IN MY SNUB NOSE REVOLVERS. IT WILL GO THROUGH EVERYTHING AND WILL PUT DOWN ANY ATTACKER EVERY TIME WITH TWO ROUNDS WHEN NEEDED UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. AND ALWAYS PUT TWO ROUNDS IN HIM. JUST REMEMBER, THE FBI TRAINS THEIR AGENTS TO SHOOT UNTIL THE BAD GUY IS NO LONGER A THREAT. NOTHING IN LIFE IS PERFECT!

[@dirtpitoutdoors2045]

Agreed brotha. Hornady has been the best overall performance from all my tests. Good video!

[@DocRock83]

Thanks for this video. I recently started concealed carry and got my LTC and I have the same gun (S&W .38 Spc Revolver) as you do in the video for my EDC CC so the info was especially helpful to me. Ammo is hard to find and expensive as you know right now so I can feel confident with the ammo I choose without having to expend the time or money to test it as you already did. Thanks again for the video.

[@dougreid2351]

Thanks for the info! Low key delivery, comprehensive review of the market, and I trust your judgment because you are "walking the walk," and carrying a .38, as I do. Thanks again!

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching. Also after the video, I have found the Remington HTP 125+P and Buffalo Bore Tac-XP 110 standard pressure to be as adequate as the top 3 I listed.

[@J.R.F.23]

After a lot of consideration, watching the ballistics on numerous videos and reading many articles from firearms experts... I went a different route as to my carry ammunition in a 38 special revolver. First off my carry revolver is a S&W 442 DAO (without the internal lock). This revolver is made well, has a proved track record and is super easy to conceal. I added a set of Altmont G10 trips which give my pinky a small area of rest, to allow for a better grip. Considering it's barely over 1lb loaded; a good grip is essential to being able to shoot this gun faster, yet still accurate. With higher power loads, the kick on this (or any Air Weight Revolver) is fairly high; so a lower power round is easier to shoot. Many lower power loads are FMJ or LRN, which tend to change trajectory when it hits a hard barrier or bone. So I went with a "Target Round" instead. I chose a 148 grain "Full Wad Cutter". It' kicks less that most carry rounds; so follow up shpts are easier. It is an accurate round, staying straighter than many other types of ammunition; and lastly the 90 degree angles on the face of the round do better against slight barriers and bone... While still causing better tissue disruption, than a FMJ or LRN.

[@GunSam]

Only problem is a JHP will still penetrate over 12" in gel after a bone impact simulation which shows adequate penetration. You will get 8" to 10" with a wadcutter, unless it's a Buffalo Bore or Underwood hard cast wadcutter.

[@thealsatian4232]

Any failure to fire scares the hell out of me! If I get one, that’s enough. Thanks for posting this video.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@urirendonownerpurebrokersl8099]

This may sound crazy but I live in south FL and keep my two EDC pistols in my vehicle and my suitcase daily. Not sure if it is the heat or humidity down here but I’ve had a two FTF situations twice over the last 5 years.

[@oldcop18]

Uri Rendon Owner, Pure Brokers LLC I’m not sure it’s the best idea to leave a gun locked in your car. I saw too many guns stolen from cars and wound up in the wrong hands.

[@rockjohnson2879]

You make some valid points. Nothing like taking results form actual shooting . 27 year LEO. Carried 38 spl most of my career. Both snub and 4 inch barrels. 158 grain lead ball effective but not best choice. I found and have seen actual results of OJS. 158 gain lead smi wad cutter. Very effective. All other HP will make nice holes. Very little or no expansion. It boils down to shot placement. Any thing worth shooting is worth shooting twice. I find gold dot and Buffalo bore is king. My experience is that you don’t want to get hit with any 38 spl.

[@dougreid2351]

Yup. Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. +P shoots as well in my gun as I can shoot, good second shot f/u, and reasonable expansion. I would like to spend less for them but they are a lot less than several other "modern" but unproven brands. This is my carry choice as well.

[@shredders3881]

I've watched several "Best Knife" videos, so I was a little nervous toward the end of this. THANK YOU sooooo much for NOT ending the way the goofballs in the knife videos do, when they conclude with: "The best knife is the one you have with you." ARGH!!!

[@likehellicant365]

😂😂👏👏

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Well that's easy. The best knife is the 3 dot 1980-81 Buck 110. It's settled science. Sorry, had to. I know what you mean about those comments though as I am an avid knife guy.

[@usernamesrlamo]

Completely agree on the Hornady Critical Defense 110gr +P …Never disappoints! My honorable mention are 138 wadcutters. They punch some crazy holes in everything I shoot. And as a last resort if you can’t get the Hornadys or wadcutters, I’d simply do a 158gr lead nose. You can find the Federals everywhere and they get some really good penetration, if not over penetrate.

[@richardziemies8373]

I HAVE BEEN USING A 130 GRAIN FLAT NOSE FMJ ROUND FOR SELF DEFENSE. IT HAS ME SUPERISED ME ATOST. SHOT A WILD BOAR GUARDING US AND FROM 2 OF MY .38 SMITH AND WESSON 64 3 AND 4 INCH,IT WORK WELL. ONE SHOT,DROPPED THE BOAR ONE TIME BETWEEN THE EYES. I WAS LUCKY.

[@Cousinsjay]

Very good information. Exactly what I was looking for as a person who just purchased a Colt Night Cobra and about to buy rounds this week. Thank you

[@chrismagnum06]

Me also!pick min up in 2 days.

[@frederickthompson8686]

This guy is the real deal. Smart and a good communicator.

[@surgeonwithagun6793]

Agreed on the Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain. XTP is poor in 38 Snub Nose. I would choose Critical Defense, Remington Golden Saber or Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel whichever the shooter could consistently shoot well...accuracy is the most important at the end of the day. :)

[@rpbajb]

A personal note concerning Buffalo Bore ammo. I've shot the 158 gr lead SWC for years in the STANDARD PRESSURE version, using a very light Smith and Wesson Model 37. I've never had bullet pull.

[@rb7994]

Glad you did the work that I'm too lazy to do. This is exactly the ammo I use for my 642 airweight so I was hoping it was the winner :)

[@davidfennelly8385]

Thanks for all the real world testing and setting all us snubby lovers straight

[@donnadonna9907]

Great video!! After all that testing and years of experience, you are the man. Even I have gotten away from the high-end ammo. Sometimes old school is the best. Thanks again have a great day!! Rich 😁😁👍👍🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GunSam]

Thanks! The Winchester classic semi jacketed hollow point really surprised me for sure.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

Love this channel. Great because you actually talk about revolvers. I love revolvers and especially 38’s. I carry critical defense myself. Great round. Thanks as always.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. Thanks for watching! I like all handguns, but my niche is .38 Special, and .44 Mag/Special-but I don't currently own one. I also love the .45 ACP semi auto, I just love the cartridge.

[@alexandermfernandez9283]

I have many different types of .38 special +Ps' , and standard pressure rounds which I too have experimented with . My greatest concern with snubbies is the loss of velocity inherent with short barreled firearms . I agree with your pick of the Hornady 110gr +P. However , I find that the traditional 158gr swc or even r.n. lead standard pressure rounds are equally as effective . They provide deep penetration , and the more things (Organs) you hit within the human body , the greater the blood loss . Just my opinion ! I did enjoy the Video , and it's obvious that you're an extremely well-informed individual regarding ballistics . I learned a few things that I had no idea about ; the .38 special Silver-Tips was one . Thank you for sharing your findings , and your opinion . WELL DONE !

[@GunSam]

Thank you. That's the usual debate with .38 Special and .357 Magnum, we have tons of guys that LOVE the 158 gr bullet in many styles, and then we have a lot of 125 gr fans, some 110 gr fans and so on. Lately I been leaning towards 135 gr with a snub nose .357 Magnum as being the ideal load, with .38 Special I am still a 110 gr and 125 gr man! Thanks for watching.

[@ddwchamp]

The .38 Gold Dot short barrel ammo always worked for me. The Hornady 38 38 Critical Defense & Hornady has a higher weight 38 round that performs well. Thanks for the video.

[@aglastlead7170]

The Federal 125 grn. Nyclad is an excellent round for a snub if you can find them classic load in regular or plus p.

[@shadowwolf8872]

I got some of these with an older Rossi stainless 88 I picked up at a great deal. It is currently loaded with this load. In some testing I did it seems to have shallow penetration. But I'm sure it would do just fine in an up close fight.

[@828enigma6]

Excellent choice, except no longer made. I've a box or so of it I'm saving for my aluminum frame Colt Cobra. Never saw any +P, just regular.

[@lookythat2]

I have a box of +P and a box of standard pressure 125gr. They are among my "Precious" loads. I don't understand why they were discontinued. Soft lead wrapped in a nylon jacket seemed like a brilliant idea to me. What do I know? They also briefly made a 158gr "FBI Load" Nyclad.

[@mikey3800]

@@lookythat2 supposedly cost killed the nyclads....If you reload, I think they can be duplicated. Instead of a nylon jacket use a powder coat

[@lookythat2]

@@mikey3800 I would think nylon would be cheaper (and more readily available) than gilding metal, but like I said, what do I know? My guess is they couldn't sell them, because the shooting public didn't trust a non-traditional jacket material, ie, they had a marketing problem. "I'm NOT using a nylon bullet and you can't make me." There may have been an accuracy question as I recall but my guns shoot them just fine. The issue with powder coat is, underneath the coating, you still have a hard cast bullet. The whole concept of the Nyclad is you can vary the lead hardness, as well as the thickness of the nylon, to achieve the degree of upset (expansion) desired, with whatever velocity you have to work with. The non-plus P .38 125gr expanded to .60" -- this was back in the early 90s, when that kind of performance from a .38 was pretty much unheard of. That was close to a backwards-loaded soft lead HBWC load in terms of expansion. BTW, they also produced a 9mm Nyclad -- 124gr I think -- that had a pretty good street record, for whichever agency briefly used it.

[@coskier1969]

I've shot quite a bit of Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP quite a bit. I've had no bullet creep. It is a stout load. It comes down to practice. Jerry Miculek can put 6 rds of 44 mag on target in 1 sec. I like shooting 454 Casull and 44 mag in a Smith and Wesson model 329 which is a 25 oz gun. It's about practice and a good grip, get rid of those wood grips and get some good rubber grips.

[@frankbiz]

Great review, thanks. I have a S&W 642 38 special +p and will start using your #1 choice ammo. 👍🏻

[@tires2burn]

The Gold Dot is my carry. If the recoil is a little heavy no matter what you use, just remember that when it comes down to pulling the trigger you won't notice the recoil.

[@GunSam]

I didn't recall much recoil with it myself, maybe a little more jolting because the 135 gr, but not too bad.

[@oldcop18]

Your top pick, the Critical Defense 110 +P, is what i carry in my 340PD. I was stuck on the old FBI load based on my street experiences (three OIS in thirty years) but the titanium guns were not around in those days. I find the Critical Defense +P easy to control which is an extra plus in my book.

[@shadowwolf8872]

Would you mind to share your experiences with them with us. I'm curious how they performed.

[@oldcop18]

@@shadowwolf8872 The first OIS was w/the old round nose lead 158 grain and it dropped a burglar who was pointing a sawed off shotgun at me. The 1974 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects w/the same load did not work as well. One suspect absorbed several rounds of center mass hits before succumbing. My last one was w/the old FBI hollow point when I had to take out a hostage taker @ arm’s length w/my issued Model 15 and he went down fast.

[@shadowwolf8872]

@@oldcop18 Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. I'm very interested in hearing from people who have actual experience on this subject. I've always liked the old 158 he LRN. I've got that load in my non plus p rated Rossi snub nose. In my SW snub I've got 110 he Hornady plus p. I'm not a big fan of light weight bullets really, but I bought several boxes of it on sale, before this ammo shortage hit us. What are your thoughts on this load? Im glad you managed to survive those incidents. What is your carry gun and ammo now? My main etc is a Glock 40 caliber model 23. I've currently got Geco 180 he fmj flat nose in it. I sometimes carry my SW snobby for backup. If I want to or have to go lighter, I just pocket carry my SW or carry my Rossi in a Focus hip holster. I was carrying my Phoenix Arms 22 auto as my small pocket gun for awhile, but now my SW has taken it's place. Once again, thanks for the info. I just reread your 1st comment and seen your opinion of the 110 he hornady plus p. Sorry I forgot about that.

[@oldcop18]

@@shadowwolf8872 Apologies for not getting back to you sooner but I just saw this. My current EDC is the 340PD, or LCP, depending on circumstances or my mode of dress. I still carry the 110 grain +P hollow points mostly b/c this load handles easily in my 11.5 oz revolver. The LCP is loaded w/Federal 90 grain HP.

[@tonyv8925]

Back in the day, my duty carry round was the semi jacketed 125 gr soft nose in a model 15 with 4" barrel. At 10 yards reasonable expansion, controllable recoil and accurate.

[@GunSam]

It's a good bullet, even a 110 gr at a measly 800 FPS will expand those bullet styles. I have noticed in my ballistic testing that soft nose .38 Special do just as well as 9mm, with the exception of hard barriers.

[@clancyhellige7260]

I have a 15-3 and it is very accurate, luv it.

[@missipemudbug]

You did fine! Excellent iinformation for several types of .38 ammo +P is also what I use. My .38 revolvers are ALL U. S. STEEL revolvers. Not very comfortable to carry my 6 round .38's but at lease you don't forget you have it on you. Better than those aluminum revolvers w ith just a steel barrel. I am an old retired KC,MO. Police Sgt., many years retired. But today you can buy the Model 10 S&W that is +p rated. I retired before they started making us carry the semi-aujto's. My S& W Model's 10 & 15 today is still my fav revolvers. Today they have to carry 16 - 20 something rounds. A lot of the new kids arn't rptating their clips weekly and that leads to a big fat JAM from week clip springs. Today I am old and lretired on the Gulf Coast of MIss. 50 Mi N/E of New Orleans. Miss. allows conceal or open carry (your choice.) So I still go weekly to an indoor range not far from my house. Take care and keep talking about the wheel guns. As my old Range Master Used to tell us, if you can't take down your target down with 6 rounds, then you need to throw your piece hard at em & run. lol.

[@2greeksandacamera]

Really appreciate your intelligent analysis in clear easy to understand presentations. We learn a lot from each of your videos and we’re not beginners.

[@jamiemartin1793]

Love my Glocks. But I always end up with a Taurus 856 UL. In my pocket.

[@georgiahomeboyy9855]

same

[@kwmulligan]

Interesting...I'm new to revolvers...I'm curious as to why..I'm thinking of picking up the 856 to stash in the kitchen as a go to gun just in case, in addition to my other firarms. I'm an M&P guy. Why would you replace the glock with this? The glock most likely has more rounds, etc...Thanks in advance for any info.

[@xxxYYZxxx]

@@kwmulligan Glocks are for "combat", but the revolver is ideal for "self defense". In terrifying surprise situation, you want the simplest point and shoot device possible. If necessary, carry the Glock as the backup, not the other way.

[@butsmash]

@@kwmulligan ease of carry, because most people will carry what is most convenient vs what has the most rounds. The 856 UL is maybe 1lb empty.

[@edsal26]

I trust revolver Sam’s recommendation as I know he researches and tests everything Thanks again!

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Great video, as always. I've used Hornady Critical Defense for years, in both revolvers and semi-autos. For my Smith and Wesson, I use +p, and for my Rock Island Armory, standard pressure, as that gun isn't +p rated (although they Armscor does say you can use +p occasionally).

[@GunSam]

+P for .38's really isn't anything to worry about. I think 18,500 PSI is the max pressure, 17,000 PSI for standard pressure. The .357 Mag is at 35,000 PSI. A few +P's truly shouldn't be a problem.

[@Desperado3248]

I have carried and shot 2 inch 48s for years, my favorites being the steel frame Colt Detective Special and the alloy frame Agent and Cobra I generally carry the Buffalo Bore non plus p -58 lhp in the alloy guns. It chronys 850 fps out of these revolvers and that is faster than most other plus lhp rounds. The next best round and the best for expansion through denim has been Speer Hold Dot 130 jhp . Hits 950 fps out of my Colts shoots closer to poa than 125 bullets. Honorable mention revolver S&W 60-7

[@jodythepig1]

Thank you for your time and effort for this one AND the rest I have watched!!

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

I got three fav channels now. You, Hitchcock and paul harrell. I like your info and testing ballistics. I commented earlier that your expansion test should be a better test medium but yours works very well. Love the vids, keep them coming.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. From what I understand, the FBI protocol is 12-18" penetration through heavy clothing, and this represents what is needed to penetrate a thoracic cavity through the side through an arm, yet still not pass through a body from a front on shot. My medium simple shows in water jugs about the same thing as I have it calibrated to knowing in what water jug is what comparison to gel.

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

@@GunSam i understand that and the water represents the bodies density Got ya. Keep making those vidios.

[@survivalkraft]

I had the same problem with the Remington Golden Saber on the range two weeks ago. 2 rounds in a box of 50 did not ignite on the first primer strike, but both went off on the second.

[@GunSam]

I have never even had that problem with the most questionable of my reloads. Remington needs to get it together.

[@heidiholiday1879]

Remington has gone to the dogs.

[@828enigma6]

May be the ammo, but I'd suggest you adjust the hammer spring to get a slightly heavier strike. This will increase the trigger pull slightly. Also, how was this ammo stored? Sometimes storge can affect the primer sensitivity.

[@tomrubino7009]

Hi Gun Sam ,I just wanted you to now that I carry a 38 snub nose all the time . I keep 158 grain rounds in it for protection and fine them suitable for me . Enjoy your videos keep them coming thanks Tom .

[@robertbraden461]

Excellent info. This site provides a vital service to those who wisely choose 38 revolvers for self defense. As our options for defense become more limited, with mag size limits and possible ban of semi auto "assault pistols", the 38 revolver may be one of the few handgun choices left to defend your family.

[@jamiemartin1793]

I agree. I carry the Hornady 110 grain critical defense in my Taurus 856 UL. Good stuff.

[@omgitsgrillo]

I also use the critical defense. Living in NY I also buy Hornady ammo because they refuse to sell to any NY State agencies becuase of the anti gun climate here. That makes me a loyal customer.

[@mmabagain]

Wow, didn't know that about Hornady. I buy them and will continue for sure now.

[@Love_lily-p1o]

A few years later, and we live in a different world. Hornady forced the vaxx on their employees. Haven't bought a box since.

[@828enigma6]

I'm loading my 357 Smith 649 with a load not commonly available. Winchester 110gr +P+ 38 Special. This apparently a government contract over run. It amounts to a low end 357 Magnum. One of the few loads I've found that will expand in the snub 649.

[@GunSam]

The output would probably be close to an energy level of .357 Mag but I highly doubt it's pressure was anywhere near .357 Mag. After my last period I put in the reply I looked it up, the Winchester 110 gr .38 Special +P+ is at 23,500 PSI. That's a decent jump from 17,000 of standard and 20,000 PSI of +P. I am pretty sure that any +P rated firearm could handle it fine. The data says 239 ft lbs energy from a 2" barrel which is decent. I have had a few +P loads hit that in a 2" barrel but the average +P is averaging maybe 210 ft lbs in a 2".

[@MPGunther1]

HST "Honorable Mention" carrier here. Use some vintage semi-wad cutters in my old snubbies

[@GunSam]

The HST isn't really "bad" but I was getting chronograph readings of like 880 fps in the summer and 780 fps in the fall. For a cartridge who's main claim is that the deep seating increases velocity consistency from shot to shot, while other ammo which makes no such claims such as 9mm Gold Dot whos average was 1,209 in the summer and 1,206 the winter, I just think that Federal should be more consistent with their claims.

[@stephenfoster3745]

Check out Luckygunner's evaluation of HST in gelatin through four layers of fabric. The HST had by far the best expansion opening to 0.71" and getting 12.5" penetration on five shot average. The others that you have mentioned here didn't do as well in the gelatin.@@GunSam

[@GunSam]

@@stephenfoster3745 HST has recently changed their formula for the .380 and .38 Special, decreasing the .38 Special down to 775 FPS in a snubby. I tested them in a slightly different medium of denim followed by bologna followed by particle board and water jugs to catch, and I got .704" expansion. Penetration was the same as anything else including many 9mm rounds by stopping in jug 2.

[@ek8652]

Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ so would you say that the most current HST in 380 and .38 are improved over the original?

[@Gieszkanne]

@@stephenfoster3745 Yes and i was supprised the FBI LSWCHP 158 gr load also dont expand from 2 inch. But the FBI had 3 inch S&W mod 10/64 and 13/65

[@GlenMones-le6yf]

Hydro shocks . Great Old School technology that still works..one of the loads that I carried back in 1990s in my NON +p charter arms off duty.. still good to this day

[@357Shakey]

Pretty interesting video. A couple of the ones you don't like are perennial favorites on other videos. I was thinking the Remington 125 grain Golden Sabre in particular. As an FYI, I carry a model 19 2.5 inch, but never with 357 ammo. You blow up an old K frame, it's gone forever. On the Federal HST, the price seems to be pretty good locally for being the new "hot" bullet. The real issue with those - they are hard to load from a speed loader. I ended up buying a seven hole speed strip so I could get my finger between them to load faster. However, I think I will end up going back to a more traditional bullet that loads easier. I need to try the Critical Defense. Everything else you showed (and a few more) I have tested in both my carry revolvers.

[@GunSam]

I have noticed a couple of things with the HST and Golden Saber as I have continued to test new versions of those. The first thing is that the last box of HST I tested was much much lighter loaded than the original box, I had about a 100 FPS drop in the second box over the original box. Now with the Golden Saber ammo I have tested more of it than my original testing and overall it's not bad ammo, however the way they load the bullets so far out causes a loss in accuracy somehow. I have tested them back to back with the .357 Magnum Golden Saber which uses the same bullet but with the cannelure in a different spot so that the .357 Magnum has the bullet deeper in the case than the .38 Special.I tested them both out of the same 2" Taurus 605 and the .357 Magnum grouped about 2" at y yards as where the .38 Special grouped maybe 6".

[@kylewood8327]

Edit…I’ve switched my carry revolver to a RIA ALFA -PROJ Model AL 3.1 snubby. It’s a .357/.38 and shoots either .38 +P’s or .357’s w/o issue. I carry a S&W 36, so no +P for me. But I do carry the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX 38 SPCL. The box doesn’t state the ft. lbs. but does state 1010 fps.

[@infjintegrityvsnarcissism7295]

I carry the exact same set up

[@joewilliam9315]

Big fan of Hornady Critical Defense FTX in any caliber.

[@GlenMones-le6yf]

Back in the olden days of the 1990s I had a charter arms off duty snub nose 38 special I still own it to this day love it.. but it was not rated for Plus P.. I used to carry standard pressure hydro shocks glad to see that they still made the mentionable list still doing their thing to this day even though bullet technology has advanced

[@terrancecook3357]

I like the standard pressure Critical Defense in my LCR. in the Lucky Gunner tests it penetrated slightly further than the +p but expanded slightly less.

[@JSSmith-to9pd]

Very nicely explained as to what you would choose and why. Nice to see testing of so many loads that might be considered for SD carry in a snub nose. Thanks for the video.

[@Dan-yw9sg]

I like your selections for the best performing rounds. My primary EDC is a 642 with the Hydroshok 110Gr. I get consistent groups at 20yrds. Thanks for sharing your experience with these rounds.

[@GunSam]

Thank for watching!

[@shadowwolf8872]

I've used 147 gr 9mm Hydra Shocks on varmints and pest around the farm. They have did just fine.

[@totallyfrozen]

I have an old S&W model 36 made around 1955. It’s loaded with Speer wadcutters. I’ll try the Federal Hydra-Shok. I avoid +P like the plague. I inherited this revolver and it has a history and backstory including a 2 year tour in Southeast Asia in the 1960’s. This handgun is a war veteran. If I damaged this revolver, I’d just die cryin’.

[@phillipternullo4934]

Snub Nose is for close up and personal . I don’t plan on missing close up with follow up shots either . So I’m using 158 gr. Hard cast Underwood with 555 pounds of energy and 1250 FPS . If someone’s trying to kill you you’re not going to worry about the recoil too much .

[@williamhuntley9909]

You won’t worry about the recall, but you still need to be accurate

[@erictalkington5674]

Dude, I LOVE 38 specials and I LOVE revolvers. That's all I carry ever. I have 2 S&W Mod 36's, both snub and square butt and both from 1971, one nickel with pearl magna grips and one blued with the old school walnut diamond magnas. I love them. One is one me and I keep the other in the truck. I have a 642 (1991) no dash with pearl magnas too that I carry once in a while and a snub Model 64 (1984) with original style walnut magnas as well but the last two I don't carry a lot. That is all I carry anymore, revolver only. I even got rid of a few of my autos to get old Smiths i only have 3 autos anymore and one is an old WWII nazi pistol so I never carry that one. I usually carry 158gr LRN or SJHP +p. Usually one in one and the other in the other. Speedstrips and loaders are a mix between the two. Why do you recommend lighter loads? Faster so it expands better? Just curious. Can't watch whole video because I'm busy at the moment. Recoil doesn't bother me at all even with the magnas so I don't mind shooting the +p. I have some Buffalo bore 357 mag 180gr LFN slugs for my little 5 shot Taurus and they are a beast! Very strong rounds I like them, but only shot a few boxes so not too sure on quality.

[@SierraBravo347]

I got rid of all my semiauto guns too, and went back to wheelies. I'm just Better with them. People discount revolvers because the "limited capacity"....I wish I had a Dollar for every time some Keyboard Commando has said that. 🙄 I don't give two squirts of a fuck about having 300 round of 9mm on me....I'm not a cop and I AIN'T in combat. BUT....I will put 5 Well Placed .38 or .357 mags in your ass post hast. I like the look of wood grips, but you'd do yourself a favor by putting some Hogue Tamers or similar grip, you'll get a better grip on it, making it easier to control. 👍

[@norby0418]

Good video but I carry the FBI load or just a 158 SWC

[@swkohnle08]

Great information. As someone who will carry a S&W 442 in summer or when it’s impractical to carry my G19, this is a good informative video for .38 Special +P options. Thanks.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hogrider177]

This is what I carrying all my carry guns including my 642.

[@adrianotero7963]

I live in South Florida......don't need to worry about 4 layers of denim......a tee shirt and then flesh......

[@digschopper9321]

I'm in central Florida, I'm curious,how do you conceal in shorts and flip-flops? I'm a northerner,never had this problem before moving here.

[@adrianotero7963]

@@digschopper9321 I carry a Taurus 38 non view.....very small and light 38...most of my shorts have either CARGO pockets or simple deep pockets.....I buy them accordingly... they are not quick draw......my goal is not quick draw macgraw......but to have something to draw when the time is right.

[@joehelvey5794]

If you live in Florida you don’t have to worry about denim. But you do have to worry about 3 layers of sweaters!

[@davehoward2791]

I’m in Gulf Coast Alabama and no, we don’t worry about 4 layers of denim either. Even in winter here it’s a t-shirt, maybe a light sweater then flesh. My EDC is a .25 ACP with hardball and, after watching Sam’s videos, a 100-year old Hand Ejector .32 S&W Long with full wadcutters. Neither print in cargo shorts with flip flops, and a full spread from either solves any 2-legged problems, lol.

[@Adam-si9fi]

@@digschopper9321 Get a holster lol

[@DanTheWolfman]

Here is my Combat Revolver CCW Action Shooting Highlight w/ various revolvers kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqqTnZuHas2Jo5I and here is link to my new Combatives & Street Jiu-jitsu DVD bjjfanatics.com/products/combatives-and-street-jiu-jitsu-by-dan-the-wolf-man-theodore

[@terrywaters6186]

My thought on the Critical Defense is it doesn't expand much although it seems to expand reliably. Look at an expanded critical defense next to an expanded HST and I have to believe the HST would cause more tissue damage with those cutting edges.

[@dannysmith6035]

Love the 38 special & sticking to it! 🔫👍

[@donnadonna9907]

I quickly looked at Hornadys website and only found one critical defense. Maybe the one I ordered was a different round. Oh well I'll try it and let you know. I'll have to take a couple of hours and look real close when my eyes are better. Rich

[@jeffadams9807]

I Carry A S&W 442PC .38+P, My Ammo Of Choice Is The Hornady Critical Defense 110gr +P HP Ammo... Great Video...

[@sean0181]

I agree i been going back and forth with the critical defense and the golddots but lately its been the gold dots and a safariland speed loader with the critical defense in my pocket ,faster to slap them in.great video as always.

[@GunSam]

Lately I been carrying the Buffalo Bore standard pressure TAC-XP as they perform great.I didn't try them until after I made this video, but I did a video on the TAC-XP and they were very good.

[@somethingsmith3242]

Regardless of round, go heavy and you will be fine.

[@donnadonna9907]

Ruger has some 357 GP 100 revolvers that are convertible. You can shoot 357, 38 special +p or 9mm. It would be great for comparing 357 vs 9mm out of the same gun. Also Buffalo bore has a 110 grain standard pressure ( high end ) for snubbies. Only ever saw one video on it. Great expansion in a mean gel block. Have a great day!! Rich

[@simplicityrm]

I have tested very much the same test you have along with 10% gel and I pretty much run the critical defense/duty in all my defensive handguns but the one load to me as far as 38special is concerned is the "FBI" load 158gr semiwadhp +p load. Not quite as hot as the buffalobore. (Your right it is stout) I found it got great exspansion and on the average about 2 more inches in penetration then the lighter rounds in my gel tests. Hence the reason I have stuck with it.

[@islandboy9580]

semi wad is edc, very underated.

[@adrianotero7963]

The FBI load is a very good round, but fired from a 4 inch....from a J frame it is very underpowered and most likely will not expand properly.....out of a 4 inch it is a very dependable round indeed.

[@rascal0175]

What I have personally seen are the effects of a Nyclad 125 gr. +P hollow point in .38 Special. Not only did it expand, it fractured the skull in 2 places and the brain was expelled through the nose. The coroner doing the post and removing the bullet lost it and had to be restrained temporarily. Based on a total of 3 shootings with Nyclad that I was involved with, ‘I can say that round functions as designed.

[@MegaAppleshit]

It's really too bad they don't make the Nyclad anymore. I have always heard good things about it.

[@rascal0175]

@@MegaAppleshit The whole point of Nyclad was to reduce lead particles and dust on indoor ranges. Then it got popular as a service round. It got discontinued, then returned. No idea what its status now.

[@alexmcgregor2854]

Honestly I like standard pressure FMJ.

[@Chief2Moon]

Alex McGregor I'm supremely confident "the bad guy" wouldn't laugh at the wound delivered from a standard pressure round, nor is he likely to notice the difference between hollowpoint of FMJ.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@Chief2Moon With fmj with low or standard pressure is even better than any high pressure! But I think if you want to go low wadcautters are better than fmj.

[@intj2948]

Just the topic I was looking for. Thanks for covering this information.

[@georgiahomeboyy9855]

best .38 snubbie video out there. thank you.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. And since the making of this video, I have discovered that the Remington HTP 125 gr+P and Buffalo Bore Tac-XP 110 gr standard pressure, are equally as good as my top 3 choices listed.

[@brentyoung7356]

From the water jug tests I saw in the video the 38spl performs about the same as a 380 auto with 90gr extreme penetrators. I have only seen the Lehigh version that is marked at 950 fps. From a G42 Lehigh ammo performs as advertised. The 380 made the first two jugs explode. The bullet stopped in the third jug but it made a good dent in the fourth jug.

[@dahdahbeautiful5150]

Federal and Hornady good ammo like them both good video man

[@GunSam]

They seem to both be good. Usually spot on with rated velocity, except for Hornady with their .357 Magnum ammo. Why they use an 8" barrel for all their .357 ammo is beyond me.

[@donnadonna9907]

I looked up the critical defense. Lucky Gunner was 21 dollars a box, target sports was 19.99. Midway had 2 versions, one was a little faster and about 50 ftlbs of energy. Both were 110 grain and were on sale. 17.59 and 17.99 respectfully. Time for some Christmas shopping!! Rich

[@GunSam]

I think the one is a standard pressure and one a +P in the 110 gr. Another version I do want to test is the Critical Defense lite. If it's claims are right, it's just as powerful as the 110+P but at a standard pressure 90 gr. Being standard pressure, I will imagine being a shorter bullet, they simply added a little more powder, either that or the same powder charge as the 110 gr+P, and because the bullet is seated less deeply on the 90 gr, it brings that pressure down to standard pressure. Either way it would be interesting to test, but lets face it, the real reason I haven't tested it is that IF it does test well, no man wants to carry ammo with pink tips!

[@donnadonna9907]

@@GunSam might be but the numbers weren't that much difference. But I ordered the more powerful ones. Lucky Gunner , and Target sports USA both had the weakest one. I was very specific about what I asked Google. I usually buy from Lucky Gunner when possible to help with testing. I'm impressed with your numbers though because hornyd

[@donnadonna9907]

Hornady uses an 8 in barrel for testing. Sorry I hit the send button by accident. Rich

[@Jim-sg3ro]

Thank you. Your top pick for critical defense is on point - recommended by my local shop as well as a couple of professionals

[@zdub8438]

It always comes down to the fundamentals. Shot placement is key. When I stop getting 11 inch groups at 25 yards and one hole groups at seven yards from my snubby, maybe then I'll shop around for something other than cheap target rounds. Expansion and permanent wound channels don't matter when you are aiming for corneas instead of center mass. I've never seen someone cause trouble with their eyeballs blown off their head but that's a risk I'm willing to take with my standard pressure boring FMJs.

[@fishing4happiness610]

Thanks for spending all the cash and time to review all these common ammo brands... very helpful!

[@bjs301]

The frustrating thing is that I want just one ammo that works best in all the calibers and barrel lengths I shoot, and there's no such thing. But keep up the good work. These videos are really helpful.

[@MegaAppleshit]

Critical Defense works pretty well for most calibers. 380, 38 special, 357 mag, and 9mm all have good results. (I'm sure that the 40 and 45 CD are good too, but I don't shoot those so I can't say either way.) It is rarely the best in a particular caliber, but they almost always are top 10.

[@dividualist]

I bought a S&W 442 about a month ago and went with Underwood 150 gr wadcutters as my main carry ammo, with a speedstrip of Federal Hydra-Shok 110 gr JHPs for a reload since the profile of a hollow point is easier to load into the chambers than a wadcutter.

[@atomicphilosophy]

Do the wadcutters make a noticeable difference in terms of recoil?

[@chrisalvarado9614]

I carry the FBI load.

[@MJM804]

@ThisnThatPackRat The old FBI load was .38 special 158gr. semi wadcutter lead hollow point. These are made by Winchester, Federal and Remington. The current load is Hornady 135gr. +P flex tip (critical defense) 9mm.

[@shadowwolf8872]

This load was the load back in the day when I was young and reading all my gun rags. It is still a very good choice in my opinion and I'm still very comfortable carrying it.

[@bdubb4684]

Critical Duty, not Defense....the duty is a far superior round out of 4+" barrels.

[@Gieszkanne]

from the tests of lucky gunner ammo they dont expand from 2 inch.

[@markmeador]

I hand load 158 grain wadcutters that are hard cast lead. I don’t have to worry about expansion and the hole starts at the.357 diameter. My hot loads are 700 fps out of a 2” barrel. I think I might try the 200 grain but I think the recoil will be hard to manage in a j-frame, we’ll see

[@inland85]

I use 148gr wadcutters in my snub nose they are flat and hit hard and they also hit point of aim and have less recoil !!!

[@SierraBravo347]

I believe that was what the FBI used prior to the Wonder 9 years.

[@chet3030]

The FBI used the +P 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoints back when they carried 3" S&W model 13. The 158 LHP +P is sometimes referred to as the FBI load.

[@frankfurtersmith6190]

I carry 150gr wadcutters from Underwood ammo. They are not +P, but are much hotter than the standard target load.

[@shadowwolf8872]

They were the non plus p load recommended by many back in my younger days. I have carried them before. I believe they will get the job done in an up close fight.

[@stevebarham8537]

Short barrel heavy bullets...proven.

[@alanpruett2217]

I use the standard pressure Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr in my Colt Detective Special. Interested in those 110gr Hydrashocks though. Thanks for this review. Now I’m going to watch the updated video you suggested.

[@franksoto3624]

158gr lead round nose is the best for self defense...heavy, better penetration and enough for any two legged beast...

[@strat1080]

There are hundreds of former NYPD officers that would disagree with you on this. That load is known as the widow maker because it was so ineffective it got many officers wounded or killed. Thats pretty much the worst 38 Spl load in existence for self defense purposes

[@jerichofalls8236]

Acceptable? Yea, for ccw at least. It'll certainly punch a deep hole in someone. But the best? I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. 158GR LRN was such a crappy man stopper that it was nicknamed the "widowmaker" after the wives of the officers that it failed as a duty load. It was actually commonplace to carry wadcutters in the gun with LRN as a reload to at least cut a blood letting wound because the LRN acted like an ice pick and sucked at incapaciting motivated threats. I like Federal's 38spl HST but they're so hard to find that I usually use wadcutters too (I'm sure I could find better but I just think they're cool) cheers and happy shooting!

[@scott2228]

Thanks for the info. Picked up my 1st revolver yesterday. A S&W J frame. Researching carry ammo!!!

[@BJWeed1]

I have found that Hornady critical defense is pretty much my overall choice for any gun I shoot from 380 up to 40 cal

[@GunSam]

I have found this too. Now in very hot ammo, there are better choices, but for anything like 380, 9mm, 38 and so on, it seems to perform well. Much beyond those power factors, the bullet starts to shred too much.

[@silenceismycanvas]

A video of the .38spl standard and Plus P XTP 110gr bullets handloaded vs Factory XTP loads, would be a ballistic nerds dream come true. Powders suggested: Bullseye and accurate #5 if possible. If not, whatever powder is on hand for you.

[@GunSam]

I have a hard time finding powder anymore. I did find that the 110 gr is a bit hard to load for, as in my tests I could never get it to have more energy than the 125 gr XTP. But, I could get a 125 gr XTP to about 950 FPS from a snub with 5.0 gr of Titegroup.

[@silenceismycanvas]

@@GunSam I got a 110gr xtp in 38 plus P to a average 1218FPS Energy 362 foot pounds with a safe load of autocomp. 4" barrel m66. Funny thing is this..... Marlin 18.5 inch recorded 1283FPS with same load. That said, I do not like AC for 38spl anything. Left that idea. Never gel tested.

[@DanielSmith-tn8un]

The best round to have in your gun is the round you have in the gun at the time you need it

[@natturnerlearner167]

By your logic, if I had snake shot in my gun and a bear is charging at me the snake shot would be the best ammo to put the bear down? Yeah, that makes sense to me too......

[@ChuckMothaEfenNorris]

Please.stop.

[@corporalpunish6089]

I really liked the format. Enjoyed the summary with the insets of the test. Got right to the point.

[@seaskoot1957]

I still like my old S&W model 36

[@Gluckstadt007]

Do you shoot +P's thru it? I have two 36's No Dash. I know +P have been shot thru them but I hear conflicting info about it. Looking for just a good 38 special defensive round. What do you think? Thanks Scott from Texas.

[@seaskoot1957]

@@Gluckstadt007 I have shot plus p thru mine but I don't like recoil. My favorite round for a snubby 38 is Remington htp ( high terminal performance ) 110 grain semi jacketed hollow point. They work great

[@richerich853]

I carry one often.😁

[@erictalkington5674]

@@Gluckstadt007 I have 2 also and +p is fine, but I wouldn't make it a regular habit just in case it does wear or the gun a little faster. I carry +p all the time. No recoil to mention.

[@shadowwolf8872]

@@Gluckstadt007 I too go back and forth on carry ammo for my non plus p rated Rossi snub 38. I'm currently carrying standard pressure 125 grain Federal Nyclads. They are a very soft lead HP with a blue nylon jacket. Nickel casings with a sealed primer. They are kinda pricey. Around a dollar each. They were the snubby load back in the day. But at times I load up with just a standard 158 grain LRN or a 130 grain FMJ flat nose. I honestly believe shot placement is much more important than bullet type. But I enjoy thinking about which is the better load. Just like most gun guys do.

[@mkshffr4936]

Buffalo Bore now has some nice looking FBI loads both standard and +P. WCs aren't a bad choice either for some applications.

[@_gabrielrios_4845]

Some SemiWadcutters 158 gr PPU?