Anyone know of a good .38 Spl defense round?

[JGalt]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

 

[MikeK]

158 grain dum-dum (flattened bullet nose) will do just fine. No need for exotic loads. The important thing is having the presence of mind to aim your shot. All center mass is good, but a .38 dum-dum right in the belly or the face is a stopper.

 

[JGalt]

158 grain dum-dum (flattened bullet nose) will do just fine. No need for exotic loads. The important thing is having the presence of mind to aim your shot. All center mass is good, but a .38 dum-dum right in the belly or the face is a stopper.

Thanks. That little thing is stupid accurate for only having a 2" barrel.. I took it to the range today and at 21 feet was getting 2" head and heart shot groups on a standard man-sized paper silhouette-sized target.

 

[fncceo]

Any jacketed hollow point will do you what you want.

 

[JGalt]

Any jacketed hollow point will do you what you want.

That's pretty much what I'm looking for, except all that the local Walmart carries is 130 grain FMP or +P.

I'm thinking of getting a set of dies for that caliber and working up a good load, but I'd never use handloads in a self-defense weapon, only commercial ammo.

 

[Mikeoxenormous]

Any jacketed hollow point will do you what you want.

That's pretty much what I'm looking for, except all that the local Walmart carries is 130 grain FMP or +P.

I'm thinking of getting a set of dies for that caliber and working up a good load, but I'd never use handloads in a self-defense weapon, only commercial ammo.

Cheap Guns, Bulk Ammo, Gun Parts & Accessories - Cheaper Than Dirt! - Cheaper Than Dirt

Mails your ammo right to your door, very quickly, I might add.

 

[Rambunctious]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ very accurate if you must shoot twice that's important....imo

 

[JGalt]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

 

[Rambunctious]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

So are you thinking you should go with a lead alloy round? they are softer...

 

[fncceo]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

Have you considered purchasing a new weapon?

 

[JGalt]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

Have you considered purchasing a new weapon?

I have lots of newer weapons, it's just that the wife has taken a shine to this one. So I Ieave it loaded and stashed at home where she can get to it if she needs it. There are also a couple 9mm pistols in places, shotguns, and the AK, but she seems to like the .38 for the simplicity of just pointing and pulling the trigger.

I've concealed-carried the Colt a couple times but unless I find a decent Bianchi or Galco leather holster, I'd leave it at home and carry my G19.

 

[fncceo]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

Have you considered purchasing a new weapon?

I have lots of newer weapons, it's just that the wife has taken a shine to this one. So I Ieave it loaded and stashed at home where she can get to it if she needs it. There are also a couple 9mm pistols in places, shotguns, and the AK, but she seems to like the .38 for the simplicity of just pointing and pulling the trigger.

Xmas is coming up.

 

[williepete]

That little thing is stupid accurate for only having a 2" barrel.

My wife can't print an impressive group with her 2" snubby. Not going to piss her off.

Check out the Glaser Safety Slugs. 100% energy transfer.

 

[JGalt]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

Have you considered purchasing a new weapon?

I have lots of newer weapons, it's just that the wife has taken a shine to this one. So I Ieave it loaded and stashed at home where she can get to it if she needs it. There are also a couple 9mm pistols in places, shotguns, and the AK, but she seems to like the .38 for the simplicity of just pointing and pulling the trigger.

Xmas is coming up.

Smith & Wesson 637 Airweight Pink Grips .38 Special+P priced at $553.00??

Gezus man, I don't have a money tree in my back yard. I have $20 invested in the Cobra.

 

[DarkFury]

158 grain dum-dum (flattened bullet nose) will do just fine. No need for exotic loads. The important thing is having the presence of mind to aim your shot. All center mass is good, but a .38 dum-dum right in the belly or the face is a stopper.

I carry one and offset my loads. First is a hollow point followed by a wad cutter.
Then another hollow point and so on.

 

[JGalt]

That little thing is stupid accurate for only having a 2" barrel.

My wife can't print an impressive group with her 2" snubby. Not going to piss her off.

Check out the Glaser Safety Slugs. 100% energy transfer.

That looks like it would hurt. A lot.

 

[fncceo]

.38 Spl +P 110 Grain JHP FTX stopping power....If you don't want +P than go with .38 Spl130 Grain FMJ

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

Have you considered purchasing a new weapon?

I have lots of newer weapons, it's just that the wife has taken a shine to this one. So I Ieave it loaded and stashed at home where she can get to it if she needs it. There are also a couple 9mm pistols in places, shotguns, and the AK, but she seems to like the .38 for the simplicity of just pointing and pulling the trigger.

Xmas is coming up.

Smith & Wesson 637 Airweight Pink Grips .38 Special+P priced at $553.00??

Gezus man, I don't have a money tree in my back yard. I have $20 invested in the Cobra.

Cost of a pink grip S&W —$553.

Look on the scrote’s face when he’s gut shot with a pink handgun — Priceless

 

[westwall]

I have a 50's model Colt Cobra in .38 Special that has an alloy frame, so I probably shouldn't use +P ammo in it. Most of the .38 Special ammo that isn't the high-pressure stuff is just round-nosed FMJ, which isn't much of a defensive load.

An interesting note though: The Colt Cobra with the 2" barrel is the exact same model Jack Ruby used to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald.

Does anyone even make low-pressure HP rounds in .38 Special?

I suggest the Federal premium 110 gr Hydra-shok. It's a non +P ammunition that should do the job for you.

38 Special Ammo - 20 Rounds of 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) by Federal

 

[JGalt]

The +P would do the job but unfortunately, that pistol was made in the 1950's and has an alloy frame. From what I'm reading, I shouldn't use the +P ammo. The top strap has some corrosion and the cylinder had some rust and surface pitting when I got her. I removed the rust and reblued the cylinder, but you can still see the pitting if you look close.

Have you considered purchasing a new weapon?

I have lots of newer weapons, it's just that the wife has taken a shine to this one. So I Ieave it loaded and stashed at home where she can get to it if she needs it. There are also a couple 9mm pistols in places, shotguns, and the AK, but she seems to like the .38 for the simplicity of just pointing and pulling the trigger.

Xmas is coming up.

Smith & Wesson 637 Airweight Pink Grips .38 Special+P priced at $553.00??

Gezus man, I don't have a money tree in my back yard. I have $20 invested in the Cobra.

Cost of a pink grip S&W —$553.

Look on the scrote’s face when he’s gut shot with a pink handgun — Priceless

...by a helpless, defenseless little woman, to add insult on top of injury.

 

[williepete]

That looks like it would hurt. A lot.

Not for long.

100% energy transfer = tremendous shock. Don't quote me but I seem to recall them advertising that a 9mm Glaser round delivers as much energy to a fleshy target as a .44 mag.

A high power round goes through a fleshy target and carries its remaining energy with it. A Glaser enters and disintegrates transferring all it's energy. It goes in and doesn't come out.

The only downside I've heard discussed over using Glasers is wintertime use where your opponent might be wearing a leather jacket or many layers of clothing.