Defense load recommendations for 38 Special 4" Service Revolver

[jtcarm]

Federal GM wadcutters.

Shoots to POA, easy recoil, and cuts a .36 channel, every time.

I carry the Rem 158 SWCHP +P for my reloads.

As much as I like them, full WCs aren’t easy to load under duress.

[Velo Dog]

Several good options have been mentioned, but she could just use the Golden Sabers in both revolvers to keep things simple.

https://web.archive.org/web/20131103.../38special.htm

http://www.brassfetcher.com/Handguns...Selection.html

[spyderco monkey]

Underwood loads a Gold Dot JHP 125gr to an advertised 1200 fps. It's very accurate in my Model 10 and the Gold Dot bullet in 9mm works very well at that speed. For my 642 I use the GD 135gr as the Underwood buck's too much.

+ .38 to this.

For a 4", 35oz .38 +p, Underwood would the one.

https://www.underwoodammo.com/collec...18785726955577

Some chrono info from the reviews:



That puts it comfortably within 9mm 124gr Gold Dot velocity range.

Here's a test through 4 layers denim / ballistic gel out of the LCR (best gel test I could find for the load):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8ULPEMwQIo

[Velo Dog]

She is currently using the Remington Golden Saber 125gr +P (GS38SB) which has been discontinued I believe.

I think it has just been repackaged for Remington's Ultimate Defense Handgun line of ammuntion.

https://www.remington.com/ammunition...-handgun-loads

Although there is both compact and full-size offerings, the same Golden Saber bullet is used and the velocities appear to be very similar if not identical.

[Duelist]

There is absolutely nothing wrong, and a whole lot right, with a .38 a person will actually shoot and carry vs anything else that they won’t.

Ammo choices don’t have to be complicated. Something that shoots to POA in the J and doesn’t kick too much, like a 148gr FGMM wadcutter, backed up by a speed strip or two of pointier reloads such as the 110gr Hornady Critical Defense. Something that hits to POA in the 4”, whether the same or different from the J, and practice loads for both, (which can just be 130gr FMJ American Eagle) and you’re done.

[4given]

Several good options have been mentioned, but she could just use the Golden Sabers in both revolvers to keep things simple.

https://web.archive.org/web/20131103.../38special.htm

http://www.brassfetcher.com/Handguns...Selection.html

This is what we are currently doing. Looking for alternatives once we run out of the
GS 125

[4given]

I think it has just been repackaged for Remington's Ultimate Defense Handgun line of ammuntion.

https://www.remington.com/ammunition...-handgun-loads

Although there is both compact and full-size offerings, the same Golden Saber bullet is used and the velocities appear to be very similar if not identical.

Yep looks to be loaded to the same specs

[Wayne Dobbs]

The Remington FBI load (R38S12) has worked really well for a really long time. It's not great on hard barriers, but does work well on side to side "money shots" on bipedal threats and the classically expected frontal shots, too. My second choice would be the Speer 135 GDHP +P.

[deputyG23]

IME, 4” revolvers usually shoot to point of aim with 158-grain loads. My choice is Remington‘s version of the FBI load.

Mine as well.
All of my .38s except for the 442 utilize this load when on defense duty.

[4given]

+ .38 to this.

For a 4", 35oz .38 +p, Underwood would the one.

https://www.underwoodammo.com/collec...18785726955577

Some chrono info from the reviews:



That puts it comfortably within 9mm 124gr Gold Dot velocity range.

Here's a test through 4 layers denim / ballistic gel out of the LCR (best gel test I could find for the load):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8ULPEMwQIo

That is smoking right along! Thanks for showing me that!