J frame carry ammo

[Norman]

In order:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1001518322?pid=453925
https://www.opticsplanet.com/reming...pecial-p-158gr-lhp-handgun-cartridges-20.html
Or Gold dot short barrel

The 158 grain LSWCHP in a stiff load getting close to 900-1000 fps is still the J-frame money load. IMHO

 

[HiredHand]

I carry either 148gr match wadcutters or Hornady 110gr Critical Defense in my snubs. Everything else seems to be loaded for 4" minimum barrel length and when shot from 2" barrels they fail to expand.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?4336-BUG-s-380-ACP-vs-38-Sp

 

[HiredHand]

Underwood’s wadcutter is good stuff but it’s for 4 legged critters. Way too much recoil in an Airweight snub. Mild target type loads are what you want. I carry the Speer short barrel stuff in a speed strip for a reload after the wadcutters are gone because loading wadcutters is a PITA when the clock is running.

The Speer is a stout load and not fun to shoot in an airweight. They’re fine in a steel gun but probably won’t expand so I don’t see the point. I’ll take wadcutters every time if I have the choice.

I carry the Hornady Critical Defense 38Spl loads for a reload. They shoot similar POA/POI for me and the recoil is close enough to the 148gr target loads in my opinion.

 

[cboss]

I don't own a J-frame, but if I did, I would probably carry Underwood's Xtreme Defender. From the videos I've seen, Lehigh's solid copper bullet loaded by Underwood, will get the job done if you do yours. I carry their 90gr offering in my RIA 1911 GI in .38 Super

 

[okierider]

158g SWCHP hand loads little warm... not hot.

 

[Gunbuffer]

I shoot bad guys in the face. 4” of penetration is all I’ve ever needed.
Or given

 

[okierider]

I shoot bad guys in the face. 4” of penetration is all I’ve ever needed.
Or given

I just.... well ya , I will just leave that alone ya poor little fella..........

 

[LBnM]

Recoil, of course, depends on the person pulling the trigger. I find the Underwood black cherry coated wadcutters to be fairly mild shooting. They are a standard pressure load. The recoil to me is a little less than the Speer GD short bbl. or the Buffalo Bore personal defense load, both +P. They also cost half of what BB does and are readily available. All the tests I have seen shows they meet the FBI protocols. Many of the light wadcutters barely make 600 fps in a j frame and several I saw tested almost stopped in the simulated clothing barrier before making it to the gel. The Underwoods made about 850 fps in a j frame. I use GDHP SB in the speed loader or strip for ease of reload. Now, to talk about recoil. I have shot one cylinder of full bore 158gr .357 loads in my 340. My hand bled and it HURT! Never again.

 

[OneMoreEvan]

I like the Critical Defense +P mostly because I can always find it locally

 

[LBnM]

I should have mentioned they grips you have on the gun make a huge difference in perceived recoil. As I developed arthritis I went to recoil reducing grips. They look larger but make little difference in the ability to pocket carry or in printing.