.38 spl ammo

[WT_Foxtrot]

Picked up a .38 recently and the first I've had in a while and looking to stock up on some ammo. I seem to remember 158 the last time, but seeing a lot of 130 and 125 gr.

Any thoughts on the differences, preferences? Both target and SD.

 

[lonestardiver]

You can likely find it in 110gr as well.
The lighter the bullet the higher the velocity which imparts more energy than the weight alone.

Any of those should work fine. I like the 158’s in hollowpoint. Of course the target grade 158 full wadcutter makes a nice hole.

 

[Dawico]

Buy whatever is cheap.

Save the brass.

I buy Hornady for SD but there are plenty of great options available.

 

[robertc1024]

I love the 158g lead semi wadcutters loaded pretty moderately. 158 is kind of the standard .38 spl weight.

If I want something hotter, I go to jacketed .357's. Those are commonly 158 or for a little more speed, the 125's.

 

[MikePotts]

Buffalo Bore,...….well I guess I don't have the box any more,.....heavy soft lead. Check 'em out.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110

 

[BRD@66]

If your .38 is a snub nose, there is SD ammo supposedly designed to enhance the performance of a short barrel. (Sorry, I couldn't resist applying for admittance to the OOC).

 

[ZX9RCAM]

The link just above your post is to short barrel SD ammo.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Depends on the firearm but I hardly ever go "light for cartridge" and the .38 Special was designed around the 158.

 

[baboon]

What about the exploding variety?