SD Ammo in .38?

[Guest Len]

Hey everyone:

As some of you know, I recently picked up a S&W 642 in .38+P. I am really starting to like this little gun and will be using it as a carry gun every now and then, depending on clothing.

Any recommendations on a good SD load for this gun? Its a little lively in the hand, so I'm probably going to shy away from mega-high recoil loads, at least until I get the new grips.

Any thoughts?

[SkWaShDeM]

Corbon DPX standard pressure.

[The Rabbi]

Speer Gold Dot 135gr SB (for short barrel). I tried the Buffalo Bore .38LHP+P in the gun and it was way too much for my Bodyguard. The Speer had just the right amount of oomph.

Remington or Winchester 158gr LHP+P also a good choice.

[Cruel Hand Luke]

I carry a SW 342 and use the Cor Bon DPX. But it is +p NOT standard pressure any more. They found they worked more reliably at +p velocity and upped them to +p. Recoil is not bad at all. It recoils less than the +p 135 Gold Dot which is important for me since I carry that gun to be accessed with my weak hand.

[DaveTN]

I use these....

[Falcon1]

I'm old-fashioned I guess (or maybe just old )--I prefer 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter hollow points in +P, approximately 890 fps from a four-inch barrel, so approximately 830 fps from a two-incher. Remington manufactures them, and I expect others do as well.

[The Rabbi]

Remington and I think Winchester also make the 158gr LHP. I have shot the Buffalo Bore stuff and it is much hotter than the others. I am not convinced that is a good thing.