What kind of ammo do you use in your .642?

[Guest grimel]

I currently carry Federal Hydra-shok in my 9mm and 642. Some of you have mentioned either "*** for short barrels", or "Wad cutters". Do the "for short barrels" have faster burning powered, or what makes them "special" for short barrels. Also, why WC? I thought the goal was to make a mess as with a hollow point bullet, not punch a hole. Thougths?

Because a hole that doesn't reach something vital isn't going to be as effective as a hole that reaches something vital.

With a short barrel, the bullet doesn't have enough velocity to get both expansion and penetration required other than a FEW high end rounds. The wadcutter isn't moving fast enough for expansion, but, penetrates enough. It is among the best (hence Doc's recommendation) performers in a snub 38 (it reaches the vitals and has a reasonable cavity).

[I_Like_Pie]

I would be curious to hear anyone with knowledge of ballistics and this round to explain why anyone would want to carry this round.

Not saying that I agree with them (I don't like Glaser at all) but here is their take on it. CLICK HERE

[Guest grimel]

Not saying that I agree with them (I don't like Glaser at all) but here is their take on it. CLICK HERE

He asked for someone with ballistics knowledge.

"While a watermelon bears little resemblance to flesh and bone, it does demonstrate the relative effects of a high velocity projectile which dumps all of its energy into the target. The interior of the watermelon was pulverized as if hit by a high velocity rifle bullet, with pieces and pulp scattered over an area of about eighteen feet. The performance of the Glaser has been proven in ballistic gelatin and on human flesh,"

That isn't ballistics knowledge. Glaser's don't make the grade per IWBA, Doc, and/or Dave Difablio (I'm about positive I butchered that spelling). So, I'd like to know just what ballistic gelatin testing "proved" the Glaser.

[Guest TheBadLuckCharm]

The .38 was the predominant LEO round until the late 80’s; so there are many quality choices. Federal HydraShok is my own personal choice; they have been knocking down the bad guys for many years. You can get them at Bass Pro, or any gun store.

There is a 357 3 " SS revolver I can shoot .38s out of, but the grip is huge. And it weighs at least 3 pounds.

I have seen hydrashock in front of low recoil ammo, is that it's purpose? Or is there something more to it? Do you have a specific brand?Thanks!

[PackinMama]

Hydrashoks are all made by Federal. That's their high end HP defense round. They make standard, +p, +p+, and low recoil Hydrashoks in .38 special. The low recoil rounds are supposed to have the ability to expand and penetrate better at lower velocities, like out of a short barrel gun....along with having less recoil.

Edited November 26, 2008 by PackinMama
spelling

[DaveTN]

There is a 357 3 " SS revolver I can shoot .38s out of, but the grip is huge. And it weighs at least 3 pounds.

Good it will not have as much recoil shooting .38’s.

(You can shoot .38's out of any .357Mag)

What brand and model is it? If it’s a Smith & Wesson, open the cylinder and the model number will be stamped on the frame. Examples would be… 60-4, 66-4 or 686-4.

Grips are easy to change.

I have seen hydrashock in front of low recoil ammo, is that it's purpose? Or is there something more to it? Do you have a specific brand?Thanks!

[Bassoneer]

My little 638 kicks hard. My son has shot one round through it. My wife shot 5 rounds - neither of these were +P's, and neither person wants to shoot the gun again (ha). I practice with it each time we go shooting and fire 30-40 rounds of .38 through it, and then about 15-20 rounds of +P. I ended up putting Hogue grips on it to absorb some energy and to get my pinky on the grip - that was a HUGE improvement over the small grips that came on it. However, it still kicks hard.

Now for the good part - I have a carry permit, and when I take that airweight with me it is very comfortable, so I don't mind it being on my hip (or in my pocket). I take it everywhere I legally can take it, and I feel good about protecting my family. My big .40 Springfield is very, very big and heavy and cumbersome to carry - I can do it (at 320 pounds I can carry anything) but it feels big and I always think about it. This airweight is the right size for carrying around.

I did fairly extensive waterjug testing on my .40, and I've tested two different rounds in the .38. They were the 125 grain Speer Gold Dots and the Remington Golden Sabers - both +P's. Both did well in water jugs, but the Golden Saber opened up more. It was also the best round I've tested in .40 cal. So, I'm carrying Remington Golden Saber +P's for protection. WWB for practice (or Georgia Arms wad cutters).

My thing I'm working on now is how to carry extra ammo. I have not started doing so yet, but I don't want to lug around speed loaders. I will probably get a little leather case from DillonPrecision.com that carries 5 or 6 rounds with a speedstrip.

Good luck with your airweight, B

[Guest 270win]

I use the cheap winchester white box or cheap remington ammo for practice and Winchester SXT 130 grainers for carry in a 642. The 130 grain Winchester +P is specifically designed for snub nosed 38's.