For those that carry a j-frame and the Speer Gold Dot 135gr+p

[Norfdet]

Here is an interesting read from Speer Gold Dot as to what they were expected to accomplish with the 38 special 135gr+p SB (Short Barrel) round. I carry this round exclusively in all my 38 specials except my Colt DS which has the Federal Nycad in it. The Speer round was made originally at the request of the NYPD for use in their revolvers, both the approved j-frames and the SPNY Ruger model and the remaining model 10's that were still in service. It is an impressive round in my opinion and since my current carry package mirrors NYPD it was a natural choice. My department issued us the 124gr+p 9mm for our Glocks which has become a proven round in actual shootings, I feel just as well armed with the 38 special selection.

Here is the link;

http://le.atk.com/pdf/SpeerTech38_135HP.pdf

[oldgranpa]

Wow! Anyone with even just a small interest in ammunition performance should read that article.

Most complete ammo report I've ever seen. I wonder if other companies have similar reports or even dare to publish such.

BTW, it was interesting that in bare gelatin the round missed the FBI magic 12" by 1". Which shows that the FBI isn't the holy grail either.   Penetration of 11" is good enough for anybody!

Thanks Norf.

og

[flyandscuba]

A good read for sure!  It seems there is quite a bit of science behind the formulation of modern pistol ammo -- rather than just stuffing a piece of lead over a few grains of powder and boxing them up for sale...

Thanks for sharing.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello.  Though I've not tried any of Buffalo Bore's recently introduced snub ammo, for those interested here are some observations on Speer's 135-gr. GD vs a couple of other snub loads:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38%20Snub%20Ammo%20Test.htm

Best.

[whkento]

Both very interesting articles.  It was nice to see the 9mm results next to the .38 results.  (Uh, I did read correctly that the 9mm outperformed the .38, didn't I?  I know-- it's just splitting hairs, proper shot placement is what gets the job done.)  Still, the Speer folks did a heck of a job, didn't they?  It's pretty cool to see a company design a new bullet/cartridge from the ground up for an old chambering.  It goes to show that there's always room for improvement.

[Norfdet]

Here is another interesting read;

http://www.thegunzone.com/speer135jhp38sp.html

[oldgranpa]

thanks, Norf, for the update. I'm amazed to see Dean Spier write something positive about anything. He usually badmouths any subject he prints. Maybe he is getting senile or something.
Anyway, it was a good report about the new GoldDot 38spec ammo. Wetpack tests seem to confirm the stuff is "newage" ammo for the 38.
og

[carolinaman]

Hello,

I do carry the 135 grain +p in my j-frame S&W 642 and do feel quite well armed.

Thank you all for the links.

Chris

[TRGTman]

        On another thread , I posed a question to Steven Camp.  He answered my question as to my suspicion that the Speer 135 Personal Defense is the same load as the Short Barrel in the 38+P but the box just does not say such . His answer was that it probably really is the same load.

[Norfdet]

I have never seen "Personal Defense" ammo from Speer, I was always under the impression that the PD designation was for Federal. Either way, as long as it is the short barrel rounds designed by them, they can call it whatever they want.....lol 

[TRGTman]

 Mr. Norf  I put the wrong name on the Speer load ; I should have said Personal Protection; Sorry !

[oldgranpa]

Howdy TRGTman, and welcome to the forum. Not sure if you checked in at the New Members forum up on top. Please do as the Administration requires it. Otherwise might get bumped!
Glad to have you here. Everyone's comments are welcomed!
og