Author Topic: 140 grain - 38 bullets (Read 630 times)

tipiguy · « **on:** July 30, 2004, 02:50:05 AM »

A buddy gave me some 140 grain - 38 caliber (.357) speer bullets. They have a copper jacket with a lead hollow point nose. Thought they make some really good self defense loads. I can't however find any load data on them. Anyone know how many grains of Bullseye I should start with? And max out at?

Thanks.
Tipiguy

papajohn428 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2004, 09:19:47 PM »

You can find load data from the various powder makers online without any trouble. Speaking of trouble, you shoot a bad guy with an "Extra-deadly, handmade hollow point cop-killer bullet" and the prosecutor will villify you. Stick to factory loads for defense if at all possible.

The 140's are a great compromise between the 125's and the 158's, but are hard to find in factory 38 ammo.

PJ

Dand · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2004, 09:26:19 PM »

I load the Rem 140 loaded lightly in my 357 and like them a lot. Nice compromise between 158 and 125. I think nearly every bullet maker makes a .357- 140 - but I haven't checked my manuals for 38 loads. I load for plinking and game shooting - if some bad guy comes along and that's all I have, I'm gonna use them. I think this legal worry over using hand loads for self defense is over blown. Its been discussed here before. My biggest concern using hand loads for self defense is reliability. If I'm worried about it I'd use factory. Like the other poster said - check the powder mfg sites and they should have 140 gr 38 loads. You'd probably be safe starting with 158 jacketed load data and adding a little powder too.

Speer is supposed to be coming out with a 135 gr load this fall - can't recall if its a 38 or 357 load but check out their site. A friend forwarded me some info on it. Sounds real good.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2004, 05:56:29 AM »

The new Speer load is the one lots of snubbie shooters have been waiting for for a hundred years. The new load is a 38 Special +P, 135 grain load designed from the ground up to give predictable expansion from a barrel length of 1-7/8". Ballistics are listed as 860 fps from a 2", 935 from a four-inch. Since I'm stuck with a 4" on duty, I'm pretty excited. Midway has them at $12.50 for a 20-round box, I'm hoping they also sell them in bulk eventually, I plan on using this load in LOTS of guns! Thank you, Speer!

PJ the Elated

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2004, 03:47:24 PM »

Some time back I was on the receiving end of the 6mth old ammo the local SS had. The 38 sp was Super Vel 110 gr jhp. This was before the Miami shoot out, where the shooting range was not up close. I have always thought that a 2" snubby in 38 would do well with this weight bullet at +p loads. My 357 handles 125 gr jhp as well.
Jim

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2004, 03:56:48 PM »

While I am here I wish to comment on the liability on hand loads in a self defence issue. I know of no actual case that has went against the user because he used his/ her handloads. Most of this talk is hearsay from gun writers, and curb stone attorney's. However I stand to be corrected when such info of a court case arrives. I load my own and rely on my loads.
Jim