Tarus Ultralite 85 and Rossi 68 (38's)

[U S Male]

Just bought one each (new) and was wanting opinions on mainly the Rossi. Also there seems to be some controversy on shooting the + P load on these two. The advertising says they are capable of handling the increased load but the owners manual says it's not advisable. I would hazard a guess that they will handle it but don't use the +P all the time. Opinions invited.....

[35Whelen]

I recently purchased a Rossi 68 .38 with a 3" barrel. I bought it to carry while working on my farm as rattlesnakes are prevelant. In the two weeks I've owned it, I've fired right around 300 cast bullet handloads in it. For its size, is quite an accurate little pistol. None of my loads are of the +P category as I shot ALOT and am not interested in wearing my pistol out. Two of my bullets, one a 165 gr. SWC the other a 168 gr. SWC are capable of 750-800 fps according to my chronograph, and shoot quite well. I just can't imagine how a +P load would help much.
  I'm having real problems with bullet impact being somewhat high (see post0, but have ordered larger grips. Don't know if this will help, but there it is.

[cblambert]

I recently purchased a Rossi 68 .38 with a 3" barrel. I bought it to carry while working on my farm as rattlesnakes are prevelant. In the two weeks I've owned it, I've fired right around 300 cast bullet handloads in it. For its size, is quite an accurate little pistol. None of my loads are of the +P category as I shot ALOT and am not interested in wearing my pistol out. Two of my bullets, one a 165 gr. SWC the other a 168 gr. SWC are capable of 750-800 fps according to my chronograph, and shoot quite well. I just can't imagine how a +P load would help much.
  I'm having real problems with bullet impact being somewhat high (see post0, but have ordered larger grips. Don't know if this will help, but there it is.

Hey 35 W!
try a few 125 grain or 158 grain bullets-that trajectory will flatten resulting in lower impact

[35Whelen]

Hey 35 W!
try a few 125 grain or 158 grain bullets-that trajectory will flatten resulting in lower impact

   I've tried 150-158 gr. SWC's of two or three varieties with no luck. 125 gr. is really lighter than I want. I did get my new grips in and they tame the pistol substantially. A few informal groups fired Monday evening indicated that the point of impact was helped (lowered) by using the larger rubber grips. More formal testing will ensue this weekend and I'll post my findings.
   35 Whelen

[35Whelen]

  I'm having real problems with bullet impact being somewhat high (see post0, but have ordered larger grips. Don't know if this will help, but there it is.

  I worked the rear sight down on my Rossi 68, smoothed and refinished and couldn't be more pleased. The bullet point of impact is for all practical purposes point of aim @ 20-25 yds. with most all of my loads save the full wadcutters @ 650 +/- fps which shoot an inch or so lower.