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Author Topic: .38 +P: When is it safe?  (Read 3253 times)

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Offline lgm270

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.38 +P: When is it safe?
« on: November 15, 2006, 09:46:27 AM »
It's increasingly hard to find non-+P .38 special ammo and it's difficult to know which guns are suitable for it. Does anyone have any suggestions or information on this? 

Obviously +P's are safe in a .357 mag gun, but how about regular  .38's?

Smith K frames? 

Colt late model Detective Special?

 
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Offline dawei

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2006, 02:35:46 PM »
Quote from: lgm270 on November 15, 2006, 09:46:27 AM
It's increasingly hard to find non-+P .38 special ammo and it's difficult to know which guns are suitable for it. Does anyone have any suggestions or information on this? 

Obviously +P's are safe in a .357 mag gun, but how about regular  .38's?

Smith K frames? 

Colt late model Detective Special?
Three viable standard pressure 158gr JHP are available from Hornady®, Aguila®, & MagTech. Here is a link to the Hornady load®: https://www.hornady.com/shop/?ps_session=6557e060e7192746b946b63b1067a5d4&page=shop%2Fbrowse&category_id=3e2f45242ea2a7efdd8e971b8d14b335
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Offline GrantCunningham

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2006, 08:01:03 PM »
With regards to the Colt, here's the information I give my clients:

http://www.grantcunningham.com/coltammo.html
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Offline BRL

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2006, 05:20:00 AM »
I recently bought a little S & W J frame Air Weight 2" revolver. It actually states right on the barrel....38 Special +P. That gun is pretty light and slim.
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Offline Dale53

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2007, 08:11:32 PM »
I believe Grant's take on using Plus P loads is right on the mark. Use normal loads for practice and carry Plus P's. There is little to be gained by abusing a light weight revolver and much to be lost.

Dale53
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Offline Sir Knight

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2007, 03:54:16 PM »
Quote from: dawei on November 15, 2006, 02:35:46 PM
Three viable standard pressure 158gr JHP are available from Hornady®, Aguila®, & MagTech.
MagTech offers HP non +P ammo in .38? Got a link for that.
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Offline dawei

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2009, 06:17:00 AM »
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Offline Mohawk

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2009, 07:30:19 PM »
 Federal is now producing the standard pressure 125gr. .38 Nyclad again, after being discontinued for several years. It is non-jacketed and coated with nylon and is a good expander. NYPD carried them in their snubs in the '90's with good success.
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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2009, 03:11:57 AM »
if you gun is rated for plus p use it and if its not DONT. Not even for your self defense ammo as a matter of fact especially not in your self defense ammo. A gun fight is no place to push the limits of your gun and have it fail. Smith is Colt isnt.
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Offline Devy55

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2009, 11:26:04 AM »
If your gun isn't rated for +P, then don't use it, even in a self-defense role. You don't want to be a victim, especially from your own firearm. 

So shoot what you're gun is rated for and practice often.  A well aimed shot from an experienced and practiced marksman, will serve you better than anything else.
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Offline gman628

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2009, 10:54:57 AM »
Just look @ the barrel markings, if it says .38 +P you're good to go.  Most of your newer guns are +P rated and it should be stamped as so.

Gary
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Offline Old Griz

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2009, 12:25:25 PM »
Quote from: Mohawk on January 05, 2009, 07:30:19 PM
Federal is now producing the standard pressure 125gr. .38 Nyclad again, after being discontinued for several years. It is non-jacketed and coated with nylon and is a good expander. NYPD carried them in their snubs in the '90's with good success.

Thank goodness! I loved the Nyclads. Why did they ever quit making it?
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Offline Shawnee Gene

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Re: .38 +P: When is it safe?
« Reply #12 on: October 26, 2009, 03:49:00 PM »
Griz, I have been informed that with trasition to pistols the demand dropped below exceptable levels.  However, when the more liberal CCW laws were instituted, that demand returned.
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