Author Topic: what is difference in 38 and 38+p  (Read 733 times)

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Offline S & W 642

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what is difference in 38 and 38+p
« on: March 07, 2007, 05:18:17 AM »
I am looking at a S&w pistol model 642 and it says it it rated for 38 + p and I dont know exactly what the +p means.
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Offline 35Rem

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Re: what is difference in 38 and 38+p
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2007, 06:43:42 AM »
There are a lot of loadings, now that the metals they make the guns out of is stronger, that are loaded to a higher pressure (+P).

They will push the same weight bullet a little faster that standard 38 Special stuff.

The 642 is a good gun, may be a little snappy recoil wise if you haven't shot too many small guns.  Have Fun.
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Offline Mikey

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Re: what is difference in 38 and 38+p
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2007, 07:23:25 AM »
+P loads are higher pressure loads.  Winchester data for +P loadings show pressures at the 19K CUP level while their standard loadings run from 11K to 15,5K CUP.  HTH.  Mikey.

Offline S & W 642

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Re: what is difference in 38 and 38+p
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2007, 07:29:40 AM »
I haven't shot any small handguns, but I do have a encore 7mm-08 so I am used to recoil on bigger pistols, but your right I cant wait to shoot this S &  W 642. I bought this for a concealed carry pistol I plan to take it out this weekend. Getting back to the topic the + p means a higher pressure coming out of the gun.
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Offline Mikey

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Re: what is difference in 38 and 38+p
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2007, 02:46:11 AM »
Nope!  +p means higher chamber pressure.  You might not get what you think you are getting out the end of a short barrel.  You lose pressure rapidly in the gap between the cylinder and the barrel.  Most +P loads use lighterwieght bullet to attain a higher velocity but really give little advantage in a snubnose.  Actually, most 38 +P loads with 110-125 gn slugs don't even get you the same velocity as a 9mm does with the same bullets.   I have found that in most short revolver barrels the heavier bullet is a better choice.  If you handload you can shoot standard pressure loads using heavier bullets that are (in my experience) more effective and easier on both you and the gun. 

Also, most of those j-frame snuubies come with abominable grips, too small for most guys to really hold on to and even with wadcutters, a 12-13 oz revolver with a 2" barrel will twist in your grip.  When that happens, if you have missed with your first shot you don't have a chance of hitting with the other 4 regardless of the bullet.  I found that a set of medium sized Pachmeyers turned my Bodyguard into a very dead-on, grab, point and shoot accurately piece.  HTH.  Mikey.

Offline rockbilly

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Re: what is difference in 38 and 38+p
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2007, 10:04:27 AM »
I shoot both a model 60, and a model 649 in .357.  Both are 2 inch barrel, but are fited with Chrimson Trace Grips.  with full blown .357 loads, I tuck it into my hip, place the laser where I want, and pull the trigger.  Both are very accurate out to about 50 feet.  I have shot the +p with the same results.  I really haven't noticed a unmanageable difference iin the +p and .357.

The +p is just a .38 on steroids, Performance is somewhere between a .38, and a .357.