Full Thread: Don't use .38 special.
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Old February 27th, 2013 #82
Crowe
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Originally Posted by Mr A.Anderson View Post
This particular profile is that of a ..38SPL +P 158gr. lead semi-wadcutter hollow point "FBI" load @ 880 f/s. This is another example of a typical non-fragmenting expanding bullet wound profile produced by an expanding bullet. This particular load shows good penetration at 32cm (12.6") and good expansion at .59". Perhaps this is one reason that this loading has a good reputation on the street. The Winchester Black Talon 9mm 147gr JHP at 981 f/s produced an almost identical profile with penetration of 35cm (13.8") and and expansion of .61". In the .40 caliber ammo the profiles were very similar with the Hornaday 155gr XTP at 1090 giving 14.3" penetration and .57" expansion, the 180gr XTP at 970 f/s giving 14.5" and .67", and the Winchester 180gr Black Talon giving 13.4" and .68".



This profile is the Remington 125gr JSP .357 Magnum at 1390 f/s which has an excellent reputation on the street. Note the shape and size of the temporary and permanent cavities are very similar to the .38 Special round above and penetration is only about 1.5" greater. Expansion is .66", only .07" greater than the .38 round in spite of the vastly increased velocity. An excellent example of good bullet construction at work. The equivalent JHP round gives about 10 percent less penetration and a .70 expansion.

http://www.frfrogspad.com/terminal.htm
I'll concede that with the right rounds .38 special is adequate.

But If I can buy rounds for another caliber that is more powerful and also cheaper, and can also get a sub compact in that said caliber then what is the purpose of owning a .38 special? You can buy sub compact 9mm and .40 S&W that are about the size of a wallet. Also larger capacity and rate of fire than a revolver. A good revolver brand will also run you about as much if not more than the sub compact semiauto. Glock makes really good sub compacts, and they aren't too expensive and are very reliable.

Last edited by Crowe; February 27th, 2013 at 09:44 AM.