Model 36 ammo
Will it be okay to shoot Federal 158g .38 special in a Smith Wesson Model 36.
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Yes, it will shoot it fine and not cause any damage. 0 -
Yep,your good to go. 0 -
One of the most shot rounds through the S&W 36. The model 36 is strong enough to handle limited amounts of plus P ammo. The 158 gr .38 spl is not a very good load for self defense, but is fine for practice. 0 -
Gotcha. I really don't plan to use any +P ammo in the revolver. What is a good load for self defense that isn't +P? 0 -
Of course. . .fire all the 158 grain bullets you want to from your Smith 36. . .no problem at all.
On +P type ammo, this has been covered many times before. One example:
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=342675
You'll get different opinions, but in my opinion, its perfectly fine to fire as many +P rounds as you like from any Smith model 36 made in the last 40 years. (I've fired them before in my own Smith 36, I'll do it again, and I will *only* keep +P ammo in there for "serious" use).
Again, contrary to popular belief +P .38s are only a little bit more powerful than "ordinary" .38s and any modern gun (particularly an all-steel one) should be able to handle unlimited numbers of them. I have never heard of anyone actually breaking or wearing out a Smith J frame with +P ammo.
In answer to the second bit, its actually a real problem. There are few manufacturers making good defensive ammo for the .38 that are NOT +P, and the rounds themselves can be hard to find (let alone in today's climate where ALL handgun ammo is in short supply).
Personally, I'd just get a box of the +P rounds, fire a few to get used to them, leave a few in there for carry, then forget it.
Edit: The +P option is easiest, but if you must have standard pressure (ie non +P) .38 special, here are a few ammo makers that offer "personal protection" variants in current production. Good luck actually getting your hands on a box (though your friendly local gunstore owner can probably get some for you. . .eventually):
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110
http://www.winchester.com/products/catalog/handgundetail.aspx?symbol=X38S9HP&cart=MzggU3BlY2lhbA==&use=3
As mentioned below, Federal does currently offer the Nyclad standard pressure .38.
http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=828
Plus it offers a "hydrashok" in ordinary pressure .38:
http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=400
Note that ballistically, all of the large-manufacturer standard .38s are fairly anemic, generating only about 200 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. The Buffalo Bore ammo is hotter (roughly equivalent to most manufacturers .38+P) and that's probably the best bet.
If you do a bit of flipping through the webpages, you can compare to the same manufacturers .38+Ps to get some idea. The .38+P rounds are all a bit stiffer, with the listed numbers for the Buffalo Bore .38+P rounds actually being quite impressive.0 -
Out of production. Expensive. But...
..See if you can locate a box of Federal Nyclad .38spl. Comes loaded with 125gr pure lead hollowpoints that are nylon coated. And they are not +P rated.
The nylon coating on the bullet allows for the useage of pure lead bullets without excessive fouling, and the pure lead hollowpoint design has been touted by writers as one of the best rounds for use in a snub nosed revolver (moderate velocities).
Again, expensive. To be saved for for self defense carry "on the job". Use something else for practice. Best, Joe
EDIT-Auction Link Added:
Below is the link, more to show you just what you would receive (or bid on, if so inclined).
Note: Seller is indicating that Federal has re-introduced the Nyclad line of loaded cartridges. May be available locally. Here's the link. Good luck! Best, Joe
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=133504741#DESC0 -
Thanks people. I will just try out some federal. I attend many gun shows, so I took a note of the Nyclads I will be on the lookout for them. 0
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