.38 Spl. pressures?

Txs

May 13, 2003 16:51

I've come into a few boxes of Winchester Q4171 .38 Spl 130gr. FMJ ammunition and I'm wondering what type of pressure this ammo generates. I have an old pre-Mod 37 S&W Airweight Chief I haven't fired in a while but I don't want it stressed. Any advice?`

0

• 

  rordog

  May 13, 2003 19:33

  I'm going from memory on a piece I read some time ago, but I think it went something like this. The 130gr. .38 Special was developed (late 50's early 60's) due to the then, new revolvers the military were using. The cylinders were made of metal alloy, and wasn't strong enough for the standard 158gr. load. If the ammunition you have is the Win. mil-spec stuff, then it would be fine in your "Smith".

  0
• 

  Laredo Lefty

  May 13, 2003 19:44

  I have shot hundreds of rounds of the Win Q4171 ammo, and it seems to be pretty mild.
  
  The military version is the M41 .38 special ball round. It is loaded with 4.8 grains of SR7325 powder. The chamber pressure is 16,000 PSI, and a velocity of 950 fps 15ft from the muzzle.
  
  The Win Q4171 is intended to be a pretty close copy of the military .38 SPL ammo. I would, however, stay away from ammo marked +P or +P+. for your light weight gun.

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.