Effective .38 Spl Load That Doesn't Overpenetrate

[Crash]

Does anyone know of an effective .38 Spl load that will not overpenetrate? I live in an apartment and I don't want a stray shot to go through a wall and hurt or kill a neighbor. I've read that the Corbon 110 gr +P DPX will penetrate 1/4" of mild steel, which eliminates it from consideration (at least for me) for use in an apartment. Any suggestions?

Crash

[Toad_Sticker]

Glaser saftey slugs
TS

[Kpdpipes]

I've been hearing good things about the magtech self defense loads with the all-copper bullets (Barnes type).. Good performance and they stay together

[kilogulf59]

Don't overlook the 148 grain LWC rounds. I used these when I lived in an apartment complex. They were also nice to shoot from snubbies.

If you hand-load you can boost the velocity, but just a bit or they may tumble.

I believe the famous NYPD Officer Jim Cirillo spec'd out a line of ammo using jacketed WC's.

[Kpdpipes]

Don't overlook the 148 grain LWC rounds. I used these when I lived in an apartment complex. They were also nice to shoot from snubbies.

If you hand-load you can boost the velocity, but just a bit or they may tumble.

I believe the famous NYPD Officer Jim Cirillo spec'd out a line of ammo using jacketed WC's.


There was also a school many moons ago that would take the 148 Gr Wc and invert it, with the hollow base forward..since we're talking minute of room here, that might work as well.

[jim]

I think they loaded it over 3 grains of Bullseye for about 750 fps. It was supposed to work, but I haven't tried it.

Use factory loads or the lawyers will cause you loads of trouble.

jim

[kilogulf59]

Pipes,

I remember when that load had a bit of a following. If I recall correctly there was an accuracy and tumbling problem with it due to the reversed bullet, or something.

Jim,

This always made sense to me as well, and I've been around for awhile. However, I have never seen any documentation to back up this theory so I'm guessing that its a possibility but not a common practice with prosecutors.

I use factory ammo because I feel it's better than hand loads, in general, and I don't "roll my own" anymore. Aside from loading for pure accuracy, one would be hard pressed to concoct a load that doesn't already have a commercial counterpart. Prior to the 1980's, or so, HLing was the way to go but nowadays it's a cost savings for the average shooter.

To all,

The issue of "bestest" ammunition is, in my opinion, way over blown. Important, maybe, but not on the top on the list. It must function in your weapon of choice, that IS important, but after that there is no magic bullet. Let common sense be your guide and adapt according to your current situation and mind set. As I said; I used 148 grain LWC target rounds when I lived in an apartment complex. Were they the greatest stoppers...no way. But they filled my requirements at that time.

Time for another cup-O-Joe...

[jim]

Dr. Martin Fackler stated that a solid hit in the heart with a LRN .38 Spl. is far better than a gutshot with a wonder bullet.

jim

[kilogulf59]

You got that right Buddy.

Same goes for caliber, IMO if one gets good, consistant COM hits with a .380 and is all over the map with a .45 ACP...which is the best caliber for them?

Within reason, go with what works for you....and above all...K.I.S.S.

[FireMaker]

Federal used to make NYCLAD ammo. *The lead was coated with a nylon coating that was to minimize lead deposits. *Were also very good performers. *I have a couple of boxes that I use for carry ammo.

[jim]

I'd heard that the NYCLAD was a great round, and I guess it's still in production. Most of the officers that had occasion to use it, found that it worked well. I hear that any of the 158 gr. LSWCHP's worked well, but have no experience with them.

As others have said, shot placement is the most important thing to worry about.

jim

[clawhammerdan]

Nice of you to consider your neighbors. Some don't think of that in advance. What about a shotgun? 20 ga. with low brass and #6 or 7 would probably not penetrate neighbor's walls. Just thinking out loud, I guess.

[kilogulf59]

Clawhammerdan,

Good thought but I'm a bit adverse to using long guns inside for a multitude of reasons (which is what I am assuming you're talking about here). Also, low-brass bird/target shot is not very effective against humans. If a SG is all you have, and in my opinion, I'd opt for a hi-brass field load of No. 4's at a minimum.

There's much written about the SG/load issue floating around the web so I wont go any further.