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.38 +P vs. 357
I am looking at a Taurus model 85 with 2" bbl in .38 special (ultra light). I want it for backpacking and concealed carry. I started out thinking I wanted a .357. The little 85 is rated for +P. What kind of performance differences can I expect from a .38 +P round vs. an average .357 round? I am thinking about getting a crimson trace laser grip with it for a little easier pointability on such a short gun.
One other question, is there load data for reloading +P rounds for the .38? |
RE: .38 +P vs. 357
I shoot 7.8gr of HS-6 with 125gr XTP and get little under 1100fps. Thats not bad and good as it gets.
But out of the same Model 13 357 mag, I shoot 10.5gr of HS-6 in 357mag cases and get little under 1500fps. And thats mind. I also load 21gr of H110 and know I am getting upwards of 1800fps. There really is no comparison when handloading. |
RE: .38 +P vs. 357
I had the same dilemna when I was looking for a little revolver for my lady. what I ended up deciding even though I know she would never shoot 357 magnums I decided to get the magnum any because well... it will shoot 38 ammo too. when she uses it I load it with 38 +p hydra shoks and when were at the range Ill feed a few mags through it. I suggest just getting the magnum that way if it ever comes to it you wont second guess your choice. good luck
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RE: .38 +P vs. 357
My dilemna is that they don't appear to be making the ultralight in 357 anymore, only in 38. I'd have to get a bigger and heavier pistol to go with the magnum. I guess it's a trade off no matter what.
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RE: .38 +P vs. 357
The +p generally means a heavier bullet or about 100 fps for the same bullet in a 2 inch revolver you won't see a differance in an extream case 1inch at 25ft maybe . The load data is in all the manuals now . The 38s function fine in most all of the 357s , the 357 will have more trade in value later also if you put them side by side alot of them are nearly if not identical . Is the 85 the little5 shooter ? I had a "j" frame S&W the hand loads I had for it were ..........uh...........hot. That revolver was small enough to forget about on your person .
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RE: .38 +P vs. 357
ORIGINAL: harter66 The +p generally means a heavier bullet or about 100 fps for the same bullet in a 2 inch revolver you won't see a differance in an extream case 1inch at 25ft maybe . The load data is in all the manuals now . The 38s function fine in most all of the 357s , the 357 will have more trade in value later also if you put them side by side alot of them are nearly if not identical . Is the 85 the little5 shooter ? I had a "j" frame S&W the hand loads I had for it were ..........uh...........hot. That revolver was small enough to forget about on your person . |
RE: .38 +P vs. 357
ORIGINAL: Yoter My dilemna is that they don't appear to be making the ultralight in 357 anymore, only in 38. I'd have to get a bigger and heavier pistol to go with the magnum. I guess it's a trade off no matter what. |
RE: .38 +P vs. 357
For one shot stops against humane predators the best 38+P load has a 80 percent rating. The 357 with its best load has a 93 percent one shot stop rating.. I have chronographed loads from the 2 inch model 85 and the same load in the 4 inch Ruger and only have about 50 fps difference. The Model 85 is a very good carry gun IMO.
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