Not a fan of recoil. If I were going to shoot any gun I'd shoot plain ammo. If it was approved/recommended/whatever for +P ammo I'd probably carry it with that on the theory if I fired it with that I'd never know the difference at that moment. But my ego doesn't need any boost from beating myself up with higher recoil just for the heck of it.

quote:

Originally posted by SiGagain:
my 642 airweight (bought new in 2003) .38 Special has +P+ allowance . . .

My 2023 642-1 is clearly +P rated only. May one assume S&W determined +P+ to be problematic in these small revolvers? Thanks

Somebody at Smith probably realized that there is no standard for +P+, it is just what the loader thinks the guns will stand. Early on, it was in agency contracts for what a specific issue gun would stand, often a PC magnum substitute.

I am in the camp that plus p is pretty pointless in a 2” J. The best load for accuracy, penetration with minimal recoil is the humble 148 target wadcutter ( there are a few companies loading them hotter but not to plus p level if you want)

If you do calibrated gel tests with denim, none of the plus P HP’s dive consistent adequate penetration, expansion or both.

The wadcutter cuts a full hole and the sharp edge cuts what it contacts instead of being pushed out of the way like an un- expanded Hp or RN

Golden rule of snubs :
If it expands it won’t penetrate
If it penetrates it won’t expand

If you really want to use plus P a regimen of shoot 20 to verify function and POI then carry plus P, and burn up a box of even 50 a couple times a year in practice, you might see increased wear and tear on the gun in 50 years or so!

Remington has a new standard pressure 38 special. 110 gr. semi jacket hp advertised 950 fps.



https://www.remington.com/hand...rmance/29-22293.html

There's no way that projectile will expand at all out of a two inch barrel. No way

I haven't seen any test on the remington ammo, but I also don't think it will expand. Just an alternative standard pressure round.

The 950 fps seems high for standard pressure. Remington must use a 6 inch test barrel. The remington +p version claims 995 fps.

.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
There's no way that projectile will expand at all out of a two inch barrel. No way

It actually might, but will then give only 6” of penetration.

My advice only practice with the ammo you will use when you carry the M-36. 38+p not practical in the M-36 2".

I think I read that the Air revolvers are good for +P up to 125gr. I regularly carry an AirLite Ti but I don’t have it with me. I swear it is etched right on the barrel shroud.
As for ammo, I have a box of short barrel handgun ammo with an upside down wadcutter. Huge hole up front and barely sticks out of the shell casing. I’ve never tested it for expansion.