Question about Speer Gold Dot .38 Special +P ammo

1219 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by OldStar, Aug 15, 2004

OldStar

Discussion Starter · Aug 15, 2004

I just read the interesting article about Speer's new hot round for .38 Special, Gold Dot .38SP +P 135 GDHP.

I have no doubt that it would be inappropriate to routinely practice with this round in my old S&W Model 60 stainless pistol. I've been told that hot rounds would cause the cylinder to expand and not return to spec because of the inflexability of the stainless steel.

However, does it seem reasonable that I could carry this ammo in the pistol for use in the case of a life threatening situation? Even if it made the pistol undesirable for future use I would be willing to risk that for the high performance potential of the round in a true emergency.

:?:

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Charlie Petty

· #2 · Aug 15, 2004

I've been told that hot rounds would cause the cylinder to expand and not return to spec because of the inflexability of the stainless steel.

I suggest that you go back to whomever told you that and ask them the source of their information. If they begin with "I heard" smile sweetly and walk away. It is BS!

S&W does advise against the use of +P ammunition in most "J" frame revolvers, including older Model 60s, because the increased recoil accelerates wear on the guts of the gun. The most common maladies are increased end shake and loss of timing.

While I really don't like most +P loads a few now and then won't hurt a thing.

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Dean Speir

· #3 · Aug 15, 2004

OldStar said:
I have no doubt that it would be inappropriate to routinely practice with this round in my old S&W Model 60 stainless pistol. I've been told that hot rounds would cause the cylinder to expand and not return to spec because of the inflexability of the stainless steel.

However, does it seem reasonable that I could carry this ammo in the pistol for use in the case of a life threatening situation? Even if it made the pistol undesirable for future use I would be willing to risk that for the high performance potential of the round in a true emergency.

First, I'd like to express my appreciation for following the prescribed procedure for addressing this on the Forum rather than E-mailing one of us like some giddy teenager with an autograph book.

Before S&W made metallurgical advances in their manufacturing process about 10-12 years ago, I believe all J-frames carried such an advisory against the use of +P ammunition. (Why use +P when S&W's own ammo line offered a standard velocity 125-grain Nyclad HP, commonly yclept the "Chief's Special" [R.I.P.])[/*:2jjapssa]
Most of us went ahead and carried the Winchester "SPD" (158-grain LSWC-HP +P) loading, or another manufacturer's equivalent, and even "risked" shooting a couple of cylinder's full on occasion to familiarize ourselves with the handling characteristics.[/*:2jjapssa]
It would seem that you've answered your own inquiry, Ol'Star…

• Use your Model 60 in defense of your life and risk making it thereafter undesirable…

• Don't use your Model 60 in defense of your life and risk making yourself immediately undesirable…

Let's see now….[/*:2jjapssa]

All together now, guys and gals:

Welcome to the Forum, Sir.

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OldStar

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 15, 2004

Thank You

Thank you. I consider your responses definative.

(Of course, it helped that you confirmed my assumptions.)

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