I'm working on a good defensive load for my BondArms Stinger .38 Special Derringer. It is apparent that I will most likely not be able to push a Hornady XTP (110gr over 5.6gr 231) or the Hornady Critical Defense (110gr) fast enough for reliable expansion in the intended target. Although I did enjoy the fireball from the 231, avg. FPS was only 726 fps. The factory Critical Defense chrono'd at an avg 716 fps. I have a box of 100 gr Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense bullets. I am looking for load info as the only thing online is from Lehigh and it is listed as +P load data. I loaded on the lower end using 7.9gr of Accurate #5 with a 1.53" COAL and it chrono'd at an avg of 802fps. No signs of over-pressure with the test rounds. Looking at all the load data resources, there is no 100gr recipes. Being relatively new to this (and not wanting to blow up my gun or hand) when looking at the reference books should I start with data on the 90 gr or the 110 gr? Is the powder charge to bullet weight an inverse relationship?
.38 Special Derringer Load
- Thread starter CorpOffroader
- Start date
Jager
Gold $$ Contributor
Speaking as someone who has carried J-Frame S&W .38 Special's for thousands of hours - which is to say, I recognize the sharp limitations of that round coming out of a very short barrel... but also appreciate its benefits... I'd suggest that trying to find a truly effective defensive round out of your Stinger is probably a quest doomed to failure. I don't think the Stinger is even rated +P.
Honestly, if a Derringer was the only weapon I had when things went beyond the pale, I'd be looking to get within a couple feet and shoot whoever needed shooting in the eye. I'm serious.
Honestly, if a Derringer was the only weapon I had when things went beyond the pale, I'd be looking to get within a couple feet and shoot whoever needed shooting in the eye. I'm serious.
Yep, no doubt this is the "get the F off me gun", my EDC is either my Kimber Micro 9 or my P365XL (or the 1911 in the winter). This is more of a challenge to find the best round for this little pocket gun.
Next up, I might try some loads with the 100g Xtreme Defender round in a .357 Magnum case thru my Henry Lever Gun to see how fast it will go.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
I wouldn't worry about the terminal performance, find a load that shoots where you point the stinger. Attitudes change when there is pain and noise.
Personally if your gonna use a hollow base wad cutter, I'd go for the 148 grain!
But in reality, I'd use a non-hollow base full wadcutter.
Frank
But in reality, I'd use a non-hollow base full wadcutter.
Frank
I received a response from Bond Arms that the .38 Special Stinger RS (the stainless frame not the aluminum frame) has been tested and is rated for +P ammo.
Without going into details, we have found that the 147/148 grain hollow base wad cutter loaded upside down in a derringer works great.
Buddy of mine carry's a 5 shot Chief. Out wood chuck hunting,
we dispatched 2 nice hogs with the rifles. We hung those on the
fence line and used em' for test subjects for the upside down
wad cutters. Range was one foot......Nasty !! I've since sold of
my 38spl but it has been replaced with a 45acp Roughneck and
loaded with 200gr H&G 68's. Shoots pretty tight at one yard.....LOL
we dispatched 2 nice hogs with the rifles. We hung those on the
fence line and used em' for test subjects for the upside down
wad cutters. Range was one foot......Nasty !! I've since sold of
my 38spl but it has been replaced with a 45acp Roughneck and
loaded with 200gr H&G 68's. Shoots pretty tight at one yard.....LOL
Since there is so little load data on the 100 g .38 Special bullet, if I'm using the Hornady or Lee books and there are 90g and 110g bullet loading data, which is safest to begin with and what fps should I target? I like the way the 231 burns in the short barrel.
linebaugh
Silver $$ Contributor
Because you are loading single shot you could seat the bullets out to gain case capacity and hence velocity by using a +p loading and still keep the pressure down. A soft lead full wadcutter would be a reasonable choice. There used to be a soft lead semi wadcutter +p round that I carried for a long time. Think it was a winchester offering and it would surely be a solid choice.
I never loaded the hollow base backwards but at the velocity you are running it could be more accurate than you expect. It also may over-expand?
I never loaded the hollow base backwards but at the velocity you are running it could be more accurate than you expect. It also may over-expand?
In the general scenario, I don't think over expansion is a bad thing.
It's gonna hurt....
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