Self Defense "FBI Load" for my M10 - what is this?

[CoolHandLu]

I just picked up a very nice early '70s vintage S&W Model 10 in a 4 inch barrel. Looking to use as a possible concealed carry/home defense gun. In researching loads, I've come accross the following SD recommendation:
"Winchester or Federal 158 gr LSWC-HP +P load (aka the FBI load)"

I can't seem to find this particular load in either Federal or Winchester's web site. Maybe it's a hand-loaded recipe?
Thanks ( this is my first post - this forum ROCKS!)
Brian

[kawasakifreak77]

I haven't used the winchester version however remington makes a .38 special +p load with a 158 grain LSWC-HP that I have begun to use in my K38 combat masterpiece & shoots superbly. I have read many reviews & even against todays 'wonder bullets' it seems as if this load is still very effective. I've always been partial to 158 LSWC in my 38's so I guess I'm kinda biased. Go to your local ammo shop & tell the counter guy to order a box or two of remington R38S12 (that's the index number I believe.) You won't be disappointed!

[kawasakifreak77]

I've also heard it refered to as the 'chicago load'. He's a couple links for you.

http://www.remington.com/products/am.../remington.asp

http://www.remington.com/products/am...=pistol&cal=10

[omnibus1967]

yes... you want the Remington load. midwayusa.com usually has it.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=548921

its an EXCELLENT load.

[CoolHandLu]

NICE! Thanks for the info - gonna order me a box from Midway and check it out.
Thanks again!
Brian

[Webleymkv]

Here's Winchester's version

http://www.winchester.com/products/c...BlY2lhbCArLVA=

and Buffalo Bore's

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunitio...htm#standard38

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#38spl

[kawasakifreak77]

That's awesome Webleymkv! Will that item 20A from buffalo bore be safe to fire in a '51 vintage K-38? (On occasion of course, I use them winchester white box 130 fmj 'service loads' to pratice with) It's pushing almost 300 more fps than the remington & winchester offerings PLUS is gas checked!! It's the ultimate .38 load!

[KyJim]

The Buffalo Bore load should be safe. They are more of a "boutique" ammo manufacturer which means more specialized loads with a higher performance and a higher price.

[Webleymkv]

Will that item 20A from buffalo bore be safe to fire in a '51 vintage K-38? (On occasion of course, I use them winchester white box 130 fmj 'service loads' to pratice with) It's pushing almost 300 more fps than the remington & winchester offerings PLUS is gas checked!! It's the ultimate .38 load!

I don't see why it wouldn't be. I've been meaning to order some to try in my '53 vintage Colt Cobra.

[joegator]

The FBI load from Remintgon is always a good choice. At $30 for a box of 50 they are cheaper than most exotic loads.

I use Cor Bon 110 grain all copper DPX loads. They are expensive but gives you the penetration and expansion of the 158 FBI load while delivering about 50% more energy.

[kawasakifreak77]

I have no problem paying for performance if it's there & reading that these were fired from actual revolvers is impressive. I just want to know how they coax almost 300 FPS out of the same round at the same pressure so I could duplicate the load.

[Johnny Guest]

Originally Posted by Webleymkv

I don't see why it wouldn't be. I've been meaning to order some to try in my '53 vintage Colt Cobra.

With all possible respect, I strongly suggest you NOT use the Buffalo Bore +P load 20A in your fine old Cobra. Please see the details on THAT load, and also the non +P 20C load, which is what they recommend for alloy-frame revolvers.

Elder Son and I have been fooling with these two loads lately. I tried the heavy 20A load in my 31 ounce S&W Model 13 three-inch. It felt as strong as my low end .357 handloads. ES shot it in a 19 ounce steel frame model 36 Chiefs Special and said it was painful. In my 12.5 ounce Model 37 Airweight Chief's, the non- +P load 20C has very heavy recoil, but controllable.

My Colt Agent and Model 37 alloy revolvers are loaded with the 20C rounds. In my Model 13, I keep three 20A loads up first, followed by three low end .357 mag cartridges.

Best,
Johnny

[Hammer It]

I can't seem to find this particular load in either Federal or Winchester's web site. Maybe it's a hand-loaded recipe?

Hello CoolHandLu
No, There was an actual law Enforcment Load developed by Winchester back in the early 1960's. They came in the Older Yellow & Red box's and had a slightly hotter load rating for the .38 Special of 1060 FT/Sec and a Muzzle Energy of 395 Ft. Lbs. The bullet used was a Semi Wad Cutter 158 Grain MS Police lead Bullet. The end flap of the box's were clearly Marked .38 Special W38SPD 158 Grain Police lead Bullet. I hope this Helps, Hammer it

[BillCA]

Will that item 20A from buffalo bore be safe to fire in a '51 vintage K-38? (On occasion of course, I use them winchester white box 130 fmj 'service loads' to pratice with) It's pushing almost 300 more fps than the remington & winchester offerings PLUS is gas checked!! It's the ultimate .38 load!

While they are probably safe to use in your K-38, I'd suggest using the Buffalo Bore 20C load instead. It is not a +P load (what old timers in the 50's would call a "hot load") and won't risk the health of your fine old K-38.

[KyJim]

Sigh . . . Just to clarify, my previous post about the Buffalo Bore +P load being safe was directed at the Model 10 which was the topic of this thread; most definitely not the alloy framed Cobra. I have one and would NEVER shoot +P in it. It might not kaboom but it's a good way to quickly stretch the frame and ruin the gun. Also, do not use +P in the K-38. While it probably is safe, it will stress your revolver if shot a lot. SW recommends +P loads only for revolvers made after 1958; i.e., the Model 10 owned by the thread starter and not the Cobra or K38.

[Webleymkv]

With all possible respect, I strongly suggest you NOT use the Buffalo Bore +P load 20A in your fine old Cobra. Please see the details on THAT load, and also the non +P 20C load, which is what they recommend for alloy-frame revolvers.

Whoops, I had 20A and 20C (158grn Standard Pressure) mixed up. I do not have any plans to put +P of any kind throught the Cobra and certainly not BB +P

[dogngun]

Please see the above thread on the "most respected .38 spl defence ammo."
It is about the best there is, IMO.

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