The Accurate Reloading Forums
J-Frame 38 Special Test
06 December 2008, 05:23
bfrshooterJ-Frame 38 Special Test
quote:
Posted 06 December 2008 05:09 Hide Post
I loaded some 180 gr. hardcast Bull-X bullets today in 38 special.11 Grs of H4227 for my Model 14-6" barrel.Any volunteers to stand at 100yds to see if they hurt?????? popcorn
Nothing at all to do with shooting and FINDING EVERY deer. Darn sure you can kill some but also darn sure you will lose some. Sounds like a coin toss to me, not ethical hunting. You can lose deer with ANY gun, why guarantee it. Not when the wonderful .44 and .45 is so easy to get.
Stunts don't belong in the field.
Who is the first to try a .25 auto? How about a field point arrow or a backwards strung bow?
Is this the handgun hunting site or the circus?

06 December 2008, 05:57
george roofHear! Hear! BFR. I can't imagine any ethical hunter taking a .38 to the deer woods other than for accompanyment on a personal ego trip. I have trouble teaching our classes that the .357 is legal here. I just feel the animal deserves some consideration. (I always carry my .380 with me, but it's for the two legged varmints I might encounter.)
RETIRED Taxidermist
06 December 2008, 06:01
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by Peter:
JWP, that picture is just mean!
Can we just agree that while the 38 Special will do the job (deer hunting) with a properly placed bullet (of the appropriate type), it may not be as effective as a larger caliber bullet (of the appropriate type)?
Now having said that, why is the 130 metal case penetrating more than the much vaunted cast lead SWC. That was original post and that is still a mystery to me. Do we have pictures of the final bullets?
Peter.
Peter, it out penetrated a 158 grain hollow-point, not a semi wad cutter.
"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 06:05
jwp475quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
quote:
Originally posted by Peter:
JWP, that picture is just mean!
Can we just agree that while the 38 Special will do the job (deer hunting) with a properly placed bullet (of the appropriate type), it may not be as effective as a larger caliber bullet (of the appropriate type)?
Now having said that, why is the 130 metal case penetrating more than the much vaunted cast lead SWC. That was original post and that is still a mystery to me. Do we have pictures of the final bullets?
Peter.
Peter, it out penetrated a 158 grain hollow-point, not a semi wad cutter.
A soft lead hollow point at that, not a flat point HARD cast
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 06:10
MS HitmanAlright; everyone step back, take a couple of deep breathes and calm down.
If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
06 December 2008, 06:20
WhitworthThat does it, I'm going to dust off my 3-inch Model 36 and wound, er kill a deer with it......

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 06:25
MS HitmanI've got it on good authority that Model 36 is marginal on chipmunks, so be very careful.
If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
06 December 2008, 06:27
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by MS Hitman:
I've got it on good authority that Model 36 is marginal on chipmunks, so be very careful.
Who told you that?! They lied! The Model 36 is a killin' machine!

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 06:28
jwp475quote:
Originally posted by MS Hitman:
I've got it on good authority that Model 36 is marginal on chipmunks, so be very careful.
Jack-A-Lopes are much more dangerous IMHO
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 06:30
WhitworthI shot a jackalope once.......did you know that? Seriously.
"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 06:33
jwp475quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
I shot a jackalope once.......did you know that? Seriously.
Details, man details
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 06:39
WhitworthI was so traumatized by the experience, I don't know if I want to talk about it......I don't really want to relive it........

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 06:47
MS HitmanWell, I stopped a slug in full charge with mine once; took two shots and lost the tracker. Thought I was going to have to break out the salt before it was all over.
If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
06 December 2008, 06:54
jwp475I once stopped a catapillar with my J-Frame, frightning to say the least
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 07:00
WhitworthJackalope is serious business........
"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 07:50
PeterPeter, it out penetrated a 158 grain hollow-point, not a semi wad cutter.
Ah! That explains it. So, it should be no surprise then that a metal case, that presumably did not expand, out penetrates a HP that (presumably) did expand.
Sorry, I was a little slow.
Peter.
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
06 December 2008, 08:04
MS HitmanThat's okay, it'll run like this awhile then really get bad.
If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
06 December 2008, 08:17
WhitworthWe definitely have the ability to get much worse.......

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 08:27
jwp475quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
Jackalope is serious business........
They take your legs out with those horns
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 08:51
jwp475With the energy transfer and all
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 09:09
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by jwp475:
With the energy transfer and all
I didn't say it, don't look at me!

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 09:21
jwp475If a 380 is good for 2 legged preditors that can wiegh 250 pounds or more is it then reasonable to assume that a J_Frame would work on a 150 pound four legger?
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 09:23
jwp475I hope nobody gives me a bum Steer
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_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 09:36
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by jwp475:
If a 380 is good for 2 legged preditors that can wiegh 250 pounds or more is it then reasonable to assume that a J_Frame would work on a 150 pound four legger?
.38 Special is a man-stopper. I know, I read it in Marshall and Sanow's books........

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 10:03
jwp475er on a Deer
quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
quote:
Originally posted by jwp475:
If a 380 is good for 2 legged preditors that can wiegh 250 pounds or more is it then reasonable to assume that a J_Frame would work on a 150 pound four legger?
.38 Special is a man-stopper. I know, I read it in Marshall and Sanow's books........
There you go if those 2 said so with physics and all it must be so
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 19:38
george roofLOL Whitworth.
I still subscribe to the notion that your concealed firearm was never intended to stop anyone, just allow you enough time to get to your REAL gun. That's why it always amazes me that police departments would issue .38 and that puny 9mm to officers. I wouldn't feel "dressed" with anything less than the .357 Sig or the 40mm. Since few deer have pot guts but do have 4WD, I want something even bigger for them.
RETIRED Taxidermist
06 December 2008, 19:41
jwp475quote:
Originally posted by george roof:
LOL Whitworth.
I still subscribe to the notion that your concealed firearm was never intended to stop anyone, just allow you enough time to get to your REAL gun. That's why it always amazes me that police departments would issue .38 and that puny 9mm to officers. I wouldn't feel "dressed" with anything less than the .357 Sig or the 40mm. Since few deer have pot guts but do have 4WD, I want something even bigger for them.
But, do they shoot back?
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 19:50
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by george roof:
LOL Whitworth.
I still subscribe to the notion that your concealed firearm was never intended to stop anyone, just allow you enough time to get to your REAL gun. That's why it always amazes me that police departments would issue .38 and that puny 9mm to officers. I wouldn't feel "dressed" with anything less than the .357 Sig or the 40mm. Since few deer have pot guts but do have 4WD, I want something even bigger for them.
That's why I carry this more often then not, George!

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 19:56
jwp475I like one of these a lot
But certainly do not feel naked with one of these
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 20:03
WhitworthThat bottom group is a little light in the loafers.........
"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 20:22
jwp475quote:
Originally posted by Whitworth:
That bottom group is a little light in the loafers.........
I may be wrong but but I don't think stopping one with ones chest would feel very good, may not leave a mark though
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 20:30
WhitworthA little chest pain or incapacitation -- which would you prefer??

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
06 December 2008, 21:13
jwp475Handguns should be treated like an American Express card "never leave home with out one"
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
06 December 2008, 21:47
WhitworthI never do......
"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
07 December 2008, 02:01
jwp475quote:
Karl Haemmerlein
Member
Registered: 02/14/01
Posts: 148
Loc: Lancaster, sc
Online
Hey Whitworth, I have not had any issues with normal to heavy hollow points on hogs with my 44's and my 45 win mag, 240 gr + in 44's and the only load I have ever used in my 45 win mag for hunting is winchester's 260 gr hollow point. My 41 mag is the lightest I have used, other than target of opportunity on a pig. I even took a 200 lb boar with a 38 special once, it is what I had on me when I was going to check a camera and he was there, about 30 yard head shot with a 158 gr wadcutter.
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/.../209310/#Post2623784
And some have claimed the 38 Special to be ineffective even on animals as small as dogs..
Amazing what a well placed bullet can do.
_____________________________________________________
A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
09 December 2008, 22:14
Boss HossJohn—I have killed many animals with a 357 and a 38 but it was a super back in the day when they were the rage with the ramped barrels loaded to dangerous levels (125jhp at 1600). The 38 special is not going to give you the hydrostatic shock that helps with the “quick” killing power when put into the lungs for example, unless it is at very short ranges like 10 to 20 yards and that would be with hollow points and a 6 inch barrel +p load IMHO.
Yes when a bullet goes through vital area it causes damage many times collateral by that I mean shattered rib for example that not only will help deform the bullet to a larger frontal area but the broken bones cut into the lungs for example. Not to say that it cannot be dome but to effectively and humanely dispatch an otherwise unwounded animal is not the best choice is the most charitable way to put it that I can think of.
09 December 2008, 22:25
MS HitmanJust for discussion purposes, why is the knee-jerk response to light for caliber hollow point expanding bullets?
If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
09 December 2008, 22:42
Peterquote:
Handguns should be treated like an American Express card "never leave home with out one"
Yes, but do you get points when you use it?
Peter.
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
09 December 2008, 22:45
MS HitmanYou might very well just get to live another day if used properly.
If ignorance is bliss; there are some blissful sonofaguns around here. We know who you are, so no reason to point yourselves out.
10 December 2008, 04:18
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by MS Hitman:
Just for discussion purposes, why is the knee-jerk response to light for caliber hollow point expanding bullets?
Light for caliber expanding bullets suck. Sorry, just had to tell you how I feel. What was the question?

"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"