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History of the 38 Special so-called "FBI Load?"
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Recently I bought a case of Remington +P 38 Special 158-grain LSWC-HP ammunition, all manufacturers' versions being referred to as the FBI Load. Prior to making the purchase I wandered the Internet for information and pricing pertaining to 38 Special and 357 Magnum ammunition used in snubnose revolvers. Information evaluating the many selections available, and their comparative prices, caused me to make my purchase among the three versions of this ammunition, specifically choosing Remingon's.

I've been wondering:
- How this ammunition got its moniker;

- When the FBI began using it, and when its use ceased;

- What revolver the FBI used for it - that is, revolver's chambered caliber, its barrel length;

- Why it was selected rather than choosing among 357 Magnum ammunitions;

- In short, what is the history of the 38 Special "FBI Load?"


It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. Sam Levinson
 
Posts: 1530 | Location: Seeley Lake | Registered: 21 November 2007Reply With Quote
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I think I've been making an assumption - that the load was developed for the FBI, probably because of its moniker? Silly assumption in the absence of any pertinent information.


It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. Sam Levinson
 
Posts: 1530 | Location: Seeley Lake | Registered: 21 November 2007Reply With Quote
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I recall Winchester surplus ammunition being sold here in the UK in a plain black and white printed box marked "+ P +" and "Law Enforcement ONLY" as well.

But on that it was possibly a 125 grain JSP?

Some said this ws ex Illinois State Police or somesuch.

The FBI revolver was, I think, a three inch barrel Smith & Wesson Model 13 with round butt.
 
Posts: 6824 | Location: United Kingdom | Registered: 18 November 2007Reply With Quote
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It was also used by many other departments that issued S&W revolvers. The US Secret Service used this load in S&W Model 19 with 2.5"bbls before they switched to the Sig Sauer P228 in 9mm in the early 1990's IIRC. The USSS then transitioned into the Sig P229 in 357 Sig in recent years.

That FBI load is an effective and accurate load. I use it in my S&W 642.
 
Posts: 1133 | Location: Land of Lincoln | Registered: 15 June 2004Reply With Quote
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Hmmm,since you have already gone online + checked dates then let us not be redundant.You already know that the 38 spl was superior to the the .38 S+W at the start of the last century.Why not the .357 mag round?Perhaps because it would not be invented until 1935. Coinidantly the same year that the Texas Rangers was abbsorved into the Tx. DPS. For what it's worth + mores the pity,all these cops can not shoot because they do mot practice.I am not casting stones,only relaying the truth. Anyone interested in hearing?


Never mistake motion for action.
 
Posts: 17357 | Location: Austin, Texas | Registered: 11 March 2013Reply With Quote
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quote:
For what it's worth + mores the pity,all these cops can not shoot because they do mot practice.I am not casting stones,only relaying the truth. Anyone interested in hearing?



Same can be said for 90% of the avg pistol owner
 
Posts: 19927 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001Reply With Quote
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Very true,however,we as a citizenry have to depend on the "experience" of the local P.D. Nothing could be further from the truth. My children + I shoot regularly on our ranch out here,as well as some going to 'Gunsite'. That is real training that comes with practice. I have talked with way too many cops who say that they don't practice because the ammo is too exspensive. That is a piss poor excuse.What is your life worth,or more important the value of those you are paid to protect? I had a friend over the other day who is in the D.P.S. He wanted to shoot one of my 1911's. Sure. He could not hit anything. I asked him if he would like to try his carry piece (a Sig in .357 Sig) but he declined as they exidently have to answer for every round


Never mistake motion for action.
 
Posts: 17357 | Location: Austin, Texas | Registered: 11 March 2013Reply With Quote
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In my experience with several short bbl 38 revolvers, few if any 38 spl JHPs would expand at all- the 38 158 pure lead or light alloy SWCHPs would-the blast and recoil of a 125 Rem, along with is very low poi at even 15 feet made it a non starter for carry use. I still have a Colt DS, 2nd model I believe, that I carry as a BUG.
 
Posts: 1082 | Location: MidWest USA  | Registered: 27 April 2013Reply With Quote
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Dallas PD also issued this load, made by Winchester in the mid 1970's.
I am aware of several shootings using this load.
It was pretty effective, even from the S&W 1 7/8 inch barreled revolvers.


DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
 
Posts: 16134 | Location: Texas | Registered: 06 April 2002Reply With Quote
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I believe the 38 Special was invented by the bad guys to make it easier to kill the good guys

That is; the good guys had been issued the 38's
 
Posts: 1464 | Location: Southwestern Idaho, USA!!!! | Registered: 29 March 2012Reply With Quote
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My memory is a little sketchy on this but the 158 grain SWCHP FBI load was used in the round butt S&W model 13 with a 3 inch barrel. Yes it was a .357 chambered revolver but after testing several combinations this load was chosen as being the best available. The part I cant remember anymore is why a hot.38 special in a .357 revolver. The M13 was the issue handgun prior to the move to the semi-auto's now issued.

It really is an excellent round if you have a .38 that can handle +P loads.

P.S. Take a look at the movie Silence of the lambs for an M13 in action.


Roger
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Posts: 2822 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005Reply With Quote
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