Use A Reloading Trickler To Make Cost-Effective, Hot .38 Special Ammo
Finding the right amount of defensive ammunition for a snub nose revolver can be difficult. A combination of experimentation and ammo re-loadings skills, however, could lead to a cost-effective solution. By slowly adding power to a .38 Special bullet, it becomes possible to increase its velocity and power. The .357 Magnum represents the result of "maxing out" the amount of power in a .38 Special. What if you want ballistic power that is between a .357 and a .38 Special? Handloading might deliver the appropriate solution and some powerful ammunition.
Cost-Saving Options for Ammo
9mm ammo provides a level of power between a .357 and a .38 Special. However, 9mm revolvers often come with high price tags, since they are specialty guns. 9mm, of course, originated as a semi-auto-only pistol. Another option involves purchasing "super hot" .38 special ammunition, but the ammo is both expensive and, often, hard to find. People purchase a .38 Special because they are comfortable with the power level and recoil. Buyers interested in 9mm-level power probably aren't interested in a .38 Special revolver. Also, not all .38 Specials can safely fire such high-velocity, powder packed rounds. Such factors drive up the cost of the "hot" ammo. However, a skilled hand-loader could use a powder trickler to add the powder to a preferred level gradually.
Using a .357 Revolver
It may be best to avoid shooting the hot ammo through a .38 revolver. A .357 revolver can shoot weaker .38 Special ammo, since .357 ammo is, essentially, longer .38 Special cartridges. Ultra-hot .38 Special ammo coming out of a .357 at 1100 fps would still be "light" for a Magnum, and, therefore, won't likely stress the frame. Another option involves loading the .357 ammo down instead of powering the .38 Special up. Doing so may cut down on putting hot ammo into the wrong gun, as a .357 bullet can't fit into a .38 Special revolver.
Trickler and Weight Amounts
With a powder trickler, a re-loader can add the necessary amount of powder to brass casings. Try to increase the powder on test ammo incrementally. Firing the test ammo at a gun range can allow the re-loader/shooter to determine a comfortable amount. 1,000 feet per second might be too little, and 1,100 fps may come with too much recoil. Perhaps 1,050 fps turns out to be the best.
Experience counts for a lot when it comes to loading ammo. Before shooting any "hot" ammo out of any gun, make sure the gun can safely fire the added pressure. Look into reloading trickler options today.