LCR load suggerting

[j jon salt]

I just recently got a LCR. I wanted a light weight, hammer-less, gun that both my wife and I could carry (we have permits). I have only shot it once to get a feel of the response with a somewhat "normal" load. I used a 146 gr WC. While I could handle the recoil, but would rather have something lighter, there is no way my wife could take the recoil with her arthritis. Being that the gun would only be used for defense at close range, I would think a tamer load would be fine, at least better than none. We are retired so please don't suggest us getting another gun we can't afford.

One suggested I use the .38 S&W but I had a revolver (S&W Terrier) using this lode in the past and seem to recall it will not work properly in a gun chambered for the .38 Special. Should I consider a lighter load .38 Special? maybe one of the 125-130 gr. What about the .38 Long Colt, or Short Colt? Thanks for reading.

 

[ASRuger]

You're in a pickle. I don't think any 38 factory load including the cheapo 130gr FMJ stuff has less recoil than a typical 146gr full wadcutter load.
I think your options may be:
1. sell the gun and get something more appropriate
2. dry fire the gun a lot to practice trigger control, only shoot the gun occasionally.
3. invest in a single stage load press and some dies and load your own low recoil ammo.
4. Find a buddy to load some lower recoil ammo for you.

 

[louiethelump]

Or consider trading it off for the same gun with 8 rounds of 22LR.

I have one in 22lr and there is virtually NO recoil, and it will give about 1000 FPS with Remington Yellow jackets according to current tests.

 

[darkwater67]

A heavier, all-steel revolver would probably have been more appropriate in your situation. However, lacking the ability to sell it and buy a new one, I'd go with getting low-recoil reloads as suggested by ASRuger. I've made my own low-recoil rounds for practice, and they were pretty mild compared to factory loads. Best of luck!

 

[Terry T]

I'd try some 110 or 125gr JHP before I'd give up on the piece. (Not P+).
The LCR has such a nice trigger, I'd be surprised if you could find something else that would be as easy to use.

I have the 357 version and I noticed a big difference between 125gr JHP and 158 gr. JHP!

At least in Fl. you don't have to worry about heavy winter clothing on your 'targets'. :shock:
Terry T

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Try some 110gr Federal low recoil 38 special.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/211732

...Jimbo

 

[j jon salt]

I'm going to buy and try the 110gr Federal load. I used 112gr in my Browning Hi-Power 9mm so I know the weight is not too low for the bullet diameter. Wonder why no one suggested the .38 Long or Short Colt. Thanks all.

Would the Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition 38 Special 110 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding offer similar results as the Federal but at a lower cost?

 

[darkwater67]

I'm going to buy and try the 110gr Federal load. I used 112gr in my Browning Hi-Power 9mm so I know the weight is not too low for the bullet diameter. Wonder why no one suggested the .38 Long or Short Colt. Thanks all.

Would the Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition 38 Special 110 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding offer similar results as the Federal but at a lower cost?

I would think the Hornady 110gr Critical Defense in .38 (non +P) should produce results similar to the Federal load as far as recoil, as they both push a 110 gr bullet to about 1000 fps. The only question is what barrel length did each manufacturer use to generate these results. I like the Critical Defense ammo, myself for the value and the innovation. Yes, their technology is newer and doesn't have that much real world data yet, but to me, the science behind it just makes perfect sense.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Wonder why no one suggested the .38 Long or Short Colt. Thanks all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Long_Colt

I believe you can shoot the 38 long colt in your 38 special revolver but it is not a very good self defense round. I believe you will only find lead roundnose bullets (140gr-158gr) at about 700fps. They may also dirty-up the chambers in your gun and make seating a 38 special more difficult.

I believe the modern 38 short colt ammo is also suitable for a 38 special gun but the bullet is a only about 95gr and 550 fps. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[cpallenjr]

How about adding the crimson trace laser and use frangible rounds like the glazer safety slug, accurately placed?