This post is seeking inputs regarding ammo selection for Ruger SP 101 and LCR revolvers - - for test use and for defense use - - from the many savvy, sharing and experienced members of this forum.
My good wife and I have several SP 101's plus several LCR's on order, and have been all over the map following hype, etc. as trying to standardize on a very, very short list of ammo for test and for defense uses. At this point we have fired perhaps 2,000 rounds through our SP101's with a huge variety of ammo, plus 100 rounds through a range-rental LCR.
Here is where we are after reviewing tons of stuff written/tested by others and finally from our own test firing. I want criticism and improved guidance from smarter guys and gals >
For both guns - here's where we are:
a) Target/practice > 158 gr TMJ and LRN local reloads. I choose these because of price, readily availability and pick the 158 gr weight based on fact Ruger's Engineering told me they use that weight in their quality control tests and I want my POA and POI aimed at what they expect with the sights. (I have also used many factory loads from many suppliers, too).
b> Defense use (home and carry) > no reloads - using factory loads-only > a mix of Extreme Shock EPR frangible 38 special 115 gr (1185 fps and 387 ft-lbs) and 357 mag (1498 fps, 618 ft-lbs) - - mixed with Hornady Critical Defense FTX 110 gr 38 special (1175 fps, 337 ft-lbs energy). I selected these based on various factors, including not-to over penetrate, apparent power, our POA-POI effectiveness, and recoil-kindness also for my wife). [Of course for the LCR I do not use the Extreme Shok 357 mag round]
Question to other SP 101 and LCR users > What would you recommend changing and why?
Much, much appreciated.
Mike
My good wife and I have several SP 101's plus several LCR's on order, and have been all over the map following hype, etc. as trying to standardize on a very, very short list of ammo for test and for defense uses. At this point we have fired perhaps 2,000 rounds through our SP101's with a huge variety of ammo, plus 100 rounds through a range-rental LCR.
Here is where we are after reviewing tons of stuff written/tested by others and finally from our own test firing. I want criticism and improved guidance from smarter guys and gals >
For both guns - here's where we are:
a) Target/practice > 158 gr TMJ and LRN local reloads. I choose these because of price, readily availability and pick the 158 gr weight based on fact Ruger's Engineering told me they use that weight in their quality control tests and I want my POA and POI aimed at what they expect with the sights. (I have also used many factory loads from many suppliers, too).
b> Defense use (home and carry) > no reloads - using factory loads-only > a mix of Extreme Shock EPR frangible 38 special 115 gr (1185 fps and 387 ft-lbs) and 357 mag (1498 fps, 618 ft-lbs) - - mixed with Hornady Critical Defense FTX 110 gr 38 special (1175 fps, 337 ft-lbs energy). I selected these based on various factors, including not-to over penetrate, apparent power, our POA-POI effectiveness, and recoil-kindness also for my wife). [Of course for the LCR I do not use the Extreme Shok 357 mag round]
Question to other SP 101 and LCR users > What would you recommend changing and why?
Much, much appreciated.
Mike