What can a 9mm do that a .38spl +P can't do just as well or better?
My thoughts exactly. I own autos and revolvers, but would 10x rather carry a revolver. But a 9mm revolver makes absolutely no sense to me. The 9mm vs. 38 Spec. ammo comparisons always compare light bullets and their higher velocity from the 9mm. What they DON'T show you is how a .38 Special shines with bullets from 150 gr. and up.
A few 38 Spec +P (20,000 psi)loads from Handloader #276 (fired from a Ruger LCR, no less):
140 gr. Speer JHP; 6.6 grs. Longshot-
932 fps
158 gr. RimRock SWCHP; 6.3 grs. Power Pistol-
1004 fps
173 gr. Cast SWC; 6.0 grs. Longshot-
913 fps
173 gr. Cast SWC; 7.0 grs. AA#5-
927 fps
173 gr. Cast SWC; 5.9 grs. Power Pistol-
946 fps
Additionally, if the LCR can withstand the pressures generated by the 9mm cartridge, then it can with stand similar pressure from a .38 Special, so loads even heavier than these would be possible, if desired.
Ok, so I've learned now, there are companies who load the 38 to higher pressures and it can meet 9mm +P energy. I don't think I'd shoot those near 357 - 38 special loads in the lighter framed LCR 38 special. So I'd either buy the 357 model or the 9mm model. I chose the 9mm model and prefer it over the 357 for a few reasons.
1). 9mm ammo is cheaper and can be shared with several of my 9mm semi-autos.
2). I like the moon clips more than 38 speed loaders. Less bulky, quicker loading for me.
3). With a short nose, lightweight handgun, I believe there is a balance to be struck between power and recoil. With the 9mm, I have found my balance and I can shoot the dickens out of it. I could find that same balance using the 357 LCR, and it would likely be somewhere below standard 357 loads and above standard 38 loads. But the 9mm already does it for me perfectly,
Note: on Buffalo Bores website, for their 38 +P Outdoorsman load, they say, "In the super lightweight alloy revolvers (around 11-12 oz.) the bullet will not jump crimp under recoil provided you do not subject an unfired round to more than 5 or 6 firings."
I'd stick with the stouter 9mm or 357 LCR frames for the heavier loads.
I hand load all my rifle ammo, but not so much for handguns. Thanks for providing some insight to what your hand loads can do. It has got me thinking about getting a mold and casting some bullets too.
