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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
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. You have good points and everyone has different criteria for what is best for them. For my wife I went with a .38+P and Hornady 90g FTX Critical Defense loads because she hates recoil. For myself I would just get the .357 and be done with it, but would probably run lighter loads through it than I do my Blackhawk. My 9mm stays in the console of my car, loaded with 115g XTP or Gold Dot running a chrono�d 1252fps from my Browning BDM. When travelling in my wife�s car I generally have my PPK .380 in the small of my back. Just bought some Barnes XPD ammo for it and if a range trip proves it functions that will likely become my load of choice. Also have some for the 9mm that I need to try.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115,424 Likes: 13 |
Yes, I have an XS STANDARD DOT sight on my 38 and have ordered one for my 9mm also. I like them a lot.
I tried it on my 22LR but POI changed dramatically. I kept it anyway because I'm sure I'll get another LCR sooner or later. Travis
Trump being classless,tasteless and clueless as usual. Sorry, trump is a no tax payin pile of shiit. My young wife decided to play the field and had moved several dudes into my house
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 324
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 324 |
Regarding the LCR, I don't know how much they weigh but bought my wife a Pink Lady a couple of years ago and at 12 oz. it's a handful with standard .38 Specials loaded with 158 gr. SWC'S. I wound up casting some 150 gr. SWCHP's and loading them to around 800 fps or a bit more. Still quite a handful but we finally realized that a death grip with the last two fingers makes the little monster much more controllable.
"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen "I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns NRA Life Member Certified NRA Reloading Instructor Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
13.2 ounces for the .38 +P (aluminum frame), a little over 17 ounces for the 9mm Luger and .357 Mag (both steel frame).
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 19,137 Likes: 12
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 19,137 Likes: 12 |
The 9mm also has the heavier cylinder like the 357. No doubt to hold up to 35K psi standard pressure.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,373 Likes: 7
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,373 Likes: 7 |
I have found this a very compelling discussion. KYHillChick and I have decided to get our CCW's over this winter, and I'm looking for a suitable firearm for me for summer.
I'd like the opinions of y'all on the 357 Mag LCR. I'm a reloader and I'm becoming a caster. Is there any practical reason for picking a 357 MAG. Also, what about the LCRX in 38 Spec?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
It would be interesting to see what the chrono'd velocity gain is from the .357Mag is over the .38 Spl +P, if any. Maybe just more powder burned outside the barrel? (And more flash along with it?)
Less leading with the cast at 38 velocities?
LCRX doesn't fit in a pocket as well?
Just things I would consider and questions for which I would try to find answers for.
Bought the .38 Spl +P for my wife. Since I already loqd for the .357 I would consider one for myself.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 17,758 Likes: 4
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 17,758 Likes: 4 |
I realy like my LCR 9MM, and also like the moon clips, i have no trouble drawing it but did have with the solo i had, out of a pants pocket, seem to just shoot the LCR better also! mines a keeper.
Deer Camp! about as good as it gets!
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 16,740
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 16,740 |
I have found this a very compelling discussion. KYHillChick and I have decided to get our CCW's over this winter, and I'm looking for a suitable firearm for me for summer.
I'd like the opinions of y'all on the 357 Mag LCR. I'm a reloader and I'm becoming a caster. Is there any practical reason for picking a 357 MAG. Also, what about the LCRX in 38 Spec?
I have an LCR in .38 and have shot the .357. The .357 is a tad sharper in recoil but about the same accuracy. I don't think it would be fun to be shot with either. I keep 125 gr brass jacket HP in my LCR.
A government is the most dangerous threat to man�s rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,484 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,484 Likes: 2 |
I wish I could find an LCR 9mm locally to look at. Seems like a great primary deep cover pistol or a back-up to a 9mm auto.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
Saw one today at Cabelas in Thornton. (Denver)
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 Likes: 1
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 Likes: 1 |
Can't like moon clips. One more thing to lose, [bleep] with etc.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,484 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,484 Likes: 2 |
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 18,215
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 18,215 |
I'd like the opinions of y'all on the 357 Mag LCR. I'm a reloader and I'm becoming a caster. Is there any practical reason for picking a 357 MAG.
The .357 LCR frame is made out of Stainless, the .38 LCR frame is made out of Aluminum.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 21,317
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 21,317 |
Having shot 357 snubbies, I'd say there is no practical reason to get a .357 and absolutely no good reason to have one. They are the most brutally painful handguns to shoot, the recoil is straight back and fast into the web of your hand.
I do own a .357 snubbie but only load 38 special level loads in it. I'd much rather have a lighter built for 38 special in a snubbie.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,922 |
Have to agree with Mr. Lott... .357s from a lightweight snub are downright painful.
Since this thread started I ran across a smokin' deal on a LCR 9mm.. Have shot it quite a bit with reloads and standard FMJs. I tried some CorBon 115 and PowR' Ball but just like in my old 940 and 649 conversion the cylinder locked up after one shot due to primer flow...just too hot.
What are you guys carrying for defensive loads?
Bob
If you can not deal with reality, reality will deal with you....
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,946 Likes: 16
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,946 Likes: 16 |
I wish I could find an LCR 9mm locally to look at. Seems like a great primary deep cover pistol or a back-up to a 9mm auto. Try Fred Meyer over in Coos Bay....the local one here in the Rogue Valley carries them....I am looking at one for the wife to carry...
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,460 |
If I want to go 9mm, I will carry my PM9 but I do have a .38 M85 that I will put in a pocket holster from time to time.
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