[tonysoprano]

Are these good self defense rounds in a snubby? do silvertips expand reliably?

 

[agalindo]

Old technology shallow penetration in consistent expansion. Only .38 that recommended would be:

Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P JHP and Barnes 110 gr XPB all copper JHP (for ex. in the Corbon DPX loading)

 

[Cuda66]

Agreed. Silvertips tend to expand almost explosively, but penetrate very shallow (with the exception of the 10mm load, and some of the heavier revolver loads--.44mag, .44spl).

Personally, I'd add that a wadcutter or semiwadcutter in a non +P round is also not a bad choice...they may not expand much (unless they hit bone) but they will punch deep.

 

[Jack the Toad]

Maybe the 158 gr, LSWHP standard pressure load. It was used by the police for years.

 

[agalindo]

Even older technology.

Before those the police used the round nose for years also.

 

[Jack the Toad]

I never said it was new technology. It should penetrate well being 158 grain. And being non jacketed and soft lead hollow point SWC , it should expand. Even if it doesn't expand , it is a SWC and the frontal area should make a nice wound channel. I believe it came in +P as well. Police used round balls before round nose too. Wild Bill Hickok did quite well with a .36 Navy Colt which is about as powerful as a .380.