.38 Sp. Bullet Creep

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I own a S&W 642 Airweight revolver I carry daily. I carry Buffalo Bore 158 gr. +P LSWCHP for personal protection.

I've heard that in some light guns bullet creep can be a problem with these types of rounds. Do you think this might be an issue if I have to shoot in self-defense?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Van,

Although I wouldn't recommend that particular bullet configuration for self defense, I don't think it should be a problem.

The 642 is alloy and stainless, not the super-light configs of exotic metals like titanium and scandium.  These indeed have so little mass that on recoil, inertia causes the projectiles to stay put while the cases move back with the gun.  This inertial "bullet pulling" can be so severe that after two or three rounds, the overall cartridge length can be such that it jams against the forcing cone, making it almost impossible to open the cylinder, let alone fire it.

But this really shouldn't be a consideration in the 642 - alloy and steel snubbies have been around for decades now.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply! Which configuration would you recommend? Thanks!

Answer
Van,

I'd recommend the Federal Nyclad 158gr.  P.  It should be very close in internal/external ballistics to what you are carrying, but it has a proven record in short-barreled revolvers.

I've never heard of Buffalo Bore, but if it is a lead projectile, you'll likely be disappointed with its terminal performance. It is hard to get lead projectiles out of a two inch gun both to penetrate and expand.  

The Nyclad has proven itself able to do both. The Nylon "jacket" reduces friction for deeper penetration, and an extremely soft lead projectile guarantees expansion. The nylon jacket also keeps that extremely soft lead from building up in your barrel.

I'm not a revolver man, but I have an associate who is, and that's the only round he'll carry in the J-frames he totes. That's the load I would recommend for a short barreled revolver.