What grain ammo to use S&W 442 revolver?

[BKM5]

Hello

Does anyone know what grain ammo to use on a Smith & Wesson five shot 442 revolver. I have been looking online but without any luck. I realized that I purchased two different grain strength packs last week. One is 158gr and the other is 125gr. It looks like a huge difference to me... but I can't say that I know enough.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[MAD Geary]

For self defense or range use?

 

[knfmn]

For self defense or range use?

This. For self defense, I'm a big fan of 158 grn +P lead semi wad cutter hollow points in a J frame sized revolver. For plinking at the range, I'll use 158 grn LRN stuff to stay in the same general area.

 

[Palladin]

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/snubby_ballistics.htm

another vote for the 158g semi wadcutter HP's

 

[Garys]

If you can find it Speer Lawman Gold Dot 135gr hollow point is designed for short barreled .38 Spcl handguns. It's a lower recoil round, which will help since the 442 is an Air Weight. I carry that in 642. I also have some Winchester PDX 130gr hollow point ammunition. The good thing about those is that there's plenty of 130gr jacketed round nose ammunition for range use.

For longer barrels, 3" or greater, 158gr is the suggested round.

 

[BKM5]

For self defense first. I just got this gun and I'm sure I'll do some recreational shooting too so that I can get a feel for it

 

[BKM5]

To tell you the truth... I thought I was getting a 642. However they look so alike so I think it's going to be OK

 

[knfmn]

To tell you the truth... I thought I was getting a 642. However they look so alike so I think it's going to be OK

I've owned a 642 before and I actually prefer the 542. I think the revolvers look better in black. (IMO, of course)

If you've never spent much time shooting a lightweight J frame, be ready for a little recoil. Not the end of the world, but they can get a little brisk. I wouldn't want to fire off 2-300 rounds in a sitting for sure.

 

[Garys]

To tell you the truth... I thought I was getting a 642. However they look so alike so I think it's going to be OK

They are pretty much the same gun. The frame on both is alloy. The barrel and cylinder on the 442 a carbon steel, the barrel and cylinder on the 642 are stainless. I have one and pocket carry it sometimes. I replaced the factory rebound spring with an Wolff spring. Other than that and a set of Ergo Delta Grips, it's stock. The only real downside is the felt recoil and the grips help tame that.

 

[whacko]

Hello

Does anyone know what grain ammo to use on a Smith & Wesson five shot 442 revolver. I have been looking online but without any luck. I realized that I purchased two different grain strength packs last week. One is 158gr and the other is 125gr. It looks like a huge difference to me... but I can't say that I know enough.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

As long as its the right caliber ammo you "can" shoot any grain bullet that is commercially available. BTW......the "grain" has nothing to do with "strength" it tells you the weight of the projectile. In fact a 158 grain will generally have less muzzle velocity am than a 125 grain Cruz the bullet is heavier and does not accelerate as much while in the barrel

 

[white feather]

Check to see which prints better to your point of aim. The 125s should shoot lower than the 158s. I used to like max load 125s in my .357.