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I just learned that the Federal Nyclad rounds in my wife's Smith Model 36 are collector's items. Federal stopped making Nyclad ammo some time ago. The Nyclad ammo that I have is several years old, and ought to be replaced. Assuming that I don't replace the Model 36 with a new weapon that can handle +P loads, can anyone recommend a good .38 standard pressure defensive load to replace the Nyclad?

I've also heard that Federal discontinued them, but they still list 125g Nyclads in .38 spl. at ammoman.com for $25/box of 50, including shipping. They don't say they are +p so I assume they are standard pressure.

Regards,
Andrew

Speer makes a 38+p load in 135 gr that is designed for 2" snubbies. Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel.

In .38 Spl standard pressure loads, you will probably want to look for lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoints (LSWCHP), I believe Federal and Remington make them in standard pressure, I'm told Winchester does also but I haven't seem them.

Maybe somebody out there knows, is the 38 Spl LSWCHP standard pressure the infamous "FBI load" or is it the LSWCHP in +P?

If it is a carry weapon only - then I have read that the S&W armorers say you 'can' shoot the +P rounds, although you don't want a steady diet of them. I guess the same thing could be said of a home defense weapon. Stay away from the larger grain bullets though - out of the little snubbies they just go willy peter. For just range shooting - simple semi-waddcutters will suffice. If you don't want to chance the +Ps - I would stoke it with some Winchester Silvertip 110 grain JHPs. Good FPS and energy for this type of weapon. Course you could always retire the model 36 and get the current 36 ladysmith for your wife as a Xmas present...

The Ladysmith is a nice weapon. My wife wanted a revolver for her carry weapon, and after looking at and shooting a 642LS she wanted one. If you examine the 642 and 642 LS, they are essentially the same fireamr, the 642 is 1/2 ounce heavier and comes with the Uncle Mike's grips instead of the wood. The suggested retail of the 642 is $469 and the 642LS is $633. The Uncle Mike's grips absorb recoil better than the Rosewood and the 1/2 ounce, although not much, is helpful. IMHO the 642 is a better deal for a hammerless 38 for the ladies. The "LS" seems to add cost.

I bought a new 642 on-line for her and she is happy. BTW, after shipping and FFL fees, I found the 642 at the equivalent price at Academy, around $430 bucks.

anygunanywhere wrote:Speer makes a 38+p load in 135 gr that is designed for 2" snubbies. Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel.

+1

It's what I have in my subbie.

Paladin wrote:

anygunanywhere wrote:Speer makes a 38+p load in 135 gr that is designed for 2" snubbies. Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel.

+1

It's what I have in my subbie.

+1 again. Me three.

MikeJ,
I saved this email I sent to S&W customer service back in 2003:

Hi,
Yes, you may use +P ammo in your handgun
kf
-----Original Message-----
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2003 2:21 PM
To: qa
Subject: Mod. 36 Airweight


Hi,
I inherited a Mod. 36 Airweight that was made in the early 1960's. Can I use COR- BON .38 spcl. +P safely for personal defense only? I only use .38 spcl. normal ammo for target practice.
Regards,
XXXX XXXXXXX

The Airweight is the alloy frame version of the Mod. 36. S&W said it was OK to use +P in it.

I let my wife shoot some +P ammo in it. OUCH! She NOW carries a SIG P239/ .40 S&W. "It (P239) doesn't kick as bad as the Mod. 36 with +P"
Just sent this along for whatever it's worth.
Regards, OE

Thanks, guys. For now, I've just ordered some more Nyclad from ammoman. I'll defer getting any new weapons for a while. Well, any new weapons for the wife anyway. :D