“FBI Load” Velocities from S&W J-Frame Snubs

Hello.  I recently chronographed the .38 Special +P “FBI Load” from three major manufacturers through 5 different S&W J-Frames having 1 7/8” barrels.  Nothing really exciting or surprising but it seems a good thing to re-check such things over time and I wanted to post these results for folks who might be interested. Average velocities are based on 10 shots fired 10′ from the chronograph screens.

Remington 158-gr. LHP +P:

S&W Model 642: 812 ft/sec

S&W Model 042: 828

S&W Model 638: 831

S&W Model 442: 820

S&W Model 642: 822 (This is from my second Model 642.)

Average of these five S&W snubs (1 7/8″ barrels): 823 ft/sec with this load.

Federal 158-gr. LHP +P:

S&W Model 642: 779 ft/sec

S&W Model 042: 786

S&W Model 638: 796

S&W Model 442: 781

S&W Model 642: 783 (This is from my second Model 642.)

Average of these five S&W snubs (1 7/8″ barrels): 785 ft/sec with this load.

Winchester 158-gr. LHP +P: 

S&W Model 642: 789 ft/sec

S&W Model 042: 810

S&W Model 638: 825

S&W Model 442: 814

S&W Model 642: 797 (This is from my second Model 642.)

Average of these five S&W snubs (1 7/8″ barrels): 807 ft/sec with this load.

Average of all three loads from all five snubs: 805 ft/sec.

Best.