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.