Jacketed .38 Special Loads for CMP Service Pistol

CMP recently changed Rule 4.1.4, now permitting the use of S&W Model 10 or 15 revolvers as Service Pistols. I don’t have a 1911 “hardball” gun. I’ve already got my Distinguished Revolver badge. So I’m thinking of getting distinguished in service pistol with a revolver.

The catch is that Rule 4.4.1 states as follows:
“Service Pistol competitors may use any safe ammunition that is loaded with metal-jacketed or metal-plated bullets. Non-jacketed, wad-cutter or lead bullets may not be used.“

I’ve got a ton of load data for 50 yard Bullseye accurate lead bullets. Never loaded any jacketed bullets in .38 Special.

Any recommendations for good jacketed or plated .38 bullets? Load info?
I suspect a cheaper bullet would group fine at 25 yards, but maybe I need the more pricey bullets at 50 yards.

Thanks.

The 110gr XTP loaded with 4.2 gr of Bullseye is very accurate. My go to load shooting a 900 with my wheel gun.

I found that the Zero 125gr JHP conical bullet with 5.5 grains of CFE-Pistol shoots really well in all my revolvers. Tested at 25 yards, but not at 50.

For factory jacketed 38 sp ammo, I have had pretty good luck with the Remington 130 gr loads, they come in the bulk pack of 250.  My Ruger GP 100 likes them.

SmithSwede wrote:CMP recently changed Rule 4.1.4, now permitting the use of  S&W Model 10 or 15 revolvers as Service Pistols.  I don’t have a 1911 “hardball” gun.  I’ve already got my Distinguished Revolver badge.  So I’m thinking of getting distinguished in service pistol with a revolver.  

The catch is that Rule 4.4.1 states as follows:
“Service Pistol competitors may use any safe ammunition that is loaded with metal-jacketed or metal-plated bullets. Non-jacketed, wad-cutter or lead bullets may not be used.“

I’ve got a ton of load data for 50 yard Bullseye accurate lead bullets.  Never loaded any jacketed bullets in .38 Special.  

Any recommendations for good jacketed or plated .38 bullets?  Load info?  
I suspect a cheaper bullet would group fine at 25 yards, but maybe I need the more pricey bullets at 50 yards.  

Thanks.

That's a weird rule! Wasn't the original 38 Spl. M&P Service load 158 grain lead round nose?  The current M41 ammo is 130 grain jacketed RN at 750-950 velocity depending barrel length and on vintage of ammo!

As I recall NRA-PPC Distinguished Revolver allows factory 158 grain LRN. My M-14 is capable of X-ring accuracy at 50 with Ranger  158 grain LRN! 

I know I'm not answering your question but for me I'd have to start over developing a load for that kind of accuracy in a jacketed bullet!

Smiles,

The US Military used 38 Special M41 with a 130 grain FMJRN.   This was used by (mostly USAF, I think) MPs and some aircrew who were issued revolvers.  It was most likely a 38 Super bullet stuffed in a Special case.  This is NOT the same as the police loads of that era.

Can you use this bullet for both CMP and DR?

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/38-special/

I believe NRA DR requires 158 RN or SWC LEAD bullets by rule,  No jackets allowed.

That's weird, the rules don't say anything about jackets:

3.3 (e) Ammunition- Any safe .38 caliber ammunition using the 158 grain round nose or Semi-Wadcutter bullet only. 

Since it's a hollow point, is that a DQ?

Some of you are confusing NRA and CMP rules. In this case the AMMO requirments are different.
NRA requires a lead round nose or semiwadcutter bullet. CMP requires a jacketed bullet. In CMP 
a jacketed hallow point bullet would be alowed . Unless they change the rule to a poticuler proflie
like the NRA has.

Joe Morgan wrote:That's weird, the rules don't say anything about jackets:

3.3 (e) Ammunition- Any safe .38 caliber ammunition using the 158 grain round nose or Semi-Wadcutter bullet only. 

Since it's a hollow point, is that a DQ?

And my mould drops SWCs that weigh 150 gr.  No-go.

For NRA Distinguished Revolver 'lead only' is not a requirement any more.  

Excerpt 2020 NRA Precision Pistol Rulebook:

3.3 Distinguished Revolver...

(e) Ammunition- Any safe .38 caliber ammunition using the 158 grain round nose or Semi-Wadcutter bullet only.

NRA DR - 158 gr jacketed or lead RN or SWC.

CMP EIC - Jacketed only, any weight or style.

In a model 15, my best load at 25 and 50 yards is a Sierra 140 gr JHP over 5.3 gr. Unique.