What kind of ammo for 38 special?

Something in the range of a 110 gr or 125 gr JHP would work quite well.

All other things being equal...

FMJ (full metal jacket) would be the least effective

LRN would be more effective if the lead is expose because it would then be more able to mushroom.

some form of jacketed or semi-jacketed hollowpoint would be best.

For many years a standard velocity 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter was the preferred load. It was actually the FBI standard load until they switched to semi-autos.

I like Remington Golden Saber for 38 special self defense, but lots of ammo seems to be out-of-stock all over at the moment.

THis is good stuff too

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/667264/hornady-cr...

What kind of gas for a Chevrolet?

Look pal, before I can recommend an ammo, it might help to know WHICH .38 Special you have. I'd recommend a different load for the 4" Model 10 or Model 82 than I would for a Model 36 or Model 85. And even a different load for an airweight snubby like a Model 38 or Agent.

You want an all-around defensive .38 Special load? 125-grain JHP. There you go. It will work in a 4" revolver, it will work in a snubby. It will work in a steel frame, it will work in an aluminum or alloy frame. It won't beat your hand up. You will be able to make fast follow-up shots.

If you can't find that particular load, or you like name brands, I can also recommend Hornady Critical Defense: http://www.hornady.com/store/38-Special-90-gr-FTX-...

I generally don't go for projectiles that light, but I'd carry them if I had to. I prefer a bit more smack. However, for those of us who are going to keep the gun in a drawer for months or even years before even taking it out for range practice, it's an excellent load you'll be able to handle at close quarters.

LRN will kill, but there's a chance it may overpenetrate (I doubt it) LRN is for practice primarily because it doesn't expand on impact like a HP does. for practice, there's better practice ammo, LRN doesn't really make clear holes like RN-FP or LSWC does.

there's many different kinds of .38 spl defensive ammo, you can select what local LE uses or pick something cheaper because you will need ot practice with it occasionally.

I have selected Winchester Ranger SJHP 110 Grain and Remington SJHP 110 gr which appear to be powerful effective, but for most defensive situations I plan on using my 125 gr LSWC target shooting ammo instead since there's substantially less recoil, more accurate, less fireball, and there's that theory that big flat points re just as effective as soft points in defense. it's already proven true with my 9mm reloads vs federal hydrashok. similar terminal performance but worlds apart in energy and velocity.

I'd prefer a hollow point or a jacketed hollow point round. Although it is always hard to predict what a bullet will do after leaving the muzzle, this round should mushroom upon impact. That creates a greater wound channel, and added shock value. Usually there is less chance of over penetration, through a wall, should you miss. On the downside, heavy clothing such as winter coats may slow down the round. The mere fact that you have a firearm, and have shot, is usually a deterrent in itself, to most people.

158 grain round nosed lead was all we had for 80 years

That bullets figures heavily into a pretty good one shot stop history.

Another good choice is the 148 grain semi wad cutter.

Lead tends to flatten and I've seen recovered 38 lead measure .75" in flesh

The hollow points- 125 grain in 4 inch , 110 for snubs

Doesn't matter. target loads will penetrate and deliver virtually all the power into the assailant. It is target load so pretty much POA=POI. hollow points would be good, but you got more power than the .380 or 9x19mm so are HPs even necessary? Yu do not need 10 feet of overpenetration in your home, do you? You do not *need* a kill, just an end to the threat, and those target loads will end the threat.

If you should be scouting about for a program that is reliable and elegant at one time then you would definitely get the program https://tr.im/UfcDw Patriot Self Defense .

Utilising the Patriot Self Defense is very simple because is manufactured in order that anyone can use it. The program not just contain a book that learn you wherever would be the wickless position of one's opponent in order to defend your self but also you could have the videos where you can see, firsthand steps to make the move that are described in the book.

There are some very good lightweight (around 125 grains) hollow points out there that are good for defensive purposes. Note that a lot of them are +P loads, though, and may not be safe to use in your revolver.

Lead round nose will kill someone. It may not be ideal, but it will definitely kill.

But for a .38 Special, I'd suggest 158 grain JHP, or possibly 125 grain +P JHP. Those will do fine for home defense.