EAA 38 Special?

Question

Im using a EAA (Euopean American Arms) 38 special 2" alloy frame for my ccw.

My question is, is it ok, or not ok, to use +P ammo in a 2" alloy frame "J" frame revolver.

And i guess a 2nd question is, what's a good self defense round for the 38 that is not +P?

Answer 1

Your EAA 38 Spl Windicator is not rated for the +P ammo.
The Hornady 158gr JHP XTP is designed to stop a threat.

Answer 2

Eaa 38 Special

Answer 3

I own a Taurus .38 snub and I use American Eagle 130 grain full metal jackets for the range, and when I carry my .38 when I travel, I carry two speedloaders of Magtech 125 grain semi-jacketed hollow points. Neither are that +p rated stuff. Just regular .38 specials.

Answer 4

First of all I think a "J " frame revolver is a S&W trademark and not applicable to a EAA. S&W doesn't recommend use of +P or +P+ ammo in their alloy frame revolvers and I would imagine a steady diet of them in your gun would not be good for it either unless it's a scandium or modern alloy, check with the manufacturer for their recommendation. Secondly there are several good loads for 38 spl. Remington makes a deep hollow point (flying ashtrays) I think they're called Sabre's and Federals Hydra-shoks are also very effective but they might not be available in non- +P. Any hollow point or softpoint should be good and about 125 grains to 158 grains.

Answer 5

I'd choose neither, and I'd look for a used gun from a better manufacturer, like S&W, Ruger, or even Taurus, whether your friend will listen or not. If he chooses to ignore the advice of people who have more experience than him, it's on his own head. Which would you rather have- a new Ford Focus or a vintage 1970 Boss 302 Mustang? Both go down the street, but one is a much better-built car. And I don't care how many thumbs down I get. My answer stands: get neither of them, and find a used gun from a better manufacturer that will cost about the same as either of those new ones.

Answer 6

You should never use a +P round in an alloy frame, period!!! If you want a good self defense round use a flat nose wadcutter loaded to standard grain weight 38 special specs; it will do the job.

Answer 7

I am against using a +P load in an alloy frame, as are most manufacturers. The extra pressure does shorten the lifespan of the weapon. You could use it loaded with +P for just self defense, and target shoot with standaard loads, but the point of impact will be different. But, I guarantee that if you use it for self defense, your gonna get sued, and lose in civil court. Some hot shot attorney is going to tell a jury of unknowledgeable people how you weren't satisfied shooting his poor misunderstood client with regular bullets, Oh No, you had to use super duty kill and maim +P people killers in your gun. Sounds stupid , but simple minded people fall for it and you're gonna end up losing everything you have, or ever will have in the multi million dollar lawsuit that you lose.
Go with the new T.A.P. ammo by hornady. it is one of, if not the top performing load right now. The smartest thing you can do, is contact your local law enforcement office. Find out what ammo they authorize for use. That way, in the event that you are forced to defend yourself, it is much easier to defend the use of that ammo, in court.

Answer 8

Yes, I believe that's the same frame that they use for the .357 Windicator DA revolver. It should be more than sturdy enough to handle the extra power loads.

As far as a good defense load, the Federal Hydra-Shock 129gr looks pretty impressive, but it's a +P load. If you want to see a variety of different .38SPC rounds and their effects, a very good place to look would be the Brass Fetcher website:
http://www.brassfetcher.com/38%20Special.html

Answer 9

For incidental self-defense, it's ok. But don't be running whole boxes through your Windicator. Ammo companies used to make non-+p hollowpoints but I am not sure of the status of such rounds in the marketplace. Newer alloy-frame guns (like Taurus) have been tested with
a few thousand rounds and no changes in dimaensions or feel was noticed. You EAA and Charter Arms guns cannot accomplish this.

Answer 10

I may be looking too far ahead, but can you find out what the local cops used to use in their .38's ??
If it ever came down to a court case, your ammo is the same as what the Man used to use.