"What do I load in my Chiefs Special revolver? Whatever I have a box of ... it really doesn't matter." This was the response of a noted firearm authority to a Speer engineer's question during a recent writers seminar, and it summed up what many feel is a shortcoming of the snub-nose revolver-poor performance from the stubby barrel.

This conversation gave Speer the perfect opportunity to introduce its .38 Spl. +P 135-gr. Gold Dot hollow-point cartridge to the group. The new loading is intended to wring the most performance possible from the 17⁄8-inch barrel of the five-shot, J-frame Smith & Wesson and similar revolvers.

The bullet itself was developed with a broad, deep cavity and bonded-core construction, with a two-step cavity formation that establishes expansion paths for both the core and jacket. A star-stab punch with sharp, deep, aggressive flutes pre-segments the bullet before the hollow-point cavity and ogive are formed, allowing the bullet to expand easily at the lower velocities generated in these short-barreled revolvers.

The hollow-point cavity was designed with a large width and depth to allow it to pass through heavy clothing and denim without plugging. The brass cases are nickel-plated for corrosion resistance and lubricity.

The unique propellant used in the new loading is double-based and flash-suppressed. Also, its burn speed maximizes velocity in 1 7⁄8-inch barrels. Speer states that typical velocities for the load are around 860 f.p.s. Our tests confirmed these results.

The Gold Dot .38 Spl. +P cartridge was tested in blocks of bare, calibrated 10 percent ballistic gelatin, with the cartridges fired from a 2-inch Model 85 Taurus revolver. As shown in the accompanying picture, the penetration of all five rounds fired was 11 inches. Also, expansion and weight retention were excellent, with the average expansion being 0.577 inches and maintaining 99 to 100 percent of the original weight.

One of the more obvious questions is why the 135-gr. weight was chosen. A Speer engineer stated that it was primarily intended for brand distinction. Since the bullet design/powder combination is the key to its performance, a unique and distinctive bullet weight was allowable.

For those who think the snubby J-frame revolver in .38 Spl. is the perfect carry gun, but have always questioned its ballistic performance qualities, this new loading from Speer may just be the perfect solution.