+P Ammunition

FinsnFur · December 19, 2011, 09:55:08 PM

I ran into that term tonight while doing some more research on these Kel-tecs

Google tells me that it's over pressurized ammunition.
Commonly magnums

So is +P ammunition something thats only obtained by reloading? I dont think I've ever seen that description on a box of ammunition.

FOsteology · December 19, 2011, 10:29:00 PM

Lots of +P ammunition for handguns available off the shelf.

weedwalker · December 20, 2011, 03:06:42 AM

Yes, there's +P available for several calibers of handguns. But only use it if your gun is rated for +P ammo. It's a hottoer load than standard ammo.

FinsnFur · December 20, 2011, 05:43:23 AM

Yeah some of the specs are saying the weapons are rated for it but not under continuous use.
I've never heard of +p ammo.....being available over the counter anyway.
I figured that was in your own hands by reloading.

KySongDog · December 20, 2011, 05:44:30 AM

+P ammo is a little hotter than standard SAAMI ammo. And should be used only in +P rated guns. That KelTec PF9 can handle +P ammo, just don't give it a steady diet of it. Practice mostly with standard ammo and use +P for carry.

To be clear, +P is not as hot as a magnum. They also make +P+ ammo. Buffalo Bore is one manufacturer that comes to mind. One has to be careful with these +P+ hot loads.

Hawks Feather · December 20, 2011, 07:55:04 AM

I think your question has been answered, but will add that the +P is a nice "tweener" (like in the .38 cal.) between the .38 special and .357. It works out pretty good for people who don't like the recoil of the magnum, but want a little more than the standard load if needed. You can have the person practice with the .38 special rounds and then load the +P for a little more knock down power.

As has been stated, you don't want to use it in a firearm that is not tested for the +P loads, but any chambered for a magnum will take a +P with no problem.

Jerry

slagmaker · December 20, 2011, 09:13:38 AM

WARNING if your shooting a 357magnum calabier handgun do not assume that you can fire 39 special +P ammo in it. It has to say +P rated.

I watched a fellow at a gun range seriously hurt two people and himself by using +P 38 special in a 357 magnum Taraus hadngun. He was under the impression that sense the firearm said magnum that he could shoot the "weaker" +P 38 special. WHen he touched off his second round the cylinder broke apart it hurt both people stanidng to his sides and did a pretty good number on his hand

KySongDog · December 20, 2011, 03:48:31 PM

Quote from: slagmaker on December 20, 2011, 09:13:38 AM
WARNING if your shooting a 357magnum calabier handgun do not assume that you can fire 39 special +P ammo in it. It has to say +P rated.

I watched a fellow at a gun range seriously hurt two people and himself by using +P 38 special in a 357 magnum Taraus hadngun. He was under the impression that sense the firearm said magnum that he could shoot the "weaker" +P 38 special. WHen he touched off his second round the cylinder broke apart it hurt both people stanidng to his sides and did a pretty good number on his hand

That is hard to believe. As Jerry stated, any 357 magnum hand gun should be able to handle +P .38 special ammo with no problem. Maybe the guy was using hand loads that he "thought" were loaded correctly to +P but were not.

slagmaker · December 20, 2011, 05:41:40 PM

Magnum actually has nothing to do with pressure or speed or anything else you would think. It is actually refering to case size. In truth a 357magnum is nothing more than a longer cased 38 special. When I get home and can get the data looked up I will post the info.

He was shooting store bought ammo.

FinsnFur · December 20, 2011, 05:57:46 PM

Brain candy right here.
Good info guys.

Hawks Feather · December 20, 2011, 08:24:34 PM

.38 Special is rated at 17,000 PSI
.38 Special +P is rated at 20,000 PSI
.357 Magnum is rated at 35,000 PSI

Are you sure he wasn't shooting .38 SUPER +P which is rated at 36,500 PSI?

.38 Special +P should not have caused any damage to his .357 Magnum.

Jerry

slagmaker · December 20, 2011, 11:23:30 PM

I can not at this time find my data concerning +P ammo in 38 caliber. and with the migrain I am fighting I am not real worried about it at the moment. I do know that it stated the speed that the pressure went up was the major contributing factor to why you shouldnt run +P in a firearm unless it is stated from the firearm manufacturere that it was ok. Some 357mag firearms you can and some you cant. This is known to me.

When I find the info I will post it.

Yes Jim you can purchase store bought +P. The head stamp will even be stamped +P. Even the +P+ is stamped that way. I want to contact Ruger and see if my P90 can handel the +P+ 45ACP stuff. Federal sells 38 special +P for personal protection as well as some other manufacturers. It is mainly for personal protection and if you have ever fire off any of these rounds "especially in a small framed carry piece" you will quickley understand why. Very hard on the hand and elbow but in the same regards very effective bullet performance on the other end.

CCP · December 21, 2011, 01:52:02 AM

To help muddy the water a little there is +p+ ammo. This is some NATO and Law enforcement but can be found on the regular market from time to time.

FinsnFur · December 21, 2011, 05:23:08 AM

Hey Rich

Quote from: Semp on December 20, 2011, 05:44:30 AM
They also make +P+ ammo. Buffalo Bore is one manufacturer that comes to mind. One has to be careful with these +P+ hot loads.

Quote from: slagmaker on December 20, 2011, 11:23:30 PM
The head stamp will even be stamped +P. Even the +P+ is stamped that way.

CCP · December 21, 2011, 04:23:29 PM

I think I should trying reading the whole post before I start typing..

nastygunz · December 21, 2011, 04:23:48 PM

My S&W Airweight .38 is stamped with +P...I shoot regular ammo out of it and carry it with the hot stuff in the tubes...I also shoot alot of .38 out of my .357, regular and +P and have never had a problem. I sent an email to Buffalo Bore and axed them and this is the reply:

" Of course it is ENTIRELY safe to the shooter to fire 38SPL of any flavor
(not just +P) out of any 357 firearm. It is absolutely unsafe to whomever
you are shooting at."

HaMeR · December 21, 2011, 07:12:02 PM

Diane's LC9 is not marked +P on the firearm. Even if it were I wouldn't run them thru this one. Those Hornady Self Defense loads are hot enough for her as they are. I've yet to find some of the cases from the +p they fly so far off. I can see the fire fly out the chamber with the spent casing also. Regular 9mm hardball doesn't do that.

slagmaker · December 21, 2011, 07:12:53 PM

So the maker of the ammmo told you it was OK, not the manufacturer of the firearm?

nastygunz · December 21, 2011, 07:45:24 PM

Yupp, hey I aint writing a thesis on the subject, like I said I have been shooting .38+P out of my .357 for a long time with no problem so your statement made me curious, but just to be subjective I will also email the firearms manufacturer and ask them too and post their reply also. But I am pretty sure Buffalo Bore knows their stuff, however if Taurus tells me different I will assuredly pass that information along to Buffalo Bore also

KySongDog · December 21, 2011, 07:48:29 PM