DoubleTap 38 Special 158gr Hardcast +P SWC – Proven Woods Defense Ammo, 50 Rounds

Description

The DoubleTap 38 Special 158gr Hardcast +P load puts a Keith-style hardcast semi-wadcutter into a 38 Special cartridge built for deep penetration. DoubleTap describes it as deep penetrating and hard hitting with virtually no muzzle flash, and calls it an excellent defensive load for 38 Special owners, especially in the woods. DoubleTap lists about 1,000 fps from a 4 inch Ruger GP100. Each box holds 50 rounds.

• Why a Keith-Style Hardcast SWC
• DoubleTap 38 Special 158gr Hardcast Specifications
• Field Notes and Carry Tips

Why a Keith-Style Hardcast SWC

The Keith semi-wadcutter is one of the most proven revolver bullet shapes ever designed. Its wide, flat meplat cuts a clean, full-diameter wound channel, while the sharp shoulder helps it punch through tissue instead of pushing it aside. That design has stayed popular with outdoorsmen for decades because it simply works.

Hardcast alloy is the other half of the story. A hard lead bullet resists deforming on impact, so it keeps its shape and keeps driving forward through muscle and bone. DoubleTap calls this load deep penetrating and hard hitting, and that is exactly what you want from a revolver carried for defense against animals in the woods.

At about 1,000 fps from a 4 inch GP100 and around 900 fps from a 1.875 inch snub, the 158 grain bullet carries roughly 351 and 284 ft-lbs of energy, according to DoubleTap. Those figures are strong for the 38 Special, and the low-flash powder helps preserve your night vision in low light.

DoubleTap ammunition is known for careful quality control and purpose-built loads. The DoubleTap 38 Special 158gr Hardcast gives 38 Special and .357 Magnum revolver owners a serious outdoor and defensive round in a 50-round box that makes practice more affordable.

DoubleTap 38 Special 158gr Hardcast Specifications

Before you load your cylinder, it helps to know exactly what is in the box. The list below summarizes the manufacturer and distributor data for this item.

• Brand: DoubleTap Ammunition
• Caliber: 38 Special +P
• Bullet weight: 158 grain
• Bullet type: Keith-style hardcast semi-wadcutter (SWC)
• Velocity: about 1,000 fps (4 inch GP100), 900 fps (1.875 inch)
• Muzzle energy: about 351 ft-lbs (4 inch), 284 ft-lbs (1.875 inch)
• Flash: low muzzle flash
• Quantity: 50 rounds per box
• Manufacturer part number: 38SP158HC
• UPC: 013964483109

Field Notes and Carry Tips

This is a +P load. Confirm that your revolver is rated for 38 Special +P ammunition before firing it. Most modern steel-frame revolvers handle it well, but some older or alloy-frame guns are not designed for regular use with +P.

Fire a few cylinders of this 38 Special +P ammo before carrying it. Heavy 158 grain bullets often print higher than lighter loads in fixed-sight revolvers, which can work in your favor, but you need to know where they hit at 7 to 15 yards.

Check for bullet jump in lightweight revolvers. After firing several rounds, inspect the remaining cartridges and replace any that have moved forward before carrying them.

Hard lead bullets can leave some leading at higher velocities. Brush the bore and the cylinder throats after range sessions to keep accuracy consistent. Store spare boxes in a cool, dry place away from solvents and lubricants.

This load is a strong fit for hikers, anglers, and outdoorsmen who carry a 38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver in the woods. It also suits revolver owners who want a deep-penetrating defensive round with low flash. If you want 38 Special hardcast ammo that stays together and penetrates deeply, the DoubleTap 38 Special 158gr Hardcast is a proven choice.

Need an expanding round for town carry? The DoubleTap Colt Defense 38 Special 110gr +P is a lead free hollow point option, and more details are available from DoubleTap Ammunition.