At 755 fps and 200 ft-lbs, Magtech's 158-grain LRN is a plain lead round nose loaded to the mild end of standard pressure. Its power factor of 119 clears the IDPA stock-revolver floor of 105 but comes up less than a point short of the 120 USPSA revolver-minor floor. From a 25-yard zero the bullet drops 3.5 inches at 50 yards and 23.1 inches at 100, slowing to 723 fps at 50 and 693 fps at 100, where it still carries 169 ft-lbs. Recoil energy is tied for the lowest of the 158-grain lead loads on this page.

Remington UMC 158-grain LRN matches it at the muzzle in every figure and in recoil; the only difference is 6 fps and 0.2 inch at 100 yards, nothing you would see on a target. Federal American Eagle 158-grain LRN is 15 fps and 8 ft-lbs ahead with about 3 percent more recoil energy in the same revolver, and it is 31 fps faster at 100 yards. Black Hills Cowboy 158-grain CNL adds 45 fps and about 9 percent more recoil. HSM Cowboy Action 158-grain runs 840 fps and 248 ft-lbs with about 18 percent more recoil and 4.7 inches less drop at 100 yards. Sellier & Bellot 158-grain LRN at 997 fps and 349 ft-lbs produces about 57 percent more recoil energy than the Magtech.

This is a practice load for anyone who wants the least recoil a 158-grain .38 Special offers, including new shooters and owners of older revolvers that should stay at standard pressure. Some indoor ranges restrict exposed-lead bullets, so ask before you bring it. If you need to make the 120 USPSA revolver floor, Black Hills Cowboy CNL does it at 126 with 25 ft-lbs more at the muzzle. If you want a load that feels like a +P carry round, Speer Lawman +P 158-grain TMJ makes 284 ft-lbs with about 33 percent more recoil energy in the same revolver, and it needs a +P-rated revolver.