.357 Defense Ammo
- Thread starter fwcofficer
- Start date
Whatever you decide on, I prefer to mix mine up for self defense carry. I usually carry 2 of each type in the cylinder. It gives me different penetration possiblities. If you shoot him with 3 different bullet types, two of them should be just right get thru to vital organs no matter what he is wearing, thick leather coat or no. This is the big advantage of using a revolver, take advantage of it.
Garand Guy
Senior Member
...
hmmmm looking at the Buffalo Bore data for .357 magnum "Normal loads" in 158, 170 and 180 grain, the Winchester 145 grain Silver Tip looks a little limp to me.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357
but then again looking at a standard .38 special it looks anything but light to me. I suppose it is all relative to the observer.
From my perspective all the intellectual games cease if the situation gets down to where lethal force is called for ... at that point I personally want the biggest cannon I can muster, and I seriously doubt I'll be doing anythinking about over-penetration, did I choose the best round, or any other extraneous concept, as I'll be pulling the trigger as fast as I can.
I prefer 158 grain to 145 grain in those situations.
Hook686
Senior Member
...
hmmmm looking at the Buffalo Bore data for .357 magnum "Normal loads" in 158, 170 and 180 grain, the Winchester 145 grain Silver Tip looks a little limp to me.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357
but then again looking at a standard .38 special it looks anything but light to me. I suppose it is all relative to the observer.
From my perspective all the intellectual games cease if the situation gets down to where lethal force is called for ... at that point I personally want the biggest cannon I can muster, and I seriously doubt I'll be doing anythinking about over-penetration, did I choose the best round, or any other extraneous concept, as I'll be pulling the trigger as fast as I can.
I prefer 158 grain to 145 grain in those situations.
Hook686
The_Shootist
New member
.357 Recoil
Yeah, I agree the 145 gr Winchester ST's are pretty manageable out of a full size (ie my 4" 686+) .357 - accurate too. But they are definitely an acquired taste for shooting out of snubby, like say my SP101 in 3" bbl. Not totally ugly but pretty stout for sure!
Yeah, I agree the 145 gr Winchester ST's are pretty manageable out of a full size (ie my 4" 686+) .357 - accurate too. But they are definitely an acquired taste for shooting out of snubby, like say my SP101 in 3" bbl. Not totally ugly but pretty stout for sure!
When over penetration is considered then a very light jhp bullet such as a 110 grain will be good. I usually rely on my 125 jhp for my 357s when a two legged varmint is in the dangerous list then backed up with a couple of speedloaders stoked with another set of 125 jhps and the other with 158 jsp. Make sure you know the POI for both rounds when you have mixed loads. josh