38 Special +P Self defense ammo
- Thread starter rmagill
- Start date
redrooster2
New member
Winchester +P 158 grain lead SWCHP.
I would go with a lead bullet in a wide meplat configuration such as the Remington Express R38S14. The wide meplat and heavy weight carry terrific shock effect. Indeed, there are numberous annecdotes of one-shot stops with wadcutter target ammunition because of that fact, though I would want a bit more velocity for greater penetrating momentum. Even better would be a hard cast LBT design, but you get mixed reviews about how vulnerable to civil suits handloads leave you after even a justifiable defensive shooting.
I wouldn't put great emphasis on hollow points because, at pistol velocities, many fail to expand, especially after the hollow clogs with clothing. Also, the temporary cavities created by pistol ammunition energy levels don't often stress tissues beyond their elastic limits, liver and other delicate tissues being exceptions. I can't remember which of the ammunition stopping power factions related that, despite TV crime drama hype, real coroners can't usually see any difference between a wound channel created by a solid handgun bullet and one created by a hollow point.
Just my two cents worth.
Nick
I wouldn't put great emphasis on hollow points because, at pistol velocities, many fail to expand, especially after the hollow clogs with clothing. Also, the temporary cavities created by pistol ammunition energy levels don't often stress tissues beyond their elastic limits, liver and other delicate tissues being exceptions. I can't remember which of the ammunition stopping power factions related that, despite TV crime drama hype, real coroners can't usually see any difference between a wound channel created by a solid handgun bullet and one created by a hollow point.
Just my two cents worth.
Nick