I believe that it (can't remember if it was specifically the 158 or the 200-grain LRN) was called the 'widowmaker' by those having to carry it. Probably a reason for that.
The 158 was the widowmaker. It was more prolific.
I believe that it (can't remember if it was specifically the 158 or the 200-grain LRN) was called the 'widowmaker' by those having to carry it. Probably a reason for that.
Thirty years ago bullet technology was quite different. As was many of the propellants used by ammo makers.
The industry has come a long way, with many improvements since 1980.
Doc Holiday 1950 wrote:
What's a great 38 sp. SD ammo?
I don't mean this to sound flippant, but the answer would have to be; one that has a case, primer, powder and bullet.
There are as many perspectives on SD ammunition as there are people making it. And unless you know before it happens what specific circumstance you will be in when you need to use the pistol for self defense, anything I (or anyone else) tells you would be sheer speculation on our part.
Are you going to face multiple assailants?
How will they be equipped?
How will they be dressed?
Will he/they be amateurs or professionals?
Will you see them coming or will the attack be a total surprise?
Where will this shootout take place; home, office, public place?
At what distance will this take place?
Will you be alone or responsible for others?
Will there be a crowd of people around (so that you have to worry about what's in back of your "target")?
How much do you practice?
How good of a shot are you - really?
Will you be shooting for center of mass or the "target's" head?
Will the bullet you fire strike bone or just soft tissue?
And I'm sure if we brainstormed a little while we'd come up with some other things to consider as well. But, this should be sufficient to demonstrate that you can't pick an optimal or "great" bullet for an unknown situation you have yet to encounter.
A 38 Special bullet will - assuming the "target" isn't wearing a ballistic vest or multiple layers of clothing that provide similar effect - make a 9 millimeter hole in your victim. If it is an expanding bullet and expands by 50%, it will make a 13 or 14 millimeter hole in your victim. Will one take your victim "out of the fight" whereas the other bullet will not? Possibly. It depends where you can place the shot and what it encounters when it arrives there.
What you have chosen will be fine. In the event you ever need to shoot someone with it, it will probably be effective.
My uncle who retired from the CIA .. He carried Wadcutters in his J frame
But , I doubt your " due respect "