.357 self defense ammo

[thumbs]

New to the .357. What is a good commercial self defense carry load?

thanks

 

[OldePhart]

It depends a great deal on what you're shooting it from. Long barrel vs snubby, etc.

The bottom line is that all of the name-brand defensive rounds are pretty darned good. It boils down to trying a few until you find one that shoots in YOUR carry weapon with reasonable accuracy and hopefully without excessive recoil/flash/bang. I'm partial to Gold Dot 158gr GDHP for my 3" SP-101 - although there is more flash/bang from the short barrel than would be my preference. I'd also like to try the 158gr Federal HST but it's hard to find. In 9mm the 147gr +P HST works really well from my Glock 26.

 

[rjwinz]

I doubt any LE agency is testing .357 loads these days. Of the amateur testers on YouTube I like tnoutdoors9. There are some other good ones but they haven't tested any .357.

I recall he tested some non-premium Remington 125 grain SJHP's and they did surprisingly well. Those less than premium loads seem to do better in .357 than in the pistol calibers. Years back the premier .357 round was the old Federal No. 9, a 125 grain SJHP doing 1450 fps. That was a long time ago though.

Edit: That old Federal round was a major blaster, lots of flash.

 

[GP100man]

Ammo you can shoot DA fast & hit what you`re shooting at & as stated earlier low flash.

If you ever get a chance to shoot in the dark (safely of course) 1 or 2 shots is all ya gonna be able to get off accurately unless the wind blows the smoke away or you move to the side (which probably isn't a bad thing if 2 legged critter is shootin back) I`ve found a good light held down by my side didn't light up the smoke so bad.

4.5gr. of reddot behind a wadcutter or 158 swc works for me .

At 21ft. I point shoot , 1 handed & light in the other at a flat black 55 gal drum 2 ft off the ground. I feel this is more realistic than anything I`ve tried .

The other night I shot a possum 12ft point shooting with my sp101 & light .

 

[thumbs]

Thanks guys. Like I said don't know that much about the .357. I just picked up a 4" Security Six the other day and thought I would at least pick up a box of something for the night stand. I want to use it as a woods gun mostly. Not exactly sure what I will load for that either.

 

[Thumper]

I carry 125gr Corbon DPX. in my 2 1/2" SP101. Seriously hard to beat it's performance. :wink:

 

[dougader]

I still have some of the old Federal 125 jhp ammo, but when the 357 is near the night stand it's loaded with the 145 grain Winchester Silvertip ammo.

 

[gramps]

I have a SP-101 with a 3 inch barrel. When using it for both woods and urban carry I settled on Remington's green box 125gr JSP for its excellent penetration, plus good expansion characteristics. I have used a variety of 125 gr JHP for urban carry. 158 gr LSWC over 13.5 grs 2400 for woods carry. Work up for your gun.
gramps

 

[Jimbo357mag]

My choice; Federal Premium Personal Defense Reduced Recoil Ammunition 357 Magnum 130 Grain Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point Box of 20
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/203065

I don't shoot many but this is what I carry and what I have loaded for home protection.

 

[flyingron]

For revolvers that are relatively short barreled (4" or less), I actually like the Hornaday Critical Defense. I use the Winchester PDX1 in the autos, though I'm considering the Critical Duty.

 

[GP100man]

Have`nt bought storebought stuff in a long time ,but hydra-shocks I do have for my 38s & perform well .

 

[GunnyGene]

You might do a little comparison shopping with the big brands:

Underwood: http://www.underwoodammo.com/

Georgia Arms: http://georgia-arms.com/ ( mostly Reman, unless stated as New)

 

[Goldstar225]

The Remington HTP 125 grain JHP is a high performance load. In a medium frame such as your six it would be a solid performer. Be aware it snorts mighty loud and produces a fireball.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Don't forget to practice with cheaper ammo that shoots to about the same point of aim but which costs much less than what you are going to carry. I have practiced with Mag Tech 357 ammo and it is both cheap and pretty good, as far as store bought ammo goes.

 

[GP100man]

YES , as we all know shooting is expensive!!!!

Reloading will stretch your shooting dollar if you`re willin to put in the time.

Lee products are decent tools for the money, If I were to be lookin to get into reloading 1 caliber with additions later the Challenger kit looks attractive, a sturdy (all be it aluminum) press ,breechlock not really nessacary (bushings to buy for each die)
A serviceable beam scale (kinda touchy)&powder measure.

One other tool I`d recommend for straight walled revolver ammo is a way to trim cases to a consistent length, again Lee has good ways of doing this, the new trimming die looks like the way to go .

A good starter kit in my opinion, you can add/replace tools as ya need or like as needed.

But it`s not all about saving money (you probably won`t save a dime but shoot a lot more) it`s as 57K posted ,tailoring ammo to your personal/or firearms needs. Where else ya gonna find 357mag wadcutters going 750fps or 175gr swc loads???

GP

 

[pps]

Here are some results with the Underwood .357 ammo (125 grain Hornady XTP) out of a 5" barrel and fired into rubber mulch. It's not ballistics gel but it's a cheap media to test in.

Here is that same ammo from an 18" Marlin (2275fps impact velocity) Penetrated only 12 inches but blew up and fragmented delightfully.

 

[jbarnwell]

Any self defense ammunition shooting the Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points will be hard to beat.

 

[maxpress]

I like the Hornady critical deffence for in town and 158 solids for the country.

 

[kelbro]

Don't stress over it or over think this. For a nightstand gun, anything in 38 caliber or 357 magnum will take care of your problem. Barrel length doesn't matter. Brand, weight, etc... doesn't matter. It's a 357 at close range!

 

[DGW1949]

"Re: .357 self defense ammo"....

The old PD stand by, Remington 125 JHP load still works just as good as it ever did.
Down is down, and dead is dead.....just sayin'.

DGW

 

[Poco Oso]

I'm using Hornady's 110 gr Critical Defense in .38 special +P, for an in-the- house round, in my 4" .357 Mag. You might want to consider, not only the flash and recoil, but the concussion of a full power .357 mag in a closed environment. From experience, I'd say it's like a double ear slap. :shock:

 

[wolfsong]

Don't stress over it or over think this. For a nightstand gun, anything in 38 caliber or 357 magnum will take care of your problem. Barrel length doesn't matter. Brand, weight, etc... doesn't matter. It's a 357 at close range!

Exactly. To my knowledge no one makes a less lethal round for handguns. Or a more lethal round, for that matter. Use what you're comfortable shooting. Nothing more, nothing less. Run-of-the-mill rounds are no better or no worse than designer rounds for close quarter self defense situations.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Don't stress over it or over think this. For a nightstand gun, anything in 38 caliber or 357 magnum will take care of your problem. Barrel length doesn't matter. Brand, weight, etc... doesn't matter. It's a 357 at close range!

Exactly. To my knowledge no one makes a less lethal round for handguns. Or a more lethal round, for that matter. Use what you're comfortable shooting. Nothing more, nothing less. Run-of-the-mill rounds are no better or no worse than designer rounds for close quarter self defense situations.

You're kidding? There is a lot of difference in the way bullets perform on human targets. An expanding bullet rips a bigger hole and does much more damage and transfers much more shock. Hunters know that expanding bullets do much more damage on game. You should know that.

Now if you want to say in a shootout getting good hits is more important than expanding bullets I might agree with that. ...but good hits with expanding bullets is definitely the best way to defend yourself.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Don't stress over it or over think this. For a nightstand gun, anything in 38 caliber or 357 magnum will take care of your problem. Barrel length doesn't matter. Brand, weight, etc... doesn't matter. It's a 357 at close range!

Exactly. To my knowledge no one makes a less lethal round for handguns. Or a more lethal round, for that matter. Use what you're comfortable shooting. Nothing more, nothing less. Run-of-the-mill rounds are no better or no worse than designer rounds for close quarter self defense situations.

You're kidding? There is a lot of difference in the way bullets perform on human targets. An expanding bullet rips a bigger hole and does much more damage and transfers much more shock. Hunters know that expanding bullets do much more damage on game. You should know that.

Now if you want to say in a shootout getting good hits is more important than expanding bullets I might agree with that. ...but good hits with expanding bullets is definitely the best way to defend yourself.

You missed something equally important with a home defense round. OVERPENETRATION. Expanding bullets are less likely to penetrate a sheetrock wall or two and a sleeping grandchild... :shock:

 

[wolfsong]

Guys, my point is this: there are myriad situations that can be considered when choosing self-defense ammo. The time of year, the construction materials of your dwelling, your shooting skills, the floor plan of your dwelling, the number of assailants, the time of day or night, etc. There is no "perfect" bullet for ALL variables. A bullet of the correct caliber in your weapon will suffice in MOST cases. Self-defense is NOT hunting. Self-defense is NOT target shooting. Self-defense is NOT plinking. Self-defense is self explanatory.

Don't over-analyze your needs. Don't stress over it. Don't second guess yourself. Pick a round and practice, practice, practice with it. Shoot center mass. Shoot center mass well.

End of story, as far as self-defense is concerned.

 

[pps]

Guys, my point is this: there are myriad situations that can be considered when choosing self-defense ammo. The time of year, the construction materials of your dwelling, your shooting skills, the floor plan of your dwelling, the number of assailants, the time of day or night, etc. There is no "perfect" bullet for ALL variables. A bullet of the correct caliber in your weapon will suffice in MOST cases. Self-defense is NOT hunting. Self-defense is NOT target shooting. Self-defense is NOT plinking. Self-defense is self explanatory.

Don't over-analyze your needs. Don't stress over it. Don't second guess yourself. Pick a round and practice, practice, practice with it. Shoot center mass. Shoot center mass well.

End of story, as far as self-defense is concerned.

Absolutely.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Guys, my point is this: there are myriad situations that can be considered when choosing self-defense ammo. The time of year, the construction materials of your dwelling, your shooting skills, the floor plan of your dwelling, the number of assailants, the time of day or night, etc. There is no "perfect" bullet for ALL variables. A bullet of the correct caliber in your weapon will suffice in MOST cases. Self-defense is NOT hunting. Self-defense is NOT target shooting. Self-defense is NOT plinking. Self-defense is self explanatory.

Don't over-analyze your needs. Don't stress over it. Don't second guess yourself. Pick a round and practice, practice, practice with it. Shoot center mass. Shoot center mass well.

End of story, as far as self-defense is concerned.

Absolutely.

So every police department is wrong I guess for supplying better self defense ammo? Who knew??? :roll: :roll: :mrgreen:

 

[wolfsong]

Guys, my point is this: there are myriad situations that can be considered when choosing self-defense ammo. The time of year, the construction materials of your dwelling, your shooting skills, the floor plan of your dwelling, the number of assailants, the time of day or night, etc. There is no "perfect" bullet for ALL variables. A bullet of the correct caliber in your weapon will suffice in MOST cases. Self-defense is NOT hunting. Self-defense is NOT target shooting. Self-defense is NOT plinking. Self-defense is self explanatory.

Don't over-analyze your needs. Don't stress over it. Don't second guess yourself. Pick a round and practice, practice, practice with it. Shoot center mass. Shoot center mass well.

End of story, as far as self-defense is concerned.

Absolutely.

So every police department is wrong I guess for supplying better self defense ammo? Who knew??? :roll: :roll: :mrgreen:

I'm sorry, I must have missed the part of the OP stating that an LEO was asking about self-defense ammo.

Are you suggesting that LEOs carry interchangeable ammo on their duty belts to fit any and all situations? :roll:

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I'm sorry, I must have missed the part of the OP stating that an LEO was asking about self-defense ammo.

Are you suggesting that LEOs carry interchangeable ammo on their duty belts to fit any and all situations? :roll:

No Wolfsong, I'm saying that most police departments as well as almost every local, state and federal law enforcement agency specifies expanding bullets in their ammo for their officers. They almost all meet the FBI standards for expansion and penetration. There must be a reason why and anyone that just blows off getting the right ammo is not taking the question seriously. Just picking up any ordinary ammo is not the thing to do. Use what the Police use or similar for maximum effectiveness in a self defense situation.

 

[wolfsong]

Bless your heart, Jimbo.