.357 self defense ammo

[Jimbo357mag]

Bless your heart, Jimbo.

Glad you finally agree Wolfsong that a person shouldn't use some junk ammo for self-defense. American companies make very good self-defense ammo and they label it as such. Pick one of the major manufactures (Federal, Winchester, Speer, Remington, Hornady) and look for a brand that is labeled self-defense. Jacketed hollowpoints are what do best in the FBI tests but other hollowpoints are also effective for self defense. Consider nickel-plated brass for it's ability to withstand moisture and perspiration in a carry gun or in one that is left loaded and untouched for long periods of time. There are many good articles out there to help you made up your mind as far as type and brand goes.

Here is a comprehensive article on self-defense ammo.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

 

[wolfsong]

Oh, calm down, Jimbo. Nobody said anything about junk ammo. Nor is designer ammo necessary. Find someone else to argue with, bless your heart.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Oh, calm down, Jimbo. Nobody said anything about junk ammo. Nor is designer ammo necessary. Find someone else to argue with, bless your heart.

Yep, preferably at the lib gun forum ( :roll: ). Probably some limp wristed fellow EGOs who like 140 gr low recoil for SD... :mrgreen:

CD might even let you moderate! :shock:

 

[sliclee]

Many of these new fancy loads are next to worthless.
Fancy box,good names, high price, wheres the powder?
Where's the velocity, what kind of bullet???
Ow, this guy is nuts right, wrong.
One ammo company touts their ammo as 1250 fps at the muzzle. How can we check that, we can't, we would blow the wands off. Every ammo co. usually measures velocity at 10 feet from the muzzle, velocity drops off at one inch past the muzzle, not this guy, accuracy, another joke, advertises 10 shot average; down below is how they got that average, using 10 5 shot groups, they use the best ten to take an average, bingo.
I want one shot average. I use a SP 101 3" .357. I cut off half of the hammer as it got caught once in my pocket,rounded off the edges. First round is Federal 125 grain 1450fps,next 4 are 110 grain .357 Winchester. They are just in case. Cant fire second Federal as its too hot, the barrel, looses accuracy, expands, if I need a second one its the 110 which is almost as good. I found this out the hard way. Flame comes out you wouldn't believe.
Flame is from unburnt powder. That means the barrel is too short however all things cannot be perfect. The right way would be to find a load that burns out as the bullet exits the barrel, no flame.
My 357 ammo I use flames out beyond the end of barrel but the velocity of the bullet at the end of the flame is faster
than any other ammo I can buy now so I use it. It has proven itself in combat over the years by police in NYC and other police in other states whose officers are allowed to use .357 ammo. See info in book, STOPPING POWER written by 2 police officers who traveled all over the US writing down shootings of police officers and results. Not one word is untrue, all is backed up by factual shootings.

 

[rjwinz]

Many of these new fancy loads are next to worthless.
First round is Federal 125 grain 1450fps,next 4 are 110 grain .357 Winchester. They are just in case. Cant fire second Federal as its too hot, the barrel, looses accuracy, expands, if I need a second one its the 110 which is almost as good. I found this out the hard way. Flame comes out you wouldn't believe.

Those Federals have quite the muzzle blast, to be sure. What problems did you have with a followup shot with them?

 

[6gun]

I load my own using Horandy 140gr. XTR bullets.

 

[GunnyGene]

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.

Agreed. A lot of folks do piggy back on the experience of others when looking for answers to questions like this, usually to save a little money. Nothing wrong with that, I do it myself on occasion, not to get a specific answer, but a range of opinions. Then I'll go spend $100 or more on several different loads that seem to be popular, have reasonable ballistics, etc., and try them out to see how me and my gun like them. I did this recently with a new SR9E, and settled on the Hornady Critical Duty 135gr. Flash, recoil, accuracy, penetration were all acceptable as was the price compared to other brands/loads. I figure the money I spend on "team try outs", is worth it for my peace of mind. :)

 

[Imissedagain]

I use a 2 3/4" barreled Security Six as my field gun.
Two rounds of snake shot followed by four rounds of Hornady 158gr jacketed lead flat nose.
If I did not reload I would buy the heaviest jacketed bullet sold.
I also have no issues with carrying Penn's 158gn lead bullets, hand loaded of course..... as lead poisoning is another gift for the BG if they live. ;)
If you can afford "designer ammo" make sure you know where it will hit.

 

[6gun]

One of my kids friends at work wishes to hell he never bought any that so called defense ammo after accidently shooting himself in the leg with a 9MM while drawing it from the holster, stupid thing to do but it happens and all that expanding and fragmenting did far more damage to him that FNJ would have, just brought this up cause it's another thing most people don't think about when purchasing this stuff.

I don't use it I consider it designer ammo made to cost more, I aint paying more money for ammo when I load better ammo myself.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

...yeah, that jacketed expanding self-defense ammo is for the birds. That's why every law enforcement agency in the country uses it to protect their officers. We wouldn't want to use what they use, would we? :roll: :roll: :roll: :?

 

[6gun]

A simple and cheap cast bullet will make someone just as dead as fancy designer ammo, what did the world do before the designer bullets? :shock: did fewer people die cause there were no fancy expanding bullets at designer prices? :roll: :roll: :roll:

Beads and shiny things is what your paying for, a fool and their money soon part :lol:

 

[wolfsong]

...yeah, that jacketed expanding self-defense ammo is for the birds. That's why every law enforcement agency in the country uses it to protect their officers. We wouldn't want to use what they use, would we? :roll: :roll: :roll: :?

So, must we use the same caliber handgun as LE? Same make and model? :roll:

 

[6gun]

And if you don't use that gun and that ammo then your not making yourself safe. :roll:

 

[Jimbo357mag]

A simple and cheap cast bullet will make someone just as dead as fancy designer ammo, what did the world do before the designer bullets? :shock: did fewer people die cause there were no fancy expanding bullets at designer prices? :roll: :roll: :roll:

Beads and shiny things is what your paying for, a fool and their money soon part :lol:

WOW, old fashioned much?? Better self-defense ammo is readily available to everyone today. Of course you can still use black powder and round lead balls if you want to, ...but who would want to??? ...nevermind. :shock: :? :wink:

 

[Big Old Boy]

As a Leo we were issued win 145 gr sthp that is what I use today in a sp101.

 

[6gun]

A simple and cheap cast bullet will make someone just as dead as fancy designer ammo, what did the world do before the designer bullets? :shock: did fewer people die cause there were no fancy expanding bullets at designer prices? :roll: :roll: :roll:

Beads and shiny things is what your paying for, a fool and their money soon part :lol:

WOW, old fashioned much?? Better self-defense ammo is readily available to everyone today. Of course you can still use black powder and round lead balls if you want to, ...but who would want to??? ...nevermind. :shock: :? :wink:

Better? :roll: paying more for fancy ammo don't make it better my old fashion ammo does the same thing for less than half the price, I pull the trigger it goes bag and hits the target just like designer ammo and my target is just as dead.

 

[SweetWilliam]

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.

I find your statement about time of the year to be especially true when carrying a 380. People don't realize how much a hoodie & a jacket can interfere with bullet penetration & expansion.
Theirs a guy with videos online testing 380 ammo. And he didn't pick the GoldDot bullet because it didn't penetrate the FBI 12" to 18". It was like 10.5". But it was the only bullet besides the Winchester that expanded almost 100% of the time even when shot through the denim. To me I would rather have the 10.5" & expansion over 18" & no expansion.
With a 357 maybe no as bad but it's still a factor with heavy clothing.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

A simple and cheap cast bullet will make someone just as dead as fancy designer ammo, what did the world do before the designer bullets? :shock: did fewer people die cause there were no fancy expanding bullets at designer prices? :roll: :roll: :roll:
Beads and shiny things is what your paying for, a fool and their money soon part :lol:

Better? :roll: paying more for fancy ammo don't make it better my old fashion ammo does the same thing for less than half the price, I pull the trigger it goes bag and hits the target just like designer ammo and my target is just as dead.

How many hunter still use lead bullets '6gun'? I would bet at least 90% of hunters now use expanding jacketed bullets not because they are more expensive but because they work better than plane lead. To each his own but I wouldn't say better bullets are a waste of money because you really don't need to use that many. You can train with lead bullets but for self defense and carry ammo I will always choose self-defense jacketed ammo. It just works better. ...and when it comes to defending yourself in court factory ammo is a definite plus. :D

 

[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.

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

Bless your heart, Jimbo.

Wolfsongs advise "Don't over-analyze your needs" makes no implication of any police department being wrong about their ammo choices. With full power .357 there is sufficient power that ANY premium bullet (Gold Dot, HST, Hydra Shok, PDX, SXT, XTP), and even older SJHP bullets will do well from a .357 Ample enough power that both expansion and penetration will be sufficient enough that the skillset of the shooter will be the weakest link in a self defense situation.

 

[6gun]

A simple and cheap cast bullet will make someone just as dead as fancy designer ammo, what did the world do before the designer bullets? :shock: did fewer people die cause there were no fancy expanding bullets at designer prices? :roll: :roll: :roll:
Beads and shiny things is what your paying for, a fool and their money soon part :lol:

Better? :roll: paying more for fancy ammo don't make it better my old fashion ammo does the same thing for less than half the price, I pull the trigger it goes bag and hits the target just like designer ammo and my target is just as dead.

How many hunter still use lead bullets '6gun'? I would bet at least 90% of hunters now use expanding jacketed bullets not because they are more expensive but because they work better than plane lead. To each his own but I wouldn't say better bullets are a waste of money because you really don't need to use that many. You can train with lead bullets but for self defense and carry ammo I will always choose self-defense jacketed ammo. It just works better. ...and when it comes to defending yourself in court factory ammo is a definite plus. :D

I don't know any ones that uses designer bullets for hunting we use what we always used for the last forty years, and you know what it still works just fine without the designer price.

If your such a poor hunter that you need a magic designer bullets by all means just stay home out of the way so you don't hurt yourself or some innocent by stander.

Bet if you hunt which I doubt you would be one of them guys wearing the latest fashion in camo topped off with a cap that's says Cabela's on it so we could all have a good laugh poking fun at you. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Your nothing but the marketer's dream customer soaking up all their nonsense about the latest offering, since you voted for obumbler we all know what a sucker you are for being sold a bill of worthless goods.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

6gun if you are going to give advise about self defense ammo you should at least get in the 20th century when it comes to bullet design. Great strides have been made in which types of bullets work best on perps and in difficult situation. To disregard the science of terminal ballistics is foolish at best. The cost of carrying 6 quality self defense bullets is negligible. The cost of an inferior bullet could be your life. If you are willing to take that chance with inferior bullets fine but you should not be recommending that to anyone else.

I think you think everyone else should think just like you and guess what, we don't. Just good enough is not good enough for me. I want what works best. You can keep your politics to yourself. :D

 

[wolfsong]

The average gun owner knows nothing about the science of terminal ballistics and couldn't care less. That's not foolishness; it's reality. The majority of gun owners also don't carry. Their guns sit in a safe or in a sock drawer or on a closet shelf. But I would venture to say that the vast majority of gun owners DO have the correct caliber of ammunition for the guns they own. That alone makes their gun a functioning tool capable of the task it was designed for. End of story.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The average gun owner knows nothing about the science of terminal ballistics and couldn't care less. That's not foolishness; it's reality. The majority of gun owners also don't carry. Their guns sit in a safe or in a sock drawer or on a closet shelf. But I would venture to say that the vast majority of gun owners DO have the correct caliber of ammunition for the guns they own. That alone makes their gun a functioning tool capable of the task it was designed for. End of story.

The question was what ammo is good for a 357mag gun in a self defense situation. If your answer is just about anything you can buy in that caliber then you haven't gotten out of the 1920's when they found that LRN bullets didn't work very well. Anybody recommending anything other than quality factory 'self-defense' ammo is just not up on what works and what doesn't in a self-defense situation.

Here is what I would do. I would buy a box of quality factory self-defense ammo, like PPS listed, Federal Hydro Shok is my preference, and sight in the gun with that ammo. Then I would find a low priced commonly available ammo that shoots to the same POI so I could practice as much as I wanted and still be on target with my self-defense ammo. When it came time to load the gun for home defense or for carry I would pick the Federal's to load and carry. Simple, practice with cheap ammo and carry quality ammo. Once a year shoot your carry ammo (6 rounds in the gun and any in speed loaders that you carry) to make sure everything is working correctly and get a box of new ones to replace the ones you just shot.

If you want to take exception to my opinion fine but realize I have researched this topic in depth from some of the best in the business. This is the advise you get from the experts. :D

 

[wolfsong]

And the answer is any ammo in the correct caliber is "good".

Simple, no?

 

[6gun]

6gun if you are going to give advise about self defense ammo you should at least get in the 20th century when it comes to bullet design. Great strides have been made in which types of bullets work best on perps and in difficult situation. To disregard the science of terminal ballistics is foolish at best. The cost of carrying 6 quality self defense bullets is negligible. The cost of an inferior bullet could be your life. If you are willing to take that chance with inferior bullets fine but you should not be recommending that to anyone else.

I think you think everyone else should think just like you and guess what, we don't. Just good enough is not good enough for me. I want what works best. You can keep your politics to yourself. :D

So are you suggesting we all carry a variety of different bullet types for different situations? what do you do tell the criminal hold it right there till I change my ammo out to a different kind? :lol:

type of ammo is not going to mean life or death if your not a sucker for the high dollar designer variety :roll: what your saying is a load of crap marketers just want to make more profit selling you less for more money.

You should be more concerned about shot placement than maximum carnage a well placed shot will take them out no matter what kind of bullet you use.

 

[DGW1949]

The .357 Mag is (and always was) a proven man stopper which works very well for it's intended uses, even when in it's earliest form.....meaning that "stopping power" relative to cartridge performance has never been an issue with the .357, even with the rather crude SWC and JHP bullets that it launched way back in the "dark ages" of the 20th Century.

Point is...down is down, and dead is dead. All else is just a lot of "what ifs" which are born from some percieved fear, which itself is born from ignorance....or in some cases, from reading too many gun rags.

Just sayin'.

DGW

 

[wolfsong]

The .357 Mag is (and always was) a proven man stopper which works very well for it's intended uses, even when in it's earliest form.....meaning that "stopping power" relative to cartridge performance has never been an issue with the .357, even with the rather crude SWC and JHP bullets that it launched way back in the "dark ages" of the 20th Century.

Point is...down is down, and dead is dead. All else is just a lot of "what ifs" which are born from some percieved fear, which itself is born from ignorance....or in some cases, from reading too many gun rags.

Just sayin'.

DGW

'zactly!

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The .357 Mag is (and always was) a proven man stopper which works very well for it's intended uses, even when in it's earliest form.....meaning that "stopping power" relative to cartridge performance has never been an issue with the .357, even with the rather crude SWC and JHP bullets that it launched way back in the "dark ages" of the 20th Century.

Point is...down is down, and dead is dead. All else is just a lot of "what ifs" which are born from some percieved fear, which itself is born from ignorance....or in some cases, from reading too many gun rags.

Just sayin'.

DGW

Do you want to say the same thing about other calibers also? Then why all the different kinds of ammo? ... plinking, hunting, self defense, cowboy, target, silhouette, and is there no place for frangible ammo or solids or lead or copper plated rather than jacketed? Gee the whole world of ammo is out there and people say it doesn't matter what ammo you use, hogwash.

It matters what is in your gun and what type of gun you have and how well you can shoot under pressure when you have to defend yourself. Snake-shot ain't going to do it. :D

 

[wolfsong]

The .357 Mag is (and always was) a proven man stopper which works very well for it's intended uses, even when in it's earliest form.....meaning that "stopping power" relative to cartridge performance has never been an issue with the .357, even with the rather crude SWC and JHP bullets that it launched way back in the "dark ages" of the 20th Century.

Point is...down is down, and dead is dead. All else is just a lot of "what ifs" which are born from some percieved fear, which itself is born from ignorance....or in some cases, from reading too many gun rags.

Just sayin'.

DGW

Do you want to say the same thing about other calibers also? Then why all the different kinds of ammo? ... plinking, hunting, self defense, cowboy, target, silhouette, and is there no place for frangible ammo or solids or lead or copper plated rather than jacketed? Gee the whole world of ammo is out there and people say it doesn't matter what ammo you use, hogwash.

It matters what is in your gun and what type of gun you have and how well you can shoot under pressure when you have to defend yourself. Snake-shot ain't going to do it. :D

Jimbo, put down the shovel. You're arguments now are off base. The subject is .357s and ammo. Not other calibers. Not cowboy shooting. Not snakeshot. Nice try, but no cigar.

 

[DGW1949]

The .357 Mag is (and always was) a proven man stopper which works very well for it's intended uses, even when in it's earliest form.....meaning that "stopping power" relative to cartridge performance has never been an issue with the .357, even with the rather crude SWC and JHP bullets that it launched way back in the "dark ages" of the 20th Century.

Point is...down is down, and dead is dead. All else is just a lot of "what ifs" which are born from some percieved fear, which itself is born from ignorance....or in some cases, from reading too many gun rags.

Just sayin'.

DGW

Do you want to say the same thing about other calibers also? Then why all the different kinds of ammo? ... plinking, hunting, self defense, cowboy, target, silhouette, and is there no place for frangible ammo or solids or lead or copper plated rather than jacketed? Gee the whole world of ammo is out there and people say it doesn't matter what ammo you use, hogwash.

It matters what is in your gun and what type of gun you have and how well you can shoot under pressure when you have to defend yourself. Snake-shot ain't going to do it. :D

Deflecting a bit there aint ya Jimbo?
Sorry if I hit a nerve.....but hey, if the shoe fits.

DGW