Great discussion on loads to carry. I've been carrying Hornady's 125 grain XTP "American Gunner" load because it penetrates well. Doesn't do too much for expansion though. From what I can tell.

I've seen tests with critical defense that seems to make it a marginal penetrator. So I'm kind of iffy on carrying that one.

I think I'm going to buy some wadcutters to load in the gun and have something else as a reload. The Winchester train and defend rounds seem to be an OK load. I should be linking where I'm getting all my info. I know this websited called "Lucky Gunner" did some extensive .38 / .357 gel testing.

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revo...llistics-test/

Anyways... Good info guys. I might try some of the 110 grain stuff, but here again, it seems like the tests I've seen always make it sort of "marginal" with penetration (Federal has a load too, but I think it's only low recoil). I didn't know Roberts was OK with Critical Defense. I think Fackler only promotes the Gold Dot 135 +p short barrel and Cor Bon 110 +p as the only good performers. At least I thought that was the case. But I don't do well with +p's in the 442. Start flinching after a few rounds. Ouch.