What would be a good self defense load choice for a Model 19-5 4inch barrel.

This will be my main carry choice/car gun for the forseeable future. Mostly late night walks, trips to the office etc...

I've grown to LOVE this purchase and shoot comfortably and accurately .357 loads.

.38 +P loads are real smooth.

Would consider 38 +P options as well.

One popular load for .38 +P is the Speer Gold Dot 135 gr Short Barrel Load, which is NYPD issue for revolvers. Doubt you would be underpowered with this ammo. 125 gr .357s have the best statistical stopping power, but it occasionally cracks K frame barrel forcing cones and would be extremely loud in enclosed spaces. Lots of choices in between those two. Interested to see what others think.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My suggestion would be the LSWCHP "FBI" +P 38 special in 158gr. This is going to shoot POA has plenty of penetration and stopping power. You do not have too believe me. Do the research. This round has proved over several decades to be the go to round in a 38 special revolver. It will work just as good in the model 19. I have a model 66-4 4 inch and use this round. I don't feel underarmed in any situation. And it will never hurt your model 19.

Good luck,
roaddog28

I use 158gr Gold Dots. Love 'em.

Might I suggest, from someone who knows, oil it well if you plan to leave it in the truck!

Pretty much what's been said. The 158gr SWCHP+P loadings are my favorite. They seem to be a bit less expensive than the Speer loadings, but the Speers work well for me too!

I keep my 3" 65 loaded with Speer .357 Magnum 135-grain Short-Barrel Gold Dots, but at some point I'd really like to try Buffalo Bore's version of the FBI load.

One option is the Remington 125gr Golden Saber load in 357. It is considered to have less recoil than most full power 357 loads, but still packs more punch than a 38 +P. It might fill that niche for you.

What does the lswchp stand for?

Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point

Thanks Dragon

Another vote for the Speer .357 Magnum 135gr Short Barrel Gold Dot load. More powerful than a .38+P but still very easy to shoot.

I keep my M65-5 with a 3" barrel loaded with the Federal version 158gr LSWCHP+P (stock# 38G). It seems to be a popular choice on this forum for K-frames. I have heard good things about the Speer Gold Dot SB as well. May I also suggest the Winchester PDX-1 in the 38 special 130gr +P load. This is a great bullet design built on the original Black Talon/SXT/Ranger T-series bullet. But the lead core is also bonded, so it cannot separate from the jacket. I have tested this bullet design in the 40S&W 165gr and they are wicked as far as expansion and weight retention goes. I see no reason why the 38 special +Ps wouldn't perform just as well.

In addition to the .38 suggestions, if you want to carry .357mag, I have always been a fan of the 145g Winchester Silvertip. Not as abusive to the revolver as the 125's, lower flash, and had a good reputation with the biggest agency in North Texas that used it.

Full power; .357 145 gr. Silvertip. Corbon also makes a hot 140 grainer that should work well, but I haven't fired it.

Managed recoil .357; Speer .135 gr. Short Barrel .357 and Remington 125 gr. Golden Sabre.

.38+P; the FBI load (158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint) by Remington or Buffalo Bore (the BB FBI load might better fit in with the mid level .357s, but BB makes a std. pressure FBI load that should be the recoil equivalent to the others in this class, I think, based on what others in this forum have said), Speer 135 gr. Short barrel and Corbon 110 gr. DPX. I've given you three great bullets in three different weights.

Std. pressure .38; Federal 125 gr. Nyclads, anyone's target wadcutters.

There is something listed above that should work well for most anyone, just pick your power level. Any of them could be used with confidence. My hunch is that Speer SB .357 is your best bet.