I see a lot of these ammo recommendation threads in the gun forums. I think the question belongs here so that's where I'm asking it.

The twist is that I am not seeking a recommendation for ammunition for my 2.5" Model 19 for self defense purposes. I want the recommendation to be for ammunition in my 2.5" Model 19 that I plan to carry as a backup gun next week when I go hunting for feral hogs. My primary weapon will, of course, be a rifle, either a .308 or a .35 Whelen (I have other choices but that's my choice this year) and I always carry a revolver. My choice this year is my 2.5" M19. It doesn't have to be but I've not carried it before so I'm leaning towards it.

For the record, I have an L and an N frame .357 if I want to carry one of those, I have a 4" and a 2.5" Ruger, too. I'm planning on .357 ammunition, not .38 Special +P.

Comments solicited.

***GRJ***

Assuming you don't reload I would recommend Buffalo Bore Ammo. Main thing is get something with a solid nose and 158gr or heavier. The flat nosed cast bullets give you the penetration needed for a hog. That being said I have killed a few hogs with 22lrs and HP 38s not because I wanted to but because it was the only thing I had on hand other than rocks and a pocket knife.

Depending upon where you are going and what the local temps will be I would carry a speedloader of Federal 158 grain hydrashock. But I would load the revolver with shotshells. It's not too late in the year or near cold enough for those big snakes in that part of the country. Years ago I used to carry a handgun when I went hunting no matter where I was going and what I was after. It only ever got used for snakes. I never hunted hogs...but I did do Elk, Muleys and Antelope. Antelope is where I would find a lot of snakes. They live in "Joe no shoulders" country.

SNAKES! Never thought of that.....I'll be in "marginal" East Texas, on a big ranch in Kaufman County, right outside of Dallas County. 10,000 or so acres, plenty of water, etc. Plenty of snakes....

I'll check my available ammunition - I probably have the right "bullets" available but I'm nearly 100% sure I don't have any frangible or snake shot in .38 or .357.

I never hunt without a handgun as a back-up, or "BUG" as they are sometimes called these days.

I'll let y'all know what happens. Thank you.

***GRJ***