Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Star
I never use a .38 or .357 bullet under 125 grains, generally of 158 grains.
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Semi-agreed. I
prefer medium-to-heavy-for-caliber bullet weights, so in .38 Special that'd be about 125-158gr. The only exception I would make would be if I just couldn't shoot bullets in that range very well due to controllability since I consider shootability (and reliability!) more important than terminal ballistics. If that were the case, and assuming even 148gr WCs were too strong, I would consider something lighter, like Hornady's 110gr Critical Defense. Fortunately, at this stage of life I don't have a problem handling loads in my preferred weight range.
As for the 95gr STHP, I wouldn't rely on it for carry/self-defense use if I had access to better loads that were reliable and that I could shoot well. But, if it's all you have, it'll probably be better than a charming smile, at least until you could get a better load.
Just my opinion.