I have an atypical query that may involve a change in the present ammunition of a friend. She is retiring sometime in June of this year after 30-some-odd years. She owns an S&W Model 640 in 357 Magnum. Prior to retirement she has been using an "FBI" load. She tells me she practices 250 rounds (five boxes) a year using whatever FBI load she bought on sale.

Upon her retirement she intends to travel alone, tent camping where there is no charge. She calls is boondocking. I always thought boondockers were a World War II Marine Corps ankle high boot; but what do I know. She is aware enough to avoid homeless encampments, but I am uncertain how one discriminates between fellow campers and those who are homeless.

My query is about the possibility that she might need to fire her revolver through her sleeping bag, plus [many] layers of an attacker's winter clothing. Should I suggest a change in her ammunition?

No. I think she will be just fine with what she's been using.

Hello. Think that is also callled Renegade Camping. Means not in an established campground. I think she should be fine with her current choice. If concerned about layers, maybe a SWC instead of the SWC HP? I just ordered some of the Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P 158 grain SWC Hardcast, but that is supposed to be a pretty stout load. Hope she enjoys her retirement!

I’ve been known to put a round of shot as the first round in the cyliner when I camp. I’m more concerned about the snakes that crawl vs the snakes that walk.
YMMV

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Reg. Magnum wants/Rossi wallet

If she is confident with her ammo choice (after a few thousand rounds or so through her model 640 she should be) I also find no reason to change. 250 rounds a year is more than 90% of people put through a single gun, ever .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

She can change to the 158gr speer gold dot it is bonded. Otherwise I say good to go.

Boondocks-
rough, remote, or isolated country.
"we're out here in the boondocks, miles from a telephone"
What she's planning is pretty dangerous.
Since she’s apparently comfortable with her current ammunition, don’t see much reason to change.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I would add an AR10 and a dozen or so loaded mags to the load out. You never know when you'll be attacked by a gang of zombie grizzly bears.

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Or something like that . . .

More than tips on ammo, I'd focus on Situational Awareness.

It's truly a sad commentary on how bad things have become. I've become almost unapproachable when I'm out and about now. I've got enough friends and I really don't care or even want to hear opinions and comments from strangers.

I hold out my hand with arm fully extended and shout "stay the h#ll away from me". Crazy, not my personality at all but survival is paramount. I'm long time married so I got all the constructive criticism that I can stand. Me and Jesus done found each other long ago. What's left to talk about? Politics? yeah right.

If I want to give to a charity all I have to do is look at a TV commercial showing a dog with flies stuck to it's eyes. I don't need a lesson on hard luck from a panhandler.

I can't even imagine how it must be for a lone lady on the road. Every creep within 500 miles nosing around.

If she’s confident with that ammo, she’s good to go. Paul Harrell just posted a video about shooting through covers in bed, FWIW. She’s a brave lady, I wish her well.

...my wife and I did a lot of tent camping when we were younger...

...with a pistol grip 12 gauge tucked in with us...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

I wouldn't change her daily/familiar CCW/firearm, but I would suggest supplementing it quite a bit. First, why not just get a small camper/van instead - then all tucked in for the night with locked doors. If that's too spendy, get a decent sized SUV with flat-folding seats in the back. Layer a camping pad and sleeping bag down for relatively the same idea. If she's set on the tent camping, then I'd supplement with maybe a Mossberg Shockwave in 20guage (or the new 410), bear spray, and a big dog!

Put as much thought/situational awareness into where she is camping, & the ammo shouldn't be needed. The buddy system would sound better/safer than camping alone. Back when single with 5 weeks vacation, I'd solo camp (nobody else had that much time off) for 10 days to 2 weeks, but almost always far away from others.

Many thanks, guys. I'll have but three things to mention to her.
1. Absolutely get an AR-10 with at least ten magazines kept loaded, one in rifle, loaded rifle and the other nine magazines in her bed clothes.
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2. Consider making an adjustment to a camper, van, or SUV to maintain a physical barrier between her and anyone else camping where she is.

3. Consider wandering with a friend, even if that means friends staggering their vacations to pretty much cover her outings.

Over the years I've done months of the type of free camping your friend envisions, though with my husband. It's a big country out there and we have almost always been able to find areas remote enough to be completely alone.

The only "danger" we ran into was a curious bear in Denali Nat. Park that circled the tent and sniffed for a while.

The only "weapon" was a small flare dispenser we carried for hikes, though nowadays a bear spray would be packed also.

For 2 legged danger, I'd guess her current choice is fine, and I wish her happy trails.

if this will be car camping I would add a long gun , if she will be backpacking I would be satisfied with a even something lighter ever once counts .something like a lcr in 22lr or even 38. Myself when back packing i carry a small light caliber sidearm and a 410 snake charmer shot gun with a buck shot a couple slugs and a few shot shells.

Her ammo is OK. I'd suggest some modern pepper spray as well.
Does she like dogs? As a first line of defense a sturdy, intimidating looking and sounding dog will head bad guys and animals off so no encounter happens in the first place.
We have a neutered male Rottweiler which absolutely adores my wife. He is friendly but instantly front and center if he suspects anything is amiss.
Rotts are good at reading peoples intentions and are loyal companions. My wife has seen shifty looking guys cross the street when she is walking ours.

...my wife and I were tent camping in the Tehachapi Mountains of California one full moon night...

...a Witches Coven showed up at Midnight...made the damnedest noises for a couple of hours and disappeared...

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A Country Boy Can Survive