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Old 04-08-2011, 11:21 PM
cordystoy cordystoy is offline
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Hi,

New guy first post. Just a simple question. I see allot of discussions regarding the best self defense rounds. I use a 342 snub nose and really love the kick. So I use Buffalo Bore standard loads and Nyclads to avoid that. Ok but to the point does anybody mix cylinder loads...like 3 hollow points and some wadcutter? or just mixing the better defense loads? I just ordered some of the new Hornady critical defense but haven't gotten them yet. Honestly I just want to hedge my bets any downside to mixing the loads. Thanks for you opinions
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Old 04-09-2011, 12:16 AM
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ab4ka ab4ka is offline
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personally I want the same thing all the way around. I don't like mixing ammo, although I have to admit it's just a personal thing. I really don't have a good reason to do it or not do it.
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Old 04-09-2011, 12:40 AM
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I don't think it's a good idea to mix different loads in the cylinder. My main concerns would be different recoil characteristics and POA/POI between the loads. If I need to fire my gun in self-defense, I don't want anything to upset my focus. Many people say such things won't be noticed in a gunfight, but I like to keep things simple.

However, I do use different loads between what's carried in my gun and what's carried as reloads. I figure the reloading process would help me change gears, mentally, between the different load types. My 642 is loaded with Nyclads and I use Speer 135gr Short-Barrel GDHP for reloads. My K-frames are loaded with Buffalo Bore standard pressure .38 Special 158gr LSWCHP with the Speer ammo for reloads.

My reasoning: Both Nyclads and the BB loads have soft bullets, which is one of the reasons for their effectiveness. However, that same softness increases the likelihood they'd become deformed while being carried in a pocket or ammo pouch. That deformation could (at least theoretically) dimish their effectiveness. Also, the LSWCHP has a pronounced shoulder, which can make reloading while under stress difficult. The Speer ammo, on the other hand, is a JHP, making the bullet much more resistant to being deformed during carry. It also has a rounded profile, which is easier to reload while under stress.

There are also people who carry one type of ammo in their guns but more powerful ammo as reloads, with the reasoning that if they had to empty their guns and reload, then they have a SHTF situation and need more powerful ammo to resolve it. I think there is some merit to this idea.

This is just my opinion. Try different things and see what works for you.
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Old 04-09-2011, 12:53 AM
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MotorCityGun MotorCityGun is offline
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It's best to apply the KISS principle and not to over think mixing up your SD rounds. There aren't enough different kinds of rounds to address every "what if" scenario. Hopefully, you will never have to discharge your weapon, but if you do, you will probably need less rounds than the 5 or 6 your gun holds, and at a relatively close (<8 yds) range. The old saying to "train as you fight, fight as you train" applies. So make sure whatever you do load in your gun for SD, you get plenty of practice with it.

There's no value/use in adding more variables to complicate a SD situation. The more simple you keep things, the less you can screw up, the more likely you will survive a SD situation.
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Old 04-09-2011, 07:33 AM
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For standard CCW no I do not mix loads, I do sometimes load the first two with snake shot for woods carry. In the city there is only one thing I would shoot so I only need one load.
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Old 04-09-2011, 11:37 PM
stantheman86 stantheman86 is offline
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I don't see a need.......I have heard of some guys who load like 2 .38's and then 4 .357's in the cylinder but this seems foolish to me.......I don't carry "mixed" ammo for CC and if I'm carrying Golden Saber .38 +P I would have no need to keep something else loaded in the chambers. I think too many people saw "Triple X" where he keeps different rounds in that modified 629 he uses, but we don't often use tranquilizer and explosive rounds in our revolvers.

The snake shot makes sense, loading one or two snake rounds since you could draw and shoot a snake, and if something bigger attacked you you could quickly crank off the 2 snake shots and then get to the .44's, say for a bear or some such.

If I were that worried about snakes AND bears, I would carry a j-frame loaded with snake shot and then the .44 with Magnums.
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