I hope im putting this in the right place. Couldnt decide if it needed to go here or Ammo.
Ok guys, help me decide which load to carry. I am using this in my new model Bodyguard 38spl. Both loads shoot great and to point of aim.

The load on the left is a factory S&W 38spl wadcutter load. The load on the right is my reload using Rainier 148gr bullet. As you can see in the pic. Both loads are about the same speed. I was hopping one would be around 725 fps and thats the load I would have used. I like the Rainier bullet becouse it seems to be a little harder but the S&W is a factory load.

Which one would you carry for self defence? Help me decide.

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Lots of good loads out there, Speer short barrel JHP, DPX, Federal, Remington, Winchester 158gr lead HP, and many others.

I do not use my loads for self defense, nor do I use target WCs. You can practice with your loads, or WCs, and I do. I carry DPX in my J frame guns, but you may like something else better. Try out several and pick the one you like the best.

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the world is round everywhere

It should be a factory load, preferably one of the loads that GLVO described. Reloads, they say, could get someone in hot water in an otherwise justifiable situation. If you need a light recoiling bullet, then go with a factory watcutter, but remember that they may not excel in penetration and certainly will not expand. If was me, I'd use the 158 grn lead SWC hollow point or the Speer Gold Dot.

factory loads for legal reasons, all else being equal

or, go with Buffalo Bore 38Spl - that is the best ammo you can buy ... or Speer Gold Dot

and lots of practice - mostly with your cheaper reloads

To answer the question of which of these two...

I would use the soft lead bullet.

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Centennial Every Day

I would suspect that a good factory-load like Speer GDHP 135-gr for short-barrels would be the way to go. If you do have to use the carry-gun for self-defense, explaining your "hand-loaded, ultra-bad, bad-guy getters" would be harder to do than a factory-load.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

Assuming a fixed-sight revolver I would use the one that shoots closest to point of aim at 25 feet. Gunfights end when a bullet has gone where it needs to be to put a stop to the nonsense requiring shooting in the first place.

I've had good results with all of the following:

First is the Hornady XTP, 125 grn., in a JHP. Muzzle velocity on that particular load is 900 fps.

If you want something with a little more beef to it, I like the Hornady XTP, JHP, in a 158 grn. bullet.

In my experience, both have excellent expansion and weight retention.

Another one that is almost identical, but with an added feature is the Hornady Critical Defense load. It's pretty much like the XTP but has a polymer tip to aid in punching through bulky winter clothing without getting the hollow cavity plugged up. Seems to help in expansion, too.

neither.
Ive always seen revolvers as power platforms.
You have six for sure anything you manage to fumble into it thereafter is a Godsend in a real firefight.
the WC design does not fumble into a revolver well when your praying for miracles.
Getting back to my opening statement, the focus is on power. The six rounds you can absolutely count on need to count.
S&B has a 158 grain load at standard pressure that makes over 900FPS. The downside is that its an RN.
theres also buffalo bore. Rem golden saber. Fed hydroshock and Hornady critical defense.
Get serious with your defense ammo and save the target/ plinking stuff for the range

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it just needs more voltage

I'm still using the Remington FBI +P in my Js. It was our issued ammo before we converted to the Glock and its street performance was first rate.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I'm a big fan of heavy bullets (158 grain) and personally like and carry the Buffalo Bore Heavy +P LSWCHP-GC. YES it is difficult to master because of the recoil, but it is the most devastating 38 Special round out there, IMHO.

Another good round (2nd choice) would be the Speer +p 135 grain short barrel JHP. It has a lot less recoil than the BB, but will penetrate about half of the BB load.

Make sure you carry a round that you can control for follow-up shots. Those who preach double-taps do so for a good reason.

I'm carrying Hornady 135 gr. +p in my M&P 9mm Shield and M&P 9c. Recoil is very manageable in the Shield more than my 9c IMO.

Your soft lead load.

I fully agree that you should have the ability to deliver a quick follow up shot.
That said, with a heavier and more effective load, follow up shots are less likely needed. Bottom line here (at least for me) is practice, practice practice with what ever load you carry.

I really like the Remington 125 grain +P JSHP round. It shoots to point of aim out of all of my revolvers. An accurate load with some "thump" to it.

Factory load just for legal reasons

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.40ve, SD9 unbeatable combo