Who would think to call you a wimp?

If we were discussing this over cigars, between while standing out on the range comparing loads and controllability during drills, I'd probably suggest considering carrying all +P loads.

If you carry a speedloader/strip (or two), and think about the possibility of actually having to reload, why subject yourself to the sudden muzzle blast and wrist-stressing torque of that last Magnum round? If it might (I stress might) throw you off your stride in getting the snub emptied and loaded, there might be a questionable "benefit" to having that 5th round being a Magnum. (It might be an attention-getter, though, letting you know you've run the tank dry. )

Personally, I rather like being able to have the same felt recoil and expected controllability for the entire cylinder load.

Yes, I'm "giving up" a bit of added velocity by not using Magnum rounds in my pair of M&P 340's (which are even heavier and more controllable than your 340PD), but I'd rather be able to hammer out up to all 5 rounds as rapidly as possible.

No biggie, though. If you can put 2-5 fast and accurate rounds on your intended threat target, you're still likely to be head and shoulders above those handgun shooters who think that only a hi-cap ammo reserve is important.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I'm curious why the last round is a magnum. If the wolf is still growling at the door after four, what is the last one for? A black powder load so you can escape?
I severely doubt anybody feel recoil during the stress event.

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This≠DodgeCity&You≠BillHickok

In earlier days, some folks used to talk about the last Magnum round being different letting them know when it was time to reload their revolver. (Which was more of a presumption and hope that they'd notice it when it happened.)

Having listened to my fair share of folks who have been involved in shootings, while they may not "feel recoil" during the stress of a dynamic situation, that doesn't mean that the actual recoil forces may not affect their shooting ability. They just aren't aware of it happening.

Much like not "hearing" the loud gunshot(s) doesn't mean your hearing still isn't being damaged.

"Sensory exclusion" only means your conscious mind isn't processing your senses in the same manner (as when not severely stressed, or experiencing the effects of a hormonal fear response). They may not be at the forefront of your awareness and realization, so to speak, but they're still present and they can still have an effect on you.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

You are not a wimp, there is no wrong carry option unless someone else is telling you how to carry. That is wrong.

Old cop -
You're no wimp. I'm 65 and have mostly given up carrying magnum ammo off duty. (My duty gun is a 4 inch 686-6 loaded with 125 grain SJHPS.) I've even mostly stopped carrying my 3 inch 13-3 off-duty due to the weight in favor of my 12-2 with standard pressure .38 Specials from Buffalo Bore. After 8-12 hours toting heavy iron on a loaded duty belt, I'm ready for a lighter load off-duty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I use 135 gr. Speer 38+Ps for short barrels in the winter or 125 gr. Nyclads in the summer but I'm also carrying an old 1974 Colt Cobra now instead of the SP100 I used to carry. I find the Colt to be far more accurate and follow ups quicker.

Nyclads may be anemic compared to a 357 but what they do to a plastic milk jug full of water convinced me that the much less recoil was a plus.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

I thank you for your informative reply and applaud you for your proper use of affect vs. effect. I can understand the follow-up shots not being as fast due to the blast, but I have never noticed recoil or noise difference. Unless I am specifically paying attention to the loads as I am firing, which I clearly wouldn't be in a real world shooting scenario, I don't anticipate anything other than feeling a click before rapidly reloading as I don't train as much with five shots. Eight shot revolvers have ruined me.

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This≠DodgeCity&You≠BillHickok

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my last round is a magnum practice. During my 30 year LEO career I was involved in three duty related shootings, all w/my issued .38, and I learned a thing or two. One is I was unaware of recoil, two I never heard a thing and three people move when being shot at so not all your rounds will hit the mark. Bottom line is enough of my rounds did their job and I'm around to enjoy my retirement.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Are you going to tell us the rationale behind the last round being a magnum?

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This≠DodgeCity&You≠BillHickok