When I was young, if the revolver was chambered in 357 Magnum, then I preferred to carry it loaded with 357 Magnum ammo, usually the 125 grain JHP loads from Remington or Federal. Enter the J-frame 357 Magnums. Initially, I used 110 or 125 grain magnum ammo, but the recoil and blast was quite a bit more than when fired in a 4 inch barreled revolver! These days, I prefer 38 Special +P Short Barrel ammo for my Model 640-1. In a 4-inch barrel, I think either the 38 Special +P or 357 Short Barrel ammo are really good choices. Bullet technology has come a long way since the 1980's and 90's. I do not think it is necessary to drive modern expanding bullets to the high velocities required by older designs to achieve the same terminal performance.

Now if I'm in the woods and more concerned about a wild animal attack, 357 Magnum 158 grain hard cast semi-wadcutter or JSP ammo would be my preference.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA