Wyatt Earp and flop-shank, I'm with you all on this. I haven't done near the amount of shooting and/or testing that you have, but remember I only shoot six rounds a week max of the Hornady 300 gr Magnum for personal training purposes only (I've also mentioned my concerns about the effects on the gun of shooting such a heavy weight bullet - I may email S&W about this even though a local gunsmith assured me there shouldn't be a problem).

My primary defense round is indeed a Hornady 180 gr XTP/JHP in .44 Special or Winchester Silvertip also in .44 Special for the reasons you all stated.

Thanks to both of you for the detailed info. This really is a great place to learn.