Recent content by HunterXL

Just to close this out, I decided to stick with .357 Barnes 140 gr Vor-Tx XPB as an all-around outdoor round and Buffalo Bore .38 special +P 158 gr. LSWCHP for a lighter load where over-penetration would be a concern. Out of a 6 inch barrel, it seems like this load will give ballistics getting...

Can't argue with that

Yep, not asking about bear defense. This is about getting the most out of the very versatile .357 magnum in self defense situations, ranging from the typical close range, indoor with over-penetration concerns to isolated wide open outdoors at range, where I really would rather have a long gun...

This makes sense. It makes me think, I've been pretty focused on lead core bullets but maybe just the Barnes 140 gr monolithics or similar would be a good option in .357 for the outside scenario where overpenetration is not a concern. It's what I carry when I'm hunting so I'm already familiar...

Chief says use a 180 grain hard cast and you are saying a 158 gr JHP is too much penetration? If you are going by the LuckyGunner tests and worrying about over penetration, I'd think something like the 125 gr PDX1 would be best. It did very well in the tests. But I don't buy those tests...

So what do you all think about Winchester Super-X 158 gr JHPs? I don't want to start a melee here but I'm not a huge fan of the LSWC bullets. I'd rather have a JHP. Also it sounds like you all would prefer something hotter like the Underwood version but launching a 158 grain slug at 1500 fps...

Thanks. Do you just give up on expansion? I would not expect much of that from a big bullet like that certainly out of a 2'' barrel 38 and probably not out of a 4'' even. For an old (no +P) 2'' I have, I need to do more research but currently leaning towards big lightly-loaded wadcutters or...

Thanks. Is it just lack of penetration of lighter bullets in 38 special or something else? As I sit here today, the Winchester PDX1s are probably the frontrunner for the 38 special load. They seem to do very well out of a 4'' barrel other than penetration is on the margin. I was thinking...

Hi all, first post but I've been a member of the S&W family for ... well forever really. What do you suggest as an optimal defensive round for a 6'' barrel and most importantly ... why? I'd like to have a lot of versatility, including in terms of range. This is a gun I take on outdoor trips...