357 mag 158gr JSP for self defense

[Cal44]

I'd just carry Critical Defense and not worry about it.

I don't want to be a test case in a legal dispute.

Just want to go about my business and protect my family if necessary.

 

[Rpg]

I've killed some deer with a 357.

The best performance was from hand-loaded ammo using the old Speer 160 gr half jacket swc and a very stout load of 2400 (a load no longer published in contemporary loading literature). Nothing else came close in 357.

I quit using 357 and went to a 44 mag when Dirty Harry came out and I located a 29-2 in 1977. I didn't like it very much. Too big for comfortable carry.

Then I discovered the 45acp in a Colt 1911. I've settled on the #68 H&G hard cast 200gr swc at 1,000 FPS and killed some deer with that in the ensuing years. That works at least as well as the 357 or 44 mags..

 

[pasound]

Critical Defense, for sure. If possible, the Remington 38+P 158gr JHP, the old FBI load. Proven accurate stopper.

Edit - my mistake. I meant LSWCHP. Typing while not thinking...

 

[sigp220.45]

Critical Defense, for sure. If possible, the Remington 38+P 158gr JHP, the old FBI load. Proven accurate stopper.

The FBI load was a 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint. Not a JHP.

 

[ddixie884]

This is true. Also known as the St. Louis load, the Dallas Load etc.

 

[geekeye]

is carrying 45 acp fmj an option?

 

[ddixie884]

They all fall to hard ball...............

 

[petepeterson]

After 10 years, I'm hoping he decided already.