I carry the Speer 38+p short barrel load in a 2.5 inch 686. Just wondering if this round would protect against a big dog attack or if I need a different carry round. I am asking reloaders because you guys most likely have shot stuff besides the paper targets that I shoot. I have some Buffalo Bore 38+p hard cast Keith 158s ordered for when I travel to Northern AZ in case I run into a larger angry animal in the forest. I am trying to stick with 38+p in my 34 ounce 686 to minimize recoil. Thx Guys.
38+p good for big dogs?
- Thread starter Robert B
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Cal44
Member
I would think any round useful for self defense on humans would work effectively on similar sized thin skinned animals like big dogs.
So yes. 38 sp would work.
So yes. 38 sp would work.
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Shot placement is key with any small animal IMO, take a look at CCI BIG 4 in .38spl it's a shot shell and big enough shot to either kill or tuck tail and run away... run 2 rds of that followed with some decent HP's and the final being a .357 just in case... just IMO sir.
THE PILGRIM
Member
Yes indeed! I like Solid bullets.
I don't usually take overpenetration very seriously, but on a dog? HP or not, I'm pretty sure that 158gr .357 Mag is near the top of the heap. If you have reliable info from gelatin tests that says otherwise, I will sit corrected. Until then, I would consider the thunderous 125gr HP a little safer, unless you are sure that it will never be used around other humans.
JMO, and I'm no expert, anyway.
Shot placement will be king.....
Would not rely on getting a one shot stop...... double or triple tap.
In 50 years in the laurel highlands of Pa. I've observed packs (5 or 6 ) of dogs on two occasions..... luckily for me they were focus on the deer they were chasing........
1st time I was about 12 with a 5" knife.......second time a 4" model 10 and a 5" knife...... still felt under gunned ........
Would not rely on getting a one shot stop...... double or triple tap.
In 50 years in the laurel highlands of Pa. I've observed packs (5 or 6 ) of dogs on two occasions..... luckily for me they were focus on the deer they were chasing........
1st time I was about 12 with a 5" knife.......second time a 4" model 10 and a 5" knife...... still felt under gunned ........
bmcgilvray
Member
Yep. With good hits it'll work. Dogs, even large ones can be said to be having a bad day if fairly struck with .38 Special +P 158 grain SWCs. Feral dogs in a rural environment are a bad thing for livestock and poultry. I've taken some out with the .38 Special and +P 158 grain SWCS.
For that matter, the .22 Long Rifle can be surprisingly effective on dogs, even with body hits. I've had to press a .22 rifle into service on occasion.
It's not the dog's fault, but rather the shameful irresponsibility of the owner who can't or won't control his pet or else cravenly dumps unwanted pets.
For that matter, the .22 Long Rifle can be surprisingly effective on dogs, even with body hits. I've had to press a .22 rifle into service on occasion.
It's not the dog's fault, but rather the shameful irresponsibility of the owner who can't or won't control his pet or else cravenly dumps unwanted pets.
Rpg
Member
You don’t need +p or 357 ammo for dogs: virtually any 38 spcl ammo will work just fine so long as it isn’t shot shell.
A walking stick is another good choice.
A can of bear spray is very effective on dogs as well.
A walking stick is another good choice.
A can of bear spray is very effective on dogs as well.
BLACKHAWKNJ
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How about the old rule "two in the belly and one in the head" ? Seems to me a spine spot would do the job.
A walking stick jammed down the throat gets their attention PDQ.
A walking stick jammed down the throat gets their attention PDQ.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I agree, dogs, even but dogs are very thin skinned and not hard to stop.
Unless you make good hits on humans or animals the above is true. Panic shooting in poor areas of the body will not stop a dog or bad guy. I'm only saying to use the .38 Special +P ammo, not because it's needed but because it's your normal carry ammo so you probably practice most with it and are most accurate with it.
I will never understand why so many current shooters think you need a 300 WinMag for deer or now a .357 Magnum to stop a dog. Why so much overkill?
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Justin T
Member
Good for big dogs? No, I would think it would be very bad for big dogs. Very bad indeed...
Just a comparative story here:
When I was a youngster there was a dog that would run out and chase me every time I walked down the road from school.
One day I decided it was enough I picked up a rock about the size of a baseball and waited as it ran towards me, I planted the rock right in the dogs head. It went down in the road like a sack of potatoes... so yes a .38 of any kind will do the job.
When I was a youngster there was a dog that would run out and chase me every time I walked down the road from school.
One day I decided it was enough I picked up a rock about the size of a baseball and waited as it ran towards me, I planted the rock right in the dogs head. It went down in the road like a sack of potatoes... so yes a .38 of any kind will do the job.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
In this case a 38/357 levergun loaded w/10 rounds, the 4" M10 and a 5" knife would make me feel safer!!
Being a dog lover, I like the bear spray suggestion. Humans often don’t consider that what we see as an attack the dog may regard as doing his duty protecting his property and human family. I realize that might not mean much if you’re gettin’ your leg chewed on. 
Nevertheless, give the bear spray some thought.
Nevertheless, give the bear spray some thought.LOL for a few year I had a Rossi .357 lever gun..... traded it for a Winchester Trapper that's too nice to take Penn's Woods. I have a Ruger 77/357 18" .357 that is a utility gun also a Ruger American .22mag carbine with 9 in the magazine....... usually backed up with a little 3" 60-10
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The_Truth
Member
I'm curious about the scenario where you'll need to shoot a dog with other humans downrange.
A shot shell might just enrage the dog before you had a chance to get to the real rounds. Things can go south real fast.
