.38 +P vs .357

[wingslevel2121]

I am more in the all bets are off approach. If I only have my 5shot Jframe or even 7shot Lframe I want them to be as effective as I can handle. For me I now keep my 340MP w/ Rem GS .38+P, my 60-14 w/ Rem GS .357 and my 686-6 w/Rem 125g .357.

Fully anticipate being deaf if have to light any of these off but deaf is better then dead. Know the muzzle blast will ruin some night vision but would rather it be the blast from behind my .357 then the blast from in front of their muzzle returning fire that does it.

Now I do like the 629 as a good compromise w/6 shots of Silvertip specials w/lower blast and flash but for my .357s if I can effectively fire the .357s that's what they are fed.

 

[Crazy K38]

well both the .38 and the .357 have both been proven to get the job done, if you are running +p rounds from a good company like speer or BB, the you should be good with .38 if you want to go bigger then go bigger, but you really don't have to. Both guns kill people very very well

 

[Red Tex]

In a home defense situation, how much real difference is there?
Inquiring minds wanna know...

Thanks in advance for any opinions...

Kapuna

My HD revolver is a Model 13 with a 4" barrel. Since it isn't carried, the longer barrel isn't a concern. Matter of fact a 5" barrel for a HD gun might be just about ideal. The longer barrels impart greater velocity, so the 38+P rounds will have more oomph than they would from a snubnose. Even though my M13 is chambered for 357, I feel confident that the FBI loads I keep it stoked with will be plenty ornery if need be.

My experience as been that the blast and noise from a full-house 357 round is pretty brutal in an enclosed space. That's why I like the 38+P.

 

[GatorFarmer]

If you're worried about going deaf, you can either purchase Peltor "tactical" hearing protectors - the electronic ones filter out gunshots but still let you hear normal sounds - or else stick your ear plugs in if time allows.

 

[flop-shank]

If I selected my cartridges around saving my ears, I would look toward low pressre cartridges that push a lot of lead. That is where the .44 spl., and 45 ACP are the natural choices.

 

[Zilmo]

My bedroom gun is a .357, but I load it with .38's, simply because it is a lot easier and faster for me to get back on target with the .38's.

 

[Eliakim]

There's a lot to be said for a 45ACP in a good duty-type semi auto pistol for home defense. It has a good amount of power, limited penetration, and relatively mild recoil for rapid accurate follow-up shots. There's often more that one perp to contend with and they can likely be doped-up and behave badly when shot.


The 45ACP opperates at lower pressure than a 357Mag. It is less likely to cause permanent hearing damage to the home owner and family if fired at bad guys indoors.

 

[magnum12pm]

I had to run out to the garage and verify, but if you have a question on using 38+P or 357mag. You may want to consider the 38+P+ Federal Premium LE round. That should give you a little more power without going all out!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I have never had to shoot at an intruder in the dark, while just being woken up from a sound sleep. I doubt that many of us have. I hope I never do either.

That said, There will never be a concensus on this subject, so use what you are comfortable with.

As for hearing loss. Count on it. With almost anything fired indoors. Permanent too.

As for being able to ignore the shock and flash, BULL! It's the reason cops use stun grenades. It works, whether you know it's coming or not. The shock will affect your ability to recover quickly. There's no way around it. It's simply a matter of physics. The shock wave will enter your ear, and disrupt your sense of awareness, as well as possibly your sense of balance.

I recently went through a citizens academy with my local PD. It was a few months in duration, and very well run as well as informative. One full night was devoted to shootings, indoor and out as well as range time with various weapons. Some were fired in the dark to show what will happen. .40 S&W's, .223's, 12 gauges and fully automatic weapons were used. Really a great class. The cops are fully aware of tactical blindness and disorientation from shooting from a squad car, home or outside. They use ammo that is purposefully low flash for an advantage in a fire fight. They practice different thing to keep from getting tunnel vision as well, like keeping your eyes moving constantly.

I keep full power .357's in my gun. I won't squabble over someone who wants to shoot .38 Plus P's. I am not worried about over penetration, but I do wonder if the full house stuff will cause me to loose tactical awareness if there is more than one perp. My main reason is that I want anyone who comes in uninvited to go out dead, and with extreme predjudice. I have more confidence in the ability of my loads to pass through heavy winter clothing than I do slower +p rounds. In the summer, I don't really have a favorite.


To be honest my daily CCW is a 4506 loaded with Corbon +P 230 HP's. I would rather have that in my hand at night too, but my wife can easily pick up the revo and shoot without having to worry about safety's etc.

When it comes down to it, use what you want to, it's you who will be there when the moment of truth comes. None of us will.

These are just my observations and not intended to sway anynoe one way or the other. Just something to think about.