38 special ammo

RNL was our issue round till the mid 70's. The only criticism I heard about it was penetration of auto sheet metal. Otherwise, it seemed to do OK from what I heard at that time, I never heard of the term 'widow maker' until the internet came along.

Probably came from the same guys that used to say "carry any caliber you want as long as it starts with a 4"...

There are better options for self-defense, but a revolver full of .38 Special RNL is nothing to sneeze at.
 
Yeah, I know, not the coolest idea around, but I travel with a stash of warm LSWC specials - 158 grains moving out around 920 fps - most of the time. Got a bunch of hi-performance +P stuff, but I figure out and about without knowing the environment, a smoking chunk of lead is hard to beat. Hope I never have to prove that point, but I don't feel unready if it happens.
 
Probably came from the same guys that used to say "carry any caliber you want as long as it starts with a 4"...

There are better options for self-defense, but a revolver full of .38 Special RNL is nothing to sneeze at.

If you catch one in the heart you'll need an undertaker, in the liver just a transplant. ;)
 
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I use the old 158 grainer in my 649-2. Self defense is generally a very close range deal and a good hit is what stops the fight--IMHO more important than the load.
 
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