38 vs 357 for home defense

[wildenout]

I would say those are 100% right reasons. Especially the other family members, and the over penetration factor. Not a lot of people talk about that when they discuss home defense. I had an instructor tell me "a 9mm will travel through 6 walls of modern construction." How true that is or is not, has always made me think.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Two better words: .223 softpoints

See the Box O' Truth website for wall penetration experiments with handguns, shotguns and rifles. You'll be amazed.

Uh..... technically that is one word and one number.

 

[SC_Mike]

.38+ HP in my 686 also due to the wife having to use it. I don't want her to fear the weapon, only respect it. Plus the noise, muzzle rise and flash, as well as the over penetration factor.

Just my opinion.

 

[badge 851]

I keep my home defense 686+ loaded with +P 38 special ammo rather than 357 for a number of reasons. I live in a neighborhood with houses fairly close together and am concerned about over penetration with the 357. The 686 may be used by other family members who can shoot well but are not used to 357 recoil and noise. I also like the fact that I can get back on target more quickly with 38 ammo than I can with 357. What is right or wrong with my thinking on this ?

You are right & 100% Spot On! I live in a condo and load my 357's w/38 Special 158gr LSWCHP for the same reasons.

 

[amazingflapjack]

critical defense ammo that spreads out on impact.

 

[diyj98]

I believe this question cannot be accurately answered by anyone on this forum, unless one has actually pulled the trigger on a firearm inside an enclosed structure; without ear protection, in the dark of night, under extreme stress. I'm guessing (like everyone else) a gun you are comfortable shooting accurately, the number of family members in your home, their location and the interior structure/layout makes a difference in your firearm/ammo selection.

I've fired a fired a 357 magnum indoors at night. The flash didn't bother me, but my ears rang for hours afterwards. I was concerned about damage to my hearing. I could have fired more shots if needed, but the pain was immediate and pretty severe. No more 357's in the house for me. My night stand gun is now a 44 special with standard loads.

 

[Elliot45]

I use .38 + P JHPs in my .357s. While controlling either my 686 Plus or my Model 27 isn't a problem, in a dark room I really don't want the muzzle flash of a .357 or the recoil for fast shooting. However, I also have a Colt Gold Cup .45 that is also loaded with JHPs that is an available option too and I have extra loaded magazines handy. - Jim

 

[shawn mccarver]

Your thinking is correct, although most .357 Magnum ammo made for self-defense, as opposed to hunting, does not over penetrate either. Recoil, blast and such are still an issue, however.

Many people these days use a new-fangled double action only 38 with +P ammo containing 17 in the magazine. It is the 9mm M&P Full Size.

Takes up the same space as a 2 1/2 inch K frame, thinner, and holds 17 9mm rounds, which are actually better stoppers than 38 Special +P, and with the reciprocating action of the slide, has less felt recoil and an easier trigger pull than the revolver.

 

[Cal44]

Many people these days use a new-fangled double action only 38 with +P ammo containing 17 in the magazine. It is the 9mm M&P Full Size.

Takes up the same space as a 2 1/2 inch K frame, thinner, and holds 17 9mm rounds, which are actually better stoppers than 38 Special +P, and with the reciprocating action of the slide, has less felt recoil and an easier trigger pull than the revolver.

Just a fad. It will never catch on.

 

[Voyager28]

Well, maybe it's just me. But, if I have an intruder, I want the biggest flash and loudest bang I can get. I'd throw a "Flash/Bang" grenade at him if I could and shoot him with a Howitzer. I don't want him to have any doubts that he's been shot or shot at.

My HD weapons are a Model 19-4, Model 66-3 and Model 69 (.44 mag) all loaded with Magnum loads. I just love the Hornady Critical Defense loads as well as the Hornady LEVERevolution .44 Magnum loads.

JMHO.

Bob

 

[686-380]

Regardless of which ammunition you choose, I'd recommend you perform an evaluation of your home. Look for choke points, hiding spots and points of over-penetration vulnerability.

Hey, it's better to have a plan and not need it than needing one and not having it...

 

[brucev]

Re: OP. Good thinking. Distances are not great in any home. At the most you might be engaging down a hallway or across a room, etc. Load up with some quality JHP's loaded hot... plus P... you'll do fine. Lots of really good choices for HD/SD .38 Special ammo. If you want to go w/ .357 Magnum loads, fine also. Just not much improvement as at typical ranges either round is going to shoot through an assailant.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I keep my home defense 686+ loaded with +P 38 special ammo rather than 357 for a number of reasons. I live in a neighborhood with houses fairly close together and am concerned about over penetration with the 357. The 686 may be used by other family members who can shoot well but are not used to 357 recoil and noise. I also like the fact that I can get back on target more quickly with 38 ammo than I can with 357. What is right or wrong with my thinking on this ?

Nothing wrong, everything right. I do the same. I'm probably not right in every decision I make but a 686+ loaded with .38 Special ammunition by my bed at night IS right. Period. Nuf sed.

***GRJ***

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Just to be argumentative.....

Bob....

You're wrong.

In your house you'll get more than enough flash and bang with those pistolas loaded with .38s and that 69 needs .44 Specials (one of the finest self defense rounds you can find). Besides the tactical abilty to get more rounds down range accurately your over penetration will spoil good will with your neighbors, never mind family if anyone lives with you.

Jus' sayin'......for the sake of a good argument.....

***GRJ***

 

[BigBill]

Home defence?

First it's the dogs.

Then it's my cz 82 in 9mm makarov.

Backup is a 12ga riot shotgun loaded with 00, slug, 00, slug, 00. We also have our local resident black bear 350/400 lbs.

I have faith in the 12ga with the butt stock loaded with slugs and the sling full of 00 buck. Just incase I get pinned down on all sides with the chipmunk are throwing nuts and I run out of 5th avenue candy bars to give them. They love there 5th avenues.

 

[Ogie]

I keep my 686+ loaded with Buffalo Bore 125 gr., low flash, lower recoil magnums, product #19G. These work very well for me and I wouldn't be afraid to use them inside my home.

You should try a few different kinds of ammo and see how you interact with that ammo.

 

[rwsmith]

I too,

.38+ HP in my 686 also due to the wife having to use it. I don't want her to fear the weapon, only respect it. Plus the noise, muzzle rise and flash, as well as the over penetration factor.

Just my opinion.

I too, wholeheartedly agree. Inside the house is no place to shoot a full .357. Since I reload I make something like a super hot .38 or a low end .357.

Old thread but a good thread.

 

[stantheman86]

.38 +P Hydra Shoks for me....

Short answer is .357 out of anything less than a 6" barrel are not effective enough to warrant the blast and concussion.

There's a reason why 6" 28's were popular as police weapons ....only convenience and comfort caused a switch to 4" guns.

Overall the hard truth is any handgun is a poor choice for home defense.
You're in your home, why handicap yourself with a weapon made to carry?
A pistol caliber carbine, .223 AR loaded with frangibles, or a .410 shotgun are much better choices.

 

[at_liberty]

My home defense gun is whatever I am wearing, usually a revolver, sometimes two. For night time bedroom guns, it is either my daytime carry nearby, or any Magnum/supersonic carry goes in the lock box, and the Glock 40SW with night glow sights, tactical rail mounted with flashlight and laser comes out.

I don't currently use it, but have some Cor-Bon frangible ammo and wonder if they still offer it.

 

[Cal44]

I'd like to hear more stories from people who have actually touched off a 357 magnum inside a house in a self defense situation.

How bad is the noise and flash really?

Does it render you incapable of follow up shots?

And how does it compare to shooting a 38 special inside the house? Is there any real difference?

Most of what you read on these threads is posted by people who have never actually shot inside a house with no ear protection repeating what they have read on the Internet posted by other people who have never done it.