Effective .38 caliber for Self Defense - S&W 642

[Gamecock]

opinions vary quite a bit on this, so what do you think is the minimum?

Jeff Cooper said, "The only sure stopper is a supersonic telephone pole."

Pistols are marginal personal defense weapons. Rifles/shotguns are better. But pistols are handy, and can be carried concealed.

I say carry as much gun as you can handle. Bigger IS better. But if a .380 is what you can handle, carry it. I think trying to make a .357 magnum out of a .38 snubby is a fool's errand.

I think the better pistol SD cartridges start with .40 S&W. But I have carried .380, 9mm, .38 SPC, and 38 Super. Jacketed flat points, except for 38 SPC. I don't believe in hollow points for pistols. Good for rifles, but not pistols.

My opinion. Now where did I leave that Nomex suit?

 

[jw mathews]

Has anyone tried the Federal Nyclad 125 gr standard pressure ammo? Federal took over the Nyclad manufacture from S&W and improved the shape of the bullet from SWHP flat nose to a more rounded shape with a larger-diameter HP.

My understanding is that the original design benefits of Nyclad were to provide less-toxic bullets for indoor range use, AND the nylon coating reduced friction allowing higher velocity from 2" barrels (thus more energy) without having to use +P pressure levels. These loads were specifically intended for the Chief's Special & similar snubbies.

 

[M E Morrison]

Jeff Cooper said, "The only sure stopper is a supersonic telephone pole."

Pistols are marginal personal defense weapons. Rifles/shotguns are better. But pistols are handy, and can be carried concealed.

I say carry as much gun as you can handle. Bigger IS better. But if a .380 is what you can handle, carry it. I think trying to make a .357 magnum out of a .38 snubby is a fool's errand.

I think the better pistol SD cartridges start with .40 S&W. But I have carried .380, 9mm, .38 SPC, and 38 Super. Jacketed flat points, except for 38 SPC. I don't believe in hollow points for pistols. Good for rifles, but not pistols.

My opinion. Now where did I leave that Nomex suit?

Maybe not a full Nomex suit, but shorts & a cup would be a good idea!