Self defense 38 spl load

[ckeller]

I want to use a self defense 38 spl load in my model 681. I prefer not to use 357 magnum although the gun will handle those loads.
I will load the ammunition my self. I would appreciate recommendations. I'm confused by the number of bullet options available. Thanks

 

[mike from st pete]

Just my personal opinion.
158 LSWCHP loaded to plus p level in magnum length brass. You may never want to shoot 357MAG but if you change your mind using the magnum length brass will save you an extra cleaning job if you ever change your mind.

 

[H Richard]

I also recommend a 158 gr. bullet, but you choose whatever one you like then get the reloading manual for that Mfg. and follow their instructions for +P loads.

 

[mikld]

FWIW; I load my house gun with DEWC over a hefty charge of W231 (for just under 1,000 fps.). I believe this will give me a round with good tissue destruction from the .357" flat point, and not a lot of overpenetration endangering the neighbors. Testing in wet newsprint showed approx 6"-8" straight penetration and some expansion to mebbe .600", allthough I wasn't looking for expansion...

 

[LoboGunLeather]

For short range defensive use, as in home defense, it is hard to beat the 148-grain wadcutters made of soft swaged lead. The only drawback is some difficulty in reloading due to the blunt ends of the cartridges.

Speer offers their excellent 158-grain SWC-HP which, if loaded over about 5.0 grains of Unique, provides an excellent short range defensive load. Cartridges work well with speedloaders or speed strips as well.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I also use the 681 for defensive carry . I carry only factory stuff for litigation reasons . If you decide to use your own loads in 38 spl , I would suggest a 158 gr jacketed hollow point or a 148 gr full wadcutter . The full wadcutter " paper punches " a full caliber wound . If ever questioned about using a wadcutter hand load , your answer would be that it was just a practice load that you had left in your gun .
I have read several ME's report on a person shot with full wadcutters and it was very effective .
For powder , there are many choices and a good reloading manual is the best to use . Just be sure and really clean the cylinder wells thoroughly after each range session as the crud from the 38's will build up . I have personally witnessed it .

 

[fredj338]

I like the old 38sp+P FBI load; 158gr LSWCHP @ 900fps. You can bump that a bit in a 357mag. Best part, it's cheap to replicate for practice with a 158gr LSWC, coated or lubed. Any of the medium burners will get you there. You can buy the Speer or Hornady swaged LSWCHP or the cast ones from Rimrock.
g/ch .38/.357 mag 158 gr. SWC-HP per 100/ in a plastic ammo box - Gas Checked Cast Lead Bullets - Top Shelf Bullets
Or these guys:
38 Caliber : GT Bullets, The Home of Quality Hand Cast Lead Bullets