Self-Defense Loads for Snub Nosed Revolvers

[otasan56]

I remember reading a mag article where the author recommended the old 200gr LBN .38 special loading for the snub-nose revolver because the bullet tumbled in the victim's body.

 

[FlaRon]

Lots of info on lots of different types of ammo on this thread however the most important issue in using a handgun in self defense is shot placement. Center Mass Armpit Level. I went on the job in 1967 and the issued .38 special ammo was 158 grain RNL. Most suspects shot with that round survived unless the rounds on target were Center Mass Armpit Level. When rounds were placed in that area violent aggression had a tendency to rapidly cease and mortality rates took a dramatic increase. I am not advocating using RNL or FMJ in defense handguns. I am advocating finding a good defense load for your individual handgun that you can regularly place on a Reduced B-27 style target in the Center Mass Armpit Level area and practicing on a regular basis and if possible adding some stress into your practice. To reply to the initial question by the OP I personnally use Fiocchi 95 grain XTP in my Glock 42. I use HP ammo in all my carry guns. Ammo used by law enforcement is usually a safe bet for civilian self defense use.The afformention post is of course JMHO

 

[elm_creek_smith]

My issued 4 inch S&W Model 686-6 duty revolver is loaded with Remington 125 grain SJHP .357 Magnum loads with 4 speed loaders on my belt. My 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 off-duty revolver is loaded with Speer 135 grain GDHP .357 Magnum "Short Barrel" loads with, when wearing a jacket, 2 speed loaders in the pockets. My S&W 642-2 is loaded with Speer 135 grain GDHP .38 Spl +P "Short Barrel" loads. My 2 inch S&W Model 12-2 (1962 vintage) is loaded with Buffalo Bore 158 grain LSWCHP-GC Standard Pressure .38 Spl loads, as is my 4 inch tapered barrel S&W Model 10-5 (1977 vintage). The (minimum 2) Bianchi Speed Strips I carry with the K-frames and J-frame hold the same BB .38 Spl loads.

I use the Monarch .38 Spl 158 grain SJHP for practice ammo if I haven't been keeping up with my reloading. It also makes up the bulk of my SHTF ammo since it is cheaper than anything other than gun show reloads and is plenty accurate in all of my guns.

I rarely go out without two and sometimes three of the guns above. They all have the same manual of arms and can all use the same .38 ammunition. I don't consider myself less than well-armed with any of them.

 

[Golddollar]

Does the .45 Governor qualify as a snub nose? I've been thinking about using the Winchester .410 shotgun shells with 3 full wadcutters in front of some BBs.