What defense load for 4 inch model 28

[Vonkendell]

I'm 6 feet 200 pounds. I use a Ken Null shoulder holster
Great rig. Mostly white plastic material. Very secure and very conceable. Very interesting design

Hope all had a great Independence Day

 

[Black Knight]

I carried a 4" 28-2 as an armed security officer for a few years before I got my 686-1. I carried 158 gr. LSWHP 38 Spec +P. Now a days I carry 125 gr. SJHP 357 Magnum in it. Right now I carry it in an old S&W field holster. With a 5.11 vest it conceals very well.

 

[Mark6005]

I don't load 357 in anything that might be used inside. Something I came across not long ago was Geco ammo 158 gr in 38 jhp. I hear they are loaded similar to plus p. I've shot some seems clean and dependably. Understand they are a German brand. A good price from S.G. I'll by more, also bought Some fmj that was good too. I have most of the above mentioned but always willing to try something different

 

[American1776]

My 4 inch .357 magnum stays loaded with Underwood 125 gr. JHP rated at 1700 ft/s (from a 5 inch barrel). From the 4 inch barrel it probably does an honest 1600 ft/s. While it's very loud, the muzzle flash is NOT bad at all, since Underwood uses a remarkably low flash powder that still gets tremendous velocity.

Indianapolis police back in the 70's or 80's reported 10 shootings with the 125 gr. sjhp @ 1450 ft/s, with 10 one shot stops. Some of these were not fatal, some were not even torso hits, but all were described as the 'lightening bolt' effect of sudden collapse of the offender. This was from Massad Ayoob's own reporting.

 

[Mark6005]

I'll have to search for some Underwood. you have me curious about it. Who handles it?

 

[Muss Muggins]

Mine is currently loaded with Winchester .357 Magnum Black Talons . . .

 

[American1776]

I'll have to search for some Underwood. you have me curious about it. Who handles it?

I buy directly from them. Just google search 'Underwood Ammo', you'll see their site.

They really are the real deal (and no, I don't work for them). If you look at their ballistic numbers, they pretty much mimic Buffalo Bore's hot ammo, but at MUCH LOWER COSTS. I can say that their .41 magnum 210 gr. JHP's are every bit as hot as Remington's 210 gr. JSP. Their 340 gr. +p+ 44 magnum stuff is INSANE!.

And, like I said, their .357 magnum 125 gr. @ 1700 ft/s is what I keep in my .357 revolver. After practicing with it on the range, I have no doubt it is the closest one can get to Zeus' Thunderbolt in a handgun.

 

[Tom_R]

Is that a typo, or are you really using FMJ ammo for defensive purposes?

Sure was, I meant JHPs. Long day yesterday.

Typically I put .38spcl defense ammo, Hornaday, when I "Street Carry" my 686.

When I need a Trail Gun Load, I use Buffalo Bore 200 grain hard cast bullets. There are Black Bears out there now, where I am. We never had them, but we do now.

 

[Old Corp]

Just gonna throw this in the mix because I've been so impressed with it...
look at Barnes ammo offering of .357 with the 140 gr. 'Vortex' all-copper HP.
In trying it in one K frame and 2 different N frames, as well as a Rossi carbine, it proved to be very accurate. Also, took a buck with the carbine with this round this past Fall, 50 yeards, DRT.

This one, and the hard-to-find Win. 145 gr. STHP are my go-to 'carry everywhere' .357 rounds.

 

[hamourkiller]

For my circumstances, living more in the country and needing something for occasional pig or two, I like the 158 gr Jacketed Softnose Win. or Remington. I need penetration more than rapid expansion.

Truth be known, any full power .357 mag is a good self defense load. So pick one you shoot well and carry with confidence.

 

[Tom_R]

So I know this is not out of a Revolver, but this is such a cool gun. Watch this to see the Lightning Bolts that were mentioned several times.

Hickock 45 has a Coonan .357 Magnum 1911. This thing has some serious concussion.

He Vaporizes 2-Liters with this thing:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKM5B7ykQBs[/ame]

 

[Vom Brunhaus K9]

Thank you John

 

[HappyPuppy]

The 357 made its name with the 125 grain Remington load. There are better ones. Given a choice I always pick the federal HST or the Gold Dot bonded loads. Both IMO are the best out there.