Defensive Revolver Calibers

There are some situations where this is not possible, but most defensive revolvers use the modern hollow point bullet. It expands reliably in the target and penetrates enough to reach vital organs. Although there may be situations where this is not possible, most ammunition suitable for self-defense is chambered in.38 Special. The best results in.38 Special seem to be from the medium- to heavy-weight bullets (135-88 grains) in +P loadings. The Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point (+P 135 grain) stood out in the first edition. It’s still the most popular bullet in this category, even though it was renamed “Gold Dot Short Barrel Special Protection.38 Special +P” a decade later. It was originally designed for the NYPD to be used as a backup gun and off-duty weapon. It has been shot many times and has done exceptionally well. Modern lightweight revolvers can shoot this load to the point. Winchester also had a new load, the PDX1 Defender, that was promising. Today, the “Defender” load is renamed. It uses the same 130-grain jacketed hollowpoint cartridge in a +P load. It has a good record in police backup guns across the country. It is well-engineered and has delivered excellent performances. Federal’s HST 130 -grain +P is gaining popularity and I wouldn’t hesitate using it in my guns. It’s particularly suitable for the new generation short-barrel, lightweight revolvers. This load has been offered at Winchester, Remington, and Federal at different times. It is relatively cheap and comes in 50-round boxes. Based on the diameter expansion of my testing, I prefer Remington over Federal and Winchester — in this order. In older revolvers, the load shoots to point of aim in most cases. Although it wouldn’t be my first choice for ammunition, it’s still useful. It’s possible to feel the recoil from the heavy bullet..357 Magum:The 125 grain hollow point load (left) has been the standard recommendation for.357 Magnum. However, the author prefers the Speer 135 grain load (right). The.357 magnum has long been dominated by the 125 gram semi-jacketed hollow points (SJHP), loads from major ammunition manufacturers. This load was the one that made the.357 a “manstopper” in the 1970s and 1980s. However, recent analysis by experts like Greg Ellifritz shows that this reputation is now in doubt. The mixed record of the 125-grain load is mixed. It worked well when it was needed, but it can also expand too quickly, which can lead to ineffective wounds. Expert Greg Ellifritz has recently questioned the validity of this designation. However, I recommend that those who insist on carrying a magnum of any kind. Speer’s 135-grain Gold Dot GDHP bullet in.357 is a great choice because it maintains structural integrity in the target. Hornady also has a 135-grain Flexlock bullet in its Critical Duty line. This should also perform well. .327 Magnum. The “Baby Magnum”, which is unable to get a bullet with sufficient mass to penetrate deep enough, has problems. The caliber has fallen out favor since the first edition. The Speer Gold Dot 100 grain GDHP is the only defensive load I trust. To my knowledge, there are no defensive shootings that use this load or caliber that have been sufficiently analyzed to allow us to draw any solid conclusions. The recommendation is still based upon the results of gelatin testing. .44 Special: This cartridge is the perfect example of an on-again/off-again round. Sometimes, everyone finds an old cartridge and suddenly it becomes available. Then people move on to other things. This same sequence has been repeated many times over the years. The technical problem with this load is similar to the.38 Special: there are not enough bullets that penetrate well enough and expand reliably. There are not many defensive shootings with this caliber on record, which makes matters even more complicated. Based on conversations with hunters who use the.44 Special, my original recommendation is still available: The 200-grain Winchester Silvertip. The 200-grain Winchester Silvertip is still my top pick in a narrow field. In such situations, a revolver can be used to do double duty as a hunting weapon and also for self-defense against criminal attacks in a field. To limit penetration, it is better to choose a hollow point that is lightweight (no more then 200 grains). The Hornady Custom 180 grain XTP load is my recommendation. It is the only one that meets the criteria. I believe that the.38 caliber revolver is the best choice for defensive shooting when you consider recoil and terminal effects. Download your Storm Tactical printable target pack with 62 printable MOA targets and DOT drills. This impressive target pack is from Storm Tactical and includes 62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range usage. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Get Free Targets