DarkSoldier
Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2008
- Messages
- 145
I really like the FBI 158 grain +P lead HP and use it in my J frame model 60. I also liked the old 110 grain .38 +P+ Government Issue JHP. The idea behind that was to give us something close to a .357 Magnum round while enabling us to testify truthfully in court that we were using a .38 round. It was accurate and controllable but I wasn't crazy about the lighter bullet.
When I carry my 2 inch Colt Lawman, I load it with Magnums (Silvertips). Its heavy enough to be controllable for me and follow-up shots are not a problem. Statistics (which I won't argue with) not withstanding, I can't agree that there is no difference between a .357 and a .38. It's sort of like the difference between getting hit with a Dodge Ram pick-up doing 40 MPH or one doing 80 MPH. Same truck but the faster one will make a bigger mess (and if I'm going to need to hit the guy, why go slower?).
Dealing with only shooting incidents that I am aware of, the .357 seems (and I stress "seems") to be more effective. I've seen guys walking around after being body-shot with what turned out to be JHP .38s. Guys hit with what turned out to be .357 ammunition didn't necessarily always DRT but they definitely weren't very active after being shot.
None of this should be read as a slam on the effectiveness of the .38 Special. I like the round and I trust it for SD. But all things considered, if I have the choice, I'll take the same bullet weight at the faster velocity.
Just my thoughts. Others may know better.
Respectfully,
DarkSoldier
When I carry my 2 inch Colt Lawman, I load it with Magnums (Silvertips). Its heavy enough to be controllable for me and follow-up shots are not a problem. Statistics (which I won't argue with) not withstanding, I can't agree that there is no difference between a .357 and a .38. It's sort of like the difference between getting hit with a Dodge Ram pick-up doing 40 MPH or one doing 80 MPH. Same truck but the faster one will make a bigger mess (and if I'm going to need to hit the guy, why go slower?).
Dealing with only shooting incidents that I am aware of, the .357 seems (and I stress "seems") to be more effective. I've seen guys walking around after being body-shot with what turned out to be JHP .38s. Guys hit with what turned out to be .357 ammunition didn't necessarily always DRT but they definitely weren't very active after being shot.
None of this should be read as a slam on the effectiveness of the .38 Special. I like the round and I trust it for SD. But all things considered, if I have the choice, I'll take the same bullet weight at the faster velocity.
Just my thoughts. Others may know better.
Respectfully,
DarkSoldier
