You should experiment with various loads finding out what you can handle best thus hitting more accurately on initial and successive shots.
Remember, a self defense situation is very likely to happen quickly and at close range.
What is right for one of us may not be right for another.
Although it does not directly relate to your post, many years ago I had a Ruger .44 mag single action. I experimented with reloading until I found my "sweet spot" in between the .44 special and .44 mag loadings. It worked for me in terms of accuracy and recoil. It most likely would not be right for the next person.
The only draw back, if there is any, is when using the more powerful or most powerful, in some states and or with some DA's and lawyers, they'll try and use the fact you used the most powerful and meant to kill and or mame.
Putting a few of the lighter loads/rounds in first, and using them first could show your intent was simply to defend yourself, loved ones and or home.
I believe why Mooseman suggested what he did?
And to be honest, 110gr sure as hell isn't going to tickle. They gonna know they got shot and will probably not advance. unless of course they're on crack or whacked on some other drug? But then you still have 1 or 2 more of those 110grs. and then 3 or 4 of those 145grainers or 158grainers, whichever?
Then, there is always the, hey, I had to load the gun quick and I grabbed the first thing I saw. It just so happened it turned out to be the more powerful ones. Hey, I mean, what can I say, my home was being broken into. I didn't think, I just reacted.
Maybe had he/they not broken into my home they wouldn't have gotten shot? Why is it they break the law, I'm in my home and have to defend myself and I'm now having to justify what I did with what I did?
Personally, as my original signature use to say, I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6...
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
OK, guys, I've got what I wanted and we're all on the same track. I won't use handloads for defense because I don't want to give the DA any kind of toe hold. Thanks for your thoughtful replies.
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Bob
Beware the fury of a patient man......John Dryden
I use 125 grain 357 JHP's in my 357. They are supposed to have the maximum "stopping power" of the 357 loads, in fact they're rated at 96% one shot stops, out of a large base of shootings. They are not that bad on recoil in the SP 101.
The man is right; don't use handloads for SD, it's great fodder for the prosecuter's case. In fact, a gun's name can get you in trouble; like Python, Cobra etc. Makes me wonder if I should use my Taurus "Judge" for SD!
in mine i have the hornady leverevolution 140gr. i figure if it will drop a whitetail from 50 yds in his track it will stop anybody on anything that comes in to my home.
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one shot one kill
" I've always been crazy but it keeps me from going insane " Waylon Jennings
OK, guys, I've got what I wanted and we're all on the same track. I won't use handloads for defense because I don't want to give the DA any kind of toe hold. Thanks for your thoughtful replies.
BINGO! Use factory ammo, preferably something that does not have a super aggressive name like BadGuy Butcher or something. I know the hollow points and such will work better, but if you are in a litigious municipality, your best bet is to use the kinds of loads the local LE uses. It is probably serious stuff but not something that will give a bloodsucking lawyer/vampire or a career chasing Public Defender a toothhold.
__________________ Teach
Taxpayers voting for Obama are like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders.
BINGO! Use factory ammo, preferably something that does not have a super aggressive name like BadGuy Butcher or something. I know the hollow points and such will work better, but if you are in a litigious municipality, your best bet is to use the kinds of loads the local LE uses. It is probably serious stuff but not something that will give a bloodsucking lawyer/vampire or a career chasing Public Defender a toothhold.
While I agree with the suggestion to use what the cops use. Around here that is Fed. Hydroshock. Still, I want to point out that District/Prosecuting/State's Attorneys prosecute people for gun "crimes" and not public defenders. P.D.s represent the defense.
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That which can be asserted without evidence may be dismissed without evidence.
Teach
