The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Best Defensive Ammo for .38 Snubby and Pocket .380

Paul B. · February 2, 2024, 03:44 PM

"Best" is a discussion that typically evokes a lot of personal opinions.

How true. My thought has always been the best load in the gun is whatever happens to be in the gun when the Vigaro hits the Mixmaster. You don't have time to holler, "Hold on. I've got to change from target ammo to fighting ammo." You just go with what you have.

My carry back up .380 is a Walther PPK/s and I run the Federal Hydrashoks. I also sometimes carry a Walther PP in .32 ACP on very rare occasions, usually as a back up to something bigger.

My usual back up piece though is an S&W M60 .38 Spl. running Federal 125 gr. +P hollow points. Most time when I practice I run 148 gr. wadcutter loads, sometimes Winchester brand or handloads using my home cast 148 gr. Lyman #358495 bullet over .3.1 gr. W231 or 2.7 gr. Bullseye when just plinking with the gun.

Normal carry gun is a Colt Combat Commander in .45 ACP BTW.
Paul B.

February 2, 2024, 03:44 PM	#32
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,813	"Best" is a discussion that typically evokes a lot of personal opinions. How true. My thought has always been the best load in the gun is whatever happens to be in the gun when the Vigaro hits the Mixmaster. You don't have time to holler, "Hold on. I've got to change from target ammo to fighting ammo." You just go with what you have. My carry back up .380 is a Walther PPK/s and I run the Federal Hydrashoks. I also sometimes carry a Walther PP in .32 ACP on very rare occasions, usually as a back up to something bigger. My usual back up piece though is an S&W M60 .38 Spl. running Federal 125 gr. +P hollow points. Most time when I practice I run 148 gr. wadcutter loads, sometimes Winchester brand or handloads using my home cast 148 gr. Lyman #358495 bullet over .3.1 gr. W231 or 2.7 gr. Bullseye when just plinking with the gun. Normal carry gun is a Colt Combat Commander in .45 ACP BTW. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!