One point, no pun intended, about Golden sabers in 357. they sell 2 different types, one for 38SP and one for 357MAG. I have never tried interchanging them and I don't know by testing if they are all that different. I have shot some small game with them and they do what they are supposed to do. I will buy more when I need to. They were very accurate in my Ruger Security Six.

I used the 125 grainers. My 9MM that produces a .002 bigger hole. Everybody always asks why I don't like 9MMs. I just like something different. Same reason I just purchased a !9 Caliber Calhoun rifle. Shoots a 32 gr bullet at 3600fps with a 17gr powder charge. I just broke it in last week and when it quits raining I hope to get out and stop a few Gopher charges.

The only negative for old folks like with 28 knuckles of arthritis is the daintiness of the bullets. 17's are worse, 22's are nice but I prefer 6mms. Something like buying pants. 30 fits, 32 feels good so I buy a size 34.

Anyway I thought I'd pass on the GS info just in case anyone was unaware.

Best wishes, Bill

Federal Hydra-Shoks in all my CCW Guns which all but 1 are autos. The S&W 638 Airweight sports the 110gr +P round that Skinny speaks of.

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition 38 Special +P 135 Grain Jacketed Hollow

Another contender MADE for short barrels. TO tell the truth TD I have throught about the Hydra shoks since skinny mentioned them And one of the officers carries them. The only issue I have is that price tag makes them a little iffy for keeping up practice with them. Howsomever I may have to practice with something else and just shoot a cylinder of so of those to know where I am hitting with them.

Anybody tried the Speers?

I still don't like the +p idea. I know that Charter says the gun is made for them. And people say they won't hurt a modern stainless 38. But my barrel is NOT marked 38spl +P it is marked 38 SPL.

Gives me a little bit of the cold shivers.

GoodOlBoy

Hey GOB
 

I have some Speer Gold Dots in 380 and some 9mm I think. They seem to work well. They are pricey..but two boxes will last ya a long time for CCW. Also remember shoot out ranges are short for the most part..so practice short too

Yes that has been a falicy of mine in the past. I have practiced at only longer ranges. After the class and seeing just how close the required shooting range was I am *ahem* inspired to practice something a wee bit closer now.

GoodOlBoy

If it was me I would choose the blue. To me and my thoughts the small shot would travel less and dispurse more into a immediate gunshot wound. Both bonuses when dealing with the sircumstances you described. For my home defence load I would also choose the blue but right now I'm using 230gr Gold Dots out of my Para Ord Nite TAC 45.

I would also use the blue Glaser safety slug. (Wouldn't that play before a jury - "I bought them because the box said "safety" slug that would not penetrate and richochet.")

The police officer that taught our CCW course has shot several perps and been present shortly after many shootings. He recommends Winchester SXT, Speer Gold Dots and Golden Sabres - in that order. He also prefers bullets that do noit exit.

As far as the Galsers go, he said that if you wanted to know why more departments did not use them, to go look at all the holes in the walls and ceilings of police ready rooms or locker rooms.... cops are not all gun-nuts and there a lot of accidental discharges. Glasers are just too nasty and too fatal. His opinion, but I respect his experience.

As far as hollowpoints go, he said that you state that you were told to use them "in this course" as they were most effective in stopping the acts against you, do not overpenetrate and are thus the safest round for you to use. Your goal is not to kill the other party but to stop him from hurting you.

Federal Hydra-shoks in 38 are what i use for ccw, in a Rossi 2 1/2 inch 357. Try seeing after the first shot in the dark with a 357 load.