The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .357 self-defense: light vs heavy and safety of bystanders

Biff Tannen · November 20, 2012, 09:22 AM

Having already done hours of research on the subject, I'm now asking for advice from experienced shooters.

- One popular theory of .357 self-defense is that one should use a light hollow-point (125 grain)... The logic is that the light bullet will expand easily and the energy will transfer into the target, and prevent an exit, which may hurt an innocent bystander.

- a second popular theory of .357 self-defense is that one should use a heavy hollow-point (158 grain)... The logic is that the heavy bullet will have less energy therefore less potential to exit the target, this preventing an exit which may hurt an innocent bystander.

In your opinion, which self-defense theory is more valid?
If you can shed any insight on these theories, please do so...
And if I'm missing the point all together, please set me straight.
Thanks in advance!

November 20, 2012, 09:22 AM	#1
Biff Tannen Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2010 Location: Hill Valley Posts: 265	.357 self-defense: light vs heavy and safety of bystanders Having already done hours of research on the subject, I'm now asking for advice from experienced shooters. - One popular theory of .357 self-defense is that one should use a light hollow-point (125 grain)... The logic is that the light bullet will expand easily and the energy will transfer into the target, and prevent an exit, which may hurt an innocent bystander. - a second popular theory of .357 self-defense is that one should use a heavy hollow-point (158 grain)... The logic is that the heavy bullet will have less energy therefore less potential to exit the target, this preventing an exit which may hurt an innocent bystander. In your opinion, which self-defense theory is more valid? If you can shed any insight on these theories, please do so... And if I'm missing the point all together, please set me straight. Thanks in advance! __________________ - BIFF TANNEN - The great-grandson of Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen.