what is your carry load for home defense or self defense

357 mag · October 1, 2012, 12:20 AM

I carry a taurus 605 (357) my carry load is the Buffalo Barnes 125 grain hollow points very amazing bullet expansion is perct from personal ballistics testing I manage to get 1505 fps 630 lbs out the muzzle from a 3inch barrel not bad if I say so myself has a kick to itvbut I'm already use to it..

Redhawk5.5+P+ · October 1, 2012, 01:54 AM

I smell a hand loader.

Or you need to recalibrate your croni.

iraiam · October 1, 2012, 03:03 AM

Ruger LCR .357 magnum. 158 Grain Gold Dot Personal Protecion. It's a real thumper in that little revolver but...I use a lesser load when I practice at the range, then put 5 thumpers through it at the end. Too many rounds of the SD ammo makes my hand hurt for a couple days.

giaquir · October 1, 2012, 05:08 AM

Out and about SD = G26
Home defense-what ever gun I'm
closest to

357 mag · October 1, 2012, 06:17 AM

No I do not hand load

mollymomo · October 1, 2012, 07:01 AM

Nothing special here I suppose. I welcome suggestions. My daily carry is .45 Federal 230 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (Wilson Combat Ultra Light Carry).

I don't pay much attention to the performance details of ammunition. I buy what's available at a small LGS and our nearby Gander Mountain or sometimes from Lucky Gunner in large quantities (usually a purchase of 1,000 or more each shipment) of various practice and practice SD ammunition.

I do practice with some of the SD ammunition and especially with the semi-automatics to be sure they are always ready to go without an issue. Each semi gets its rounds run through, cleaned and loaded about once a month.

I practice with the Python using mostly the cheap aluminum Blazer .38 Special 158 gr lead and American Eagle 158 gr .357 Magnum JSP. I try to practice with the Python several evenings a week on a home range usually running 100 rounds of the cheap Blazer .38 then 50-100 of American Eagle 158 gr .357 Magnum JSP - then after cleaning loading with 357 Magnum 158 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP.

Loaded and Ready Right Now:

Back Door: 9mm Hornady 124 gr. XTP (Sig Sauer X-Five)

Bedside [1]: 9mm Hornady 124 gr. XTP (DW Guardian with those glow sights for the dark).
Bedside [Back-Up 1]: .45 Remington Golden Saber 230 gr JHP (Sig Sauer C3).
Bedside [Back-Up 2]: 357 Magnum 158 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (Colt Python 6 in.).

Home Office Desk: .380 Federal 90 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (S&W Bodyguard 380).

Other Back Door & Every Day Carry on Way Out: .45 Federal 230 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (Wilson Combat Ultra Light Carry).

**Mike Irwin** · October 1, 2012, 07:10 AM

I have to really wonder if you're getting 1,500 fps out of a 3" tube, too.

Those speeds normally come from 6 to 8" barrels, or from pressure test rigs.

If you really are getting speeds like that out of a 3", I'd love to know what Buffalo Bore is loading...

Whoa...

Son of a gun...

Buffalo shows the test velocities and the guns and barrel lengths used to achieve them...

BUFFALO-BARNES LEAD-FREE HEAVY 357 Mag - 125 gr. Barnes XPB, fired from a 3" Smith Model 66, 1507 fps!

I definitely want to know what powders they are using!

357 mag · October 1, 2012, 07:51 AM

Yes I was pretty impressed too of course I had to test it myself just in case they weren't false advertising sure enough it stands true

**Mike Irwin** · October 1, 2012, 08:15 AM

What is the muzzle blast and flash like? It has to be impressive.

357 mag · October 1, 2012, 08:21 AM

The muzzle flash to me is normal just like any other 357 load. You would actually think the flash would be more blinding for such a hot load but surprisingly not

mnhntr · October 1, 2012, 08:25 AM

In the two wheelguns a LCR (mine) and a 642CT (wife's) we carry 125gr Remington Golden Sabers 38+P

Rifleman1776 · October 1, 2012, 08:46 AM

.22lr

Webleymkv · October 1, 2012, 11:18 AM

Depends on which gun I'm using.

.22 Long Rifle- CCI 40gr Velocitor
.32 Auto- Fiocchi 73gr FMJ
7.62x25 Tokarev- Winchester 85gr FMJ
.38 S&W- Handloaded 200gr LRN
.38 Special- Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP
9mm Parabellum- Winchester 127gr +P+ Ranger T-Series
.357 Magnum- Remington 158gr SJHP
10mm Auto- Winchester 175gr Silvertip
.44 Magnum- Remington 240gr SJHP
.45 ACP- Federal 230gr +P HST

rclark · October 1, 2012, 11:50 AM

For CC and home defense, standard .44Spec loads (hand loads of course) in CA Bulldog. In the woods we move up to the .45 Colt.

Tortuga12 · October 1, 2012, 03:03 PM

HD= Remington Golden Saber .38 +P

CCW=Georgia Arms Gold Dot 9X18 (new manufacture)

mmb713 · October 1, 2012, 10:56 PM

I used to use Federal Hi-Shok 125gr JHPs in my 4" GP100 and 2.25" SP101. When I went to replace them I couldn't find them anymore. I switched to Hornady Critical Defense 125gr JHPs. They have a red polymer insert in the hollowpoint to keep clothing from clogging them and turning the hollowpoint into a solid. The insert also aids in expansion. The red tips showing out of the cylinders is a bit intimidating too.

LockedBreech · October 1, 2012, 11:56 PM

My .380 gets 102-grain Remington Golden Saber.

My .40 gets 180-grain Speer Gold Dot

My 12-gauge gets Hornady TAP 00 Buck

My AR-15 holds whatever I have handy. Zero concerns about lethality of that platform. When available my ideal is 65-grain Winchester PDX1 or 77-grain Hornady TAP.

My 9mm (next anticipated purchase) will get 147-grain Federal HST.

Even my .22 holds CCI Stingers when stored.

I prefer avoiding +p loadings.

stormyone · October 2, 2012, 03:18 AM

9mm - 147gr
357 mag - 158gr

KyJim · October 2, 2012, 08:33 PM

In my .38 spl snubbies I carry, I like the Speer 135 gr. +P for short barrels. For my Model 65 at home, I use the FBI load -- Remington 158 gr. LSWCHP +P.

HKGuns · October 2, 2012, 08:35 PM

19.5gr 2400 under a 240gr Hornady hollow point.

tlm225 · October 2, 2012, 08:57 PM

.38 Special - Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P
.40 S&W - Remington 165 grain Golden Sabre

Straightshooter629 · October 2, 2012, 09:03 PM

My year-round daily carry is my Rossi 462 and it gets fed a steady diet of 158 gr. Federal Hi-shoks.

gunnerk19 · October 3, 2012, 04:38 AM

HD and CC I keep Remington Golden Saber 125 gr .38 +P's in my Taurus 605.

g20gunny · October 3, 2012, 05:43 AM

Glock 20 with night sights and 15 rounds buffalo bore 180gr hp at 1350 which also goes to work with me or wherever I go that day. In my wifes night stand is a ruger sr9c loaded with 9mm+p pdx1. And in the kitchen is a hidden beretta 92 and near the front door is a loaded yugo sks and a. 22 rifle with a dot sight for the local cat epidemic... I mean opossums.

JC57 · October 3, 2012, 09:18 AM

My carry load in a S&W Model 642 is Buffalo Bore .38spl +P 158gr LSWCHP. Pretty stout recoil out of that lightweight revolver, but manageable.

My go-to gun if I ever needed something for home defense is a .40 S&W semi-auto loaded with Federal HST, 135gr.

October 1, 2012, 12:20 AM	#1
357 mag Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Posts: 34	what is your carry load for home defense or self defense I carry a taurus 605 (357) my carry load is the Buffalo Barnes 125 grain hollow points very amazing bullet expansion is perct from personal ballistics testing I manage to get 1505 fps 630 lbs out the muzzle from a 3inch barrel not bad if I say so myself has a kick to itvbut I'm already use to it.. Last edited by 357 mag; October 1, 2012 at 12:35 AM.

October 1, 2012, 01:54 AM	#2
Redhawk5.5+P+ Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2012 Location: NV Posts: 743	1500+?/3"? I smell a hand loader. Or you need to recalibrate your croni.

October 1, 2012, 03:03 AM	#3
iraiam Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 1,057	Ruger LCR .357 magnum. 158 Grain Gold Dot Personal Protecion. It's a real thumper in that little revolver but...I use a lesser load when I practice at the range, then put 5 thumpers through it at the end. Too many rounds of the SD ammo makes my hand hurt for a couple days. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member Since 1999 "I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials." George Mason

October 1, 2012, 07:10 AM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,388	I have to really wonder if you're getting 1,500 fps out of a 3" tube, too. Those speeds normally come from 6 to 8" barrels, or from pressure test rigs. If you really are getting speeds like that out of a 3", I'd love to know what Buffalo Bore is loading... Whoa... Son of a gun... Buffalo shows the test velocities and the guns and barrel lengths used to achieve them... BUFFALO-BARNES LEAD-FREE HEAVY 357 Mag - 125 gr. Barnes XPB, fired from a 3" Smith Model 66, 1507 fps! I definitely want to know what powders they are using! __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 1, 2012, 08:15 AM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,388	What is the muzzle blast and flash like? It has to be impressive. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 1, 2012, 05:08 AM	#4
giaquir Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Deerfield,New Hampshire Posts: 512	Out and about SD = G26 Home defense-what ever gun I'm closest to

October 1, 2012, 06:17 AM	#5
357 mag Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Posts: 34	No I do not hand load

October 1, 2012, 07:01 AM	#6
mollymomo Junior Member Join Date: September 29, 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	Nothing special here I suppose. I welcome suggestions. My daily carry is .45 Federal 230 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (Wilson Combat Ultra Light Carry). I don't pay much attention to the performance details of ammunition. I buy what's available at a small LGS and our nearby Gander Mountain or sometimes from Lucky Gunner in large quantities (usually a purchase of 1,000 or more each shipment) of various practice and practice SD ammunition. I do practice with some of the SD ammunition and especially with the semi-automatics to be sure they are always ready to go without an issue. Each semi gets its rounds run through, cleaned and loaded about once a month. I practice with the Python using mostly the cheap aluminum Blazer .38 Special 158 gr lead and American Eagle 158 gr .357 Magnum JSP. I try to practice with the Python several evenings a week on a home range usually running 100 rounds of the cheap Blazer .38 then 50-100 of American Eagle 158 gr .357 Magnum JSP - then after cleaning loading with 357 Magnum 158 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP. Loaded and Ready Right Now: Back Door: 9mm Hornady 124 gr. XTP (Sig Sauer X-Five) Bedside [1]: 9mm Hornady 124 gr. XTP (DW Guardian with those glow sights for the dark). Bedside [Back-Up 1]: .45 Remington Golden Saber 230 gr JHP (Sig Sauer C3). Bedside [Back-Up 2]: 357 Magnum 158 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (Colt Python 6 in.). Home Office Desk: .380 Federal 90 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (S&W Bodyguard 380). Other Back Door & Every Day Carry on Way Out: .45 Federal 230 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP (Wilson Combat Ultra Light Carry).

October 1, 2012, 07:51 AM	#8
357 mag Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Posts: 34	Yes I was pretty impressed too of course I had to test it myself just in case they weren't false advertising sure enough it stands true

October 1, 2012, 08:21 AM	#10
357 mag Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Posts: 34	The muzzle flash to me is normal just like any other 357 load. You would actually think the flash would be more blinding for such a hot load but surprisingly not

October 1, 2012, 08:25 AM	#11
mnhntr Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2008 Posts: 972	In the two wheelguns a LCR (mine) and a 642CT (wife's) we carry 125gr Remington Golden Sabers 38+P

October 1, 2012, 08:46 AM	#12
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	.22lr

October 1, 2012, 11:18 AM	#13
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	Depends on which gun I'm using. .22 Long Rifle- CCI 40gr Velocitor .32 Auto- Fiocchi 73gr FMJ 7.62x25 Tokarev- Winchester 85gr FMJ .38 S&W- Handloaded 200gr LRN .38 Special- Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP 9mm Parabellum- Winchester 127gr +P+ Ranger T-Series .357 Magnum- Remington 158gr SJHP 10mm Auto- Winchester 175gr Silvertip .44 Magnum- Remington 240gr SJHP .45 ACP- Federal 230gr +P HST

October 1, 2012, 11:50 AM	#14
rclark Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: Butte, MT Posts: 2,622	For CC and home defense, standard .44Spec loads (hand loads of course) in CA Bulldog. In the woods we move up to the .45 Colt. __________________ A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king. Last edited by rclark; October 1, 2012 at 03:54 PM.

October 1, 2012, 03:03 PM	#15
Tortuga12 Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Posts: 211	HD= Remington Golden Saber .38 +P CCW=Georgia Arms Gold Dot 9X18 (new manufacture)

October 1, 2012, 10:56 PM	#16
mmb713 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 421	I used to use Federal Hi-Shok 125gr JHPs in my 4" GP100 and 2.25" SP101. When I went to replace them I couldn't find them anymore. I switched to Hornady Critical Defense 125gr JHPs. They have a red polymer insert in the hollowpoint to keep clothing from clogging them and turning the hollowpoint into a solid. The insert also aids in expansion. The red tips showing out of the cylinders is a bit intimidating too.

October 1, 2012, 11:56 PM	#17
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	My .380 gets 102-grain Remington Golden Saber. My .40 gets 180-grain Speer Gold Dot My 12-gauge gets Hornady TAP 00 Buck My AR-15 holds whatever I have handy. Zero concerns about lethality of that platform. When available my ideal is 65-grain Winchester PDX1 or 77-grain Hornady TAP. My 9mm (next anticipated purchase) will get 147-grain Federal HST. Even my .22 holds CCI Stingers when stored. I prefer avoiding +p loadings.

October 2, 2012, 03:18 AM	#18
stormyone Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 532	9mm - 147gr 357 mag - 158gr

October 2, 2012, 08:33 PM	#19
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	In my .38 spl snubbies I carry, I like the Speer 135 gr. +P for short barrels. For my Model 65 at home, I use the FBI load -- Remington 158 gr. LSWCHP +P.

October 2, 2012, 08:35 PM	#20
HKGuns Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2005 Location: Bora Bora Posts: 932	19.5gr 2400 under a 240gr Hornady hollow point. Last edited by HKGuns; October 3, 2012 at 09:19 AM.

October 2, 2012, 08:57 PM	#21
tlm225 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 962	.38 Special - Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P .40 S&W - Remington 165 grain Golden Sabre __________________ All that is neccessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

October 2, 2012, 09:03 PM	#22
Straightshooter629 Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 475	My year-round daily carry is my Rossi 462 and it gets fed a steady diet of 158 gr. Federal Hi-shoks.

October 3, 2012, 04:38 AM	#23
gunnerk19 Member Join Date: September 15, 2012 Location: Rumford, Maine Posts: 30	HD and CC I keep Remington Golden Saber 125 gr .38 +P's in my Taurus 605.

October 3, 2012, 05:43 AM	#24
g20gunny Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2012 Location: A wheat field in Kansas Posts: 141	Glock 20 with night sights and 15 rounds buffalo bore 180gr hp at 1350 which also goes to work with me or wherever I go that day. In my wifes night stand is a ruger sr9c loaded with 9mm+p pdx1. And in the kitchen is a hidden beretta 92 and near the front door is a loaded yugo sks and a. 22 rifle with a dot sight for the local cat epidemic... I mean opossums. __________________ "A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." --George Washington

October 3, 2012, 09:18 AM	#25
JC57 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Posts: 375	My carry load in a S&W Model 642 is Buffalo Bore .38spl +P 158gr LSWCHP. Pretty stout recoil out of that lightweight revolver, but manageable. My go-to gun if I ever needed something for home defense is a .40 S&W semi-auto loaded with Federal HST, 135gr.