Wheelgun caliber
- Thread starter ballerJer
- Start date
Depends on the wheelgun.
For my .41 mag for hunting I use a 265 grain Hard Cast LSWC with a full charge of H110. For CCW in my snubby .41 (3" S&W 657) I use a 210 grain JHP, also over H110.
For my .45 Colts it is normally a 270 grain Hard Cast LSWC driven to roughly 950 FPS from a 5" barrel. Kills elk just fine.
For my .44 magnums I have a variety of loads depending on what I plan to shoot.
For .357 it is normally a 158 grain Hard Cast LSWC over a full charge of H110.
For .38 SPCL it is normally a 148 grain WC at just about 700 fps (paper punching).
For 10mm I still have a bunch of factory ammo left...I use a Ruger Vaquero with adjustable sights.
For my .41 mag for hunting I use a 265 grain Hard Cast LSWC with a full charge of H110. For CCW in my snubby .41 (3" S&W 657) I use a 210 grain JHP, also over H110.
For my .45 Colts it is normally a 270 grain Hard Cast LSWC driven to roughly 950 FPS from a 5" barrel. Kills elk just fine.
For my .44 magnums I have a variety of loads depending on what I plan to shoot.
For .357 it is normally a 158 grain Hard Cast LSWC over a full charge of H110.
For .38 SPCL it is normally a 148 grain WC at just about 700 fps (paper punching).
For 10mm I still have a bunch of factory ammo left...I use a Ruger Vaquero with adjustable sights.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2025
- Messages
- 195
Most people running wheelguns for HD stick with .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum depending on recoil tolerance. The choice usually comes down to controllability versus maximum energy in a stressful situation.
.38 Special +P is a common choice for simplicity and controllability especially in snub-nose revolvers. Others step up to .357 Magnum for extra barrier penetration and versatility. Ultimately it’s usually a balance between recoil management, follow-up shot speed and what you can shoot accurately under stress.
Since we are talking Home Defense with a revolver, I like a .357 Magnum. I often rely on my Model 19-3 and have Speer 135 grain "short barrel" .357 ammunition...specifically designed for snub nose revolvers that gives more velocity than a .38 +P.
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2025
- Messages
- 134
For my nightstand revolvers (one in each nightstand) it is .38 personal defense round. I did try .357 magnum but didn’t like the way it went through interior walks. On the ranch my GP100 is loaded with .357 Mag hollow points.
Makes sense, .38 rounds are easier to manage and less likely to over-penetrate walls, while the .357 Magnum on the ranch gives you the extra power and stopping ability you need in open spaces.
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