BikerRN

pete,

I would caution you to NOT use JSP loads, as that is a hunting load and has been proven to be too over-penetrative against bi-pedal aggressors.

Against bi-pedal aggressors the JHP or SJHP rounds have been proven to work the best in the 125 Grain weight usually. Even the 158 grain loads in a JHP tend to be over-penatrative.

There are some "specialty" rounds, like Glaser Safety Slugs, that may be applicable to your situation. The problem I have with them is they don't always give the penetration needed, especially through intermediate barriers and such, like a jacket.

Biker

__________________
If I knew I was going to get in to a gunfight I most ceratinly wouln't bring a handgun or two, and I don't know any smart person that does.

Hamour

Pete00, I use the remington SJ soft nose as a general purpose round for my carbine and revolvers in .357. It is a great bullet for varied circumstances.

The SJ hollow point is a great bullet also, but any advantage it has is not worth the risk of breaking the law in a self defense situation.

Try not to get stuck on the "Best" load. The .357 has no "Bad" self defense loads!

The SJ soft nose has a great flat meplate (nose) and this makes it effective even if it does not expand. It will also give better penetration than the hollow points. In the carbines the speed is 500 fps or so faster and the soft nose will give better performance.

Trust that .357 with what ever full power load you have to put in it. Centermass hit will cause the target to have other things to do than to continue to mess with you.

I have killed deer and hogs with my handguns, to get a noticable difference in killing power I have to change caliber not bullet style. The .41 and .44 magnums are a quantum leap in killing power, but recoil and weapon weight are the price. The .357 seems to give good power, acceptable recoil and weapon weight.

Take care

pete00

Thx for your advice biker . I am aware that an 158 grain 357 mag will went through an attacker with ease. But thats not a big problem as i live alone. Speciality rounds like the glaser safty slug or masafe would be available but they are not very cheap. And as you have already said the might not penetrate enough. I will check if sjhps are allowed if not using an cast bullet or an 38 special swc round would be another good choice until I can get the dpx rounds. But as I have already said I live alone so overpenetration ist not a big concern. The walls of my apartment are very thick.


ps: Which factory sjhp loads would be available?

@Hamour Thx for the further information I will do that.

BikerRN

I've always been a fan of the Remington 125 Grain SJHP.

That load, and the Federal 357B load were the two loads that gave the .357 Magnum it's moniker, "King of the Street".

Biker

__________________
If I knew I was going to get in to a gunfight I most ceratinly wouln't bring a handgun or two, and I don't know any smart person that does.

pete00

@BikerRN I see. Thx for the quick answer.

pete00

I have done some further investigations and it would be possible to use sjhp rounds. I will try to get the federal rounds. And I wasn't up do date concering the anti jhp law. Since 2008 it possible to buy normal jhp rounds with a special permition.

If I can get the permition I will try to buy some winchester silvertipps as my primery defense load, because they are quite cheap, according to an buddy.
What do you think about the winchester silivertipp rounds?

llred

I use them now and I am very happy with them. A few nights ago I shot some ferrel hogs that were making a mess of our water troughs. Shot 2 dead with 2 shots. Nice entry and it did exit, but the bullet was about 3 feet on the other side of the dead hogs. The shot was at 15yards in the neck. I was very pleased with the silvertips.

pete00

I see thx for the infos. I think I will be also happy with silver points if I can get the special permition to use the "evil" jhps. The Silvertipps would also be the cheapest jhp rounds obtainalble here in austria. It also be possible to order some golddot rounds but they are way to expensive for my budget.

pete00

I have to dig out my old post again because I've got an new ammo question. What do you think about the remington golden saber rounds in 357 magnum? I have seen some at my local gunstore, and they are only bit more expesinve than the silver tipps. Are the golden sabers worth the extra money or should i stick with the silver tipps, ore an traditonal sjhp like 125 grain remington load, which is also obtanable here in austria. Unfurtunatelly the legandary 125 grain federal load ist not available here in austria, but I think the federal and the remington 125 grainers are equal in power..

glazer1972

I like the 158gr JSP for all around use but they do tend to penetrate quite well.