Self defense ammo in my 2" .38 Special

[Blackdog]

I have a Taurus 85 2" stainless +P revolver that I sometimes carry.
I want a factory load that I can depend on, should I ever need the little revolver.
My 1911 has some old Winchester Black Talon ammo in it. I know they don't call it that now, what is it's new name and is it a suggested defense round?
Or, should I look for something newer.
Michael

PS: No hand loads in self defense - my best friend is a lawyer and advises against any hand load for self defense. (not because of performance, because of legal issues - "you made a bullet to kill someone?")
M

[GFK]

I like JHP. Lately, I have been purchasing Hornady:

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/handgun/#!/

[PT7]

My SD revolver is a Ruger LCR .38 Special + P with 3" barrel. My preference is a non +P, BHA 125gr JHP ammo. I think Black Hills is a great brand, and it performs well out of my LCR. And agree with your lawyer friend, Blackdog, on never having reloads in an HD firearm. Sage advice.
PT7

I have a Taurus 85 2" stainless +P revolver that I sometimes carry.
I want a factory load that I can depend on, should I ever need the little revolver.
My 1911 has some old Winchester Black Talon ammo in it. I know they don't call it that now, what is it's new name and is it a suggested defense round?
Or, should I look for something newer.
Michael

PS: No hand loads in self defense - my best friend is a lawyer and advises against any hand load for self defense. (not because of performance, because of legal issues - "you made a bullet to kill someone?")
M

[Shakey Jake]

My personal preference in handguns with a short barrel is to use a load that can be effective yet easily controlled. Those little monsters can really hammer your hand. I use a 110 gr jhp bullet with 4.5 gr of Bulleseye or 6.0 gr of PowerPistol. I really don't mind carrying reloads for self defense. Empty the gun and who's to know?

[GunnyGene]

I have a Taurus 85 2" stainless +P revolver that I sometimes carry.
I want a factory load that I can depend on, should I ever need the little revolver.
My 1911 has some old Winchester Black Talon ammo in it. I know they don't call it that now, what is it's new name and is it a suggested defense round?
Or, should I look for something newer.
Michael

PS: No hand loads in self defense - my best friend is a lawyer and advises against any hand load for self defense. (not because of performance, because of legal issues - "you made a bullet to kill someone?")
M

I think he's pulling your leg. Does he not know that any bullet (hand load or otherwise) can kill? And you do have feral hogs in TX that are known to attack people sometimes, right?

If he was my lawyer, friend or not, I'd fire him for giving that kind of "advice".

[GFK]

This same question was posed on Marlin's site as well. I typically try to keep in mind backdrop. In houses and apartments, bullets can go through walls. Out in the woods, it probably doesn't matter as much. When the dust settles, the real fight probably starts. Just my 2 cent.

https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/hand ... loads.html

[GunnyGene]

This same question was posed on Marlin's site as well. I typically try to keep in mind backdrop. In houses and apartments, bullets can go through walls. Out in the woods, it probably doesn't matter as much. When the dust settles, the real fight probably starts. Just my 2 cent.

https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/hand ... loads.html

Load to SAAMI specs and the prosecutions argument collapses. Besides there are many reasons why people reload - primarily to save money, or as a hobby. Arguing that a person reloads out of an intent to cause harm is specious and easily countered, and any lawyer trying to make that case will only make a fool of himself.

My carry ammo (9mm) is 135gr +P Hornady Critical Duty. 17rds +1 in the pipe, and sometimes with 2 extra mags on my belt. Why CD? Because it shoots well in my Ruger, and I get a significant discount on it at my LGS. And yes, it will stop a threat if I do my part, which is why I practice with it regularly. So why do I practice regularly? Because I'm 74yo, can't fight off or outrun the typical bad guy anymore, and I can't carry a cop.

[GFK]

I must be missing something. My point was and is that we are responsible for every round released from a firearm. We can all choose our own poison. I wasn't disagreeing with anyone. I was simply stating that every round may not be suitable for every situation. Hence, the reason for some many to choose from. I agree, it is best to practice as often as you can. But, the best weapon is between one's ears. Just my 2 cent.

[BigAl52]

I carry Hornadys self defense ammo in my LCRX 38. I think its a 110 with the red tip. I have also heard the same thing about reloaded ammo and it wasnt from a lawyer it was from people who are teaching CCW classes here in Colorado.

[GunnyGene]

I must be missing something. My point was and is that we are responsible for every round released from a firearm. We can all choose our own poison. I wasn't disagreeing with anyone. I was simply stating that every round may not be suitable for every situation. Hence, the reason for some many to choose from. I agree, it is best to practice as often as you can. But, the best weapon is between one's ears. Just my 2 cent.

No argument with any of that.