{"id":1162,"date":"2024-07-05T22:31:47","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T22:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1162"},"modified":"2024-07-05T22:31:49","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T22:31:49","slug":"ammunition-for-the-defensive-revolver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1162","title":{"rendered":"Ammunition For The Defensive Revolver"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\"> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-feature-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"Ammunition For The Defensive Revolver\" title=\"Ammunition For The Defensive Revolver\"\/><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-discuss-cartridge-considerations-and-bullet-designs-for-the-contemporary-wheelgun-carrier\"><strong>We discuss cartridge considerations and bullet designs for the contemporary wheelgun carrier.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Your goal when using your revolver in a defensive encounter is to make the bad guy stop whatever it is that required you to shoot in the first place. To be clear: You want to stop the threat. Your goal isn\u2019t to create a fatality\u2014though that is a distinct possibility\u2014but rather to cause the attacker to stop their actions.<\/p>\n<p>This stopping, or cessation of action, can be achieved through one of two mechanisms: psychological, where the attacker makes the decision that they don\u2019t want to persist; or physiological, where the attacker\u2019s body involuntarily stops functioning because of the damage the shot(s) inflict.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-defensive-revolver-ammunition\"><strong>Choosing Defensive Revolver Ammunition<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Years of shooting data have shown that the best defensive ammunition uses a hollow-point bullet that expands reliably in the target and penetrates sufficiently to reach vital organs. There may be instances where that choice isn\u2019t possible, but under most circumstances, the modern hollow point is what\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n<p>Since most revolvers used for defensive shooting are chambered in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, it shouldn\u2019t be surprising that the majority of ammo suitable for self-defense is in these two cartridges.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-38-special\"><strong>.38 Special<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In .38 Special, the best results seem to come from the mid- to heavy-weight bullets (135 to 158 grains) in +P loadings. When I wrote the first edition, the Speer Gold Dot hollowpoint (GDHP) +P 135 grain stood out. A decade later, renamed \u201cGold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection .38 Special +P,\u201d it\u2019s still the dominant bullet in the category. Developed initially for the NYPD for backup and off-duty guns, it\u2019s racked up many shootings and has performed exceptionally well. Most modern lightweight revolvers shoot this load to the point of aim.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl\" class=\"wp-image-294595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-38-spl-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In .38 Special, the best loads are all of the +P variety.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Also, in that first edition, Winchester had a new load called the PDX1 Defender, which was promising. Today, renamed \u201cDefender,\u201d it uses the same 130-grain jacketed hollow-point bullet in a +P load and has developed a good track record in police backup guns around the country. The bullet is intelligently engineered and has been turning in good performances. I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to use it in my own guns.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the new load is Federal\u2019s HST 130-grain +P, which is developing a good reputation. It\u2019s especially suitable for the new generation of short-barrel, lightweight revolvers.<\/p>\n<p>An older load that has a very long track record of decent (though not outstanding) performance is the 158-grain +P lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint (LSWCHP). This load has been offered by Winchester, Remington and Federal at various times and has the virtue of being relatively inexpensive and packaged in 50-round boxes. Based on diameter expansion in my testing, I prefer Remington, Federal and Winchester\u2014in that order. The load generally shoots to point-of-aim in older revolvers. It wouldn\u2019t be my first choice, but it\u2019s still usable. Be aware that some people find the recoil of the heavy bullet to be painful.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-357-magnum\"><strong>.357 Magnum<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The .357 Magnum has long been ruled by the 125-grain semi-jacketed hollow-point (SJHP) loads from the major ammunition makers. It\u2019s the load that defined the .357 as a \u201cmanstopper\u201d back in the 1970s and \u201880s (though recent analysis of shooting data by experts such as Greg Ellifritz\u00a0 casts doubt on that reputation). The 125-grain load has a mixed record; when it worked, it worked very well, but it sometimes expanded far too quickly, leading to shallow and ineffective wounds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357\" class=\"wp-image-294600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-357-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 125-grain hollow point (left) is the usual recommendation in .357 Magnum, but the author prefers the Speer 135-grain load (right).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While I don\u2019t recommend that most people carry a magnum of any type these days, primarily because of the much greater difficulty in controlling the gun in strings of fire, for those who insist, I suggest a more modern and slightly heavier bullet. Speer makes its excellent 135-grain Gold Dot GDHP in .357, and that would be my pick for its ability to maintain structural integrity in the target. Hornady also loads a 135-grain \u201cFlexlock\u201d bullet in its Critical Duty line, which should also perform well.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp.jpg\" alt=\"357-mag-vs-45-acp\" class=\"wp-image-294601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp.jpg\" alt=\"357-mag-vs-45-acp\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/357-mag-vs-45-acp-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 125-grain .357 Magnum round (left) is light and fast\u2014up to 1,450 fps. The 230-grain, .45 ACP round is heavy and slow, clocking in around 850 fps. Both work, but so do many others that fit in between.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Once you move away from those calibers, the pickings get very slim.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-327-magnum\"><strong>.327 Magnum<\/strong><strong\/><\/h3>\n<p>The \u201cBaby Magnum\u201d has issues with getting a bullet of sufficient mass to penetrate deeply enough. What\u2019s more, the caliber has fallen out of favor since I wrote the first edition, and the only defensive load on the market that I trust is the Speer Gold Dot 100-grain GDHP. To the best of my knowledge, there are still no actual defensive shootings using this load and caliber sufficiently analyzed for us to derive any solid conclusions. The recommendation is still based on seeing the results of gelatin testing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1.jpg\" alt=\"Many are shocked to learn about the effectiveness and versatility of the .327 Federal Magnum.\" class=\"wp-image-267303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1.jpg\" alt=\"Many are shocked to learn about the effectiveness and versatility of the .327 Federal Magnum.\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-267303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/327-Fed-Mag-11-1-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-44-special\"><strong>.44 Special<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>This cartridge is the very picture of an on-again, off-again round. There are times when everyone seems to rediscover this old cartridge, and ammunition suddenly becomes widely available, only to disappear as people move on to something else. I\u2019ve watched this same sequence replay itself several times over the years.<\/p>\n<p>The technical problem with this load is the same as faced by the .38 Special: lack of bullets that expand reliably and penetrate sufficiently. In addition, there are very few defensive shootings on record with this caliber, which further complicates matters.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the .44 Special seems to be \u201con again,\u201d and there are several loads worth considering. My original recommendation, based on talking with people who use the .44 Special for hunting, is still available: the 200-grain Winchester Silvertip. This round is still the top pick in a relatively narrow field, followed by the 200-grain Speer Gold Dot and the newer Hornady 165-grain Critical Defense (which is very promising, but reliable information on its performance is hard to come by).<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg\" alt=\"45 colt 44 special 44 magnum\" class=\"wp-image-294363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg\" alt=\"45 colt 44 special 44 magnum\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Left to right: .45 Colt, .44 Special and .44 Magnum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-44-magnum\"><strong>.44 Magnum<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>Dirty Harry<\/em> notwithstanding, the .44 Magnum is a poor round for self-defense, being overly penetrative and challenging to control for all but the most experienced of handgunners.<\/p>\n<p>However, there may be circumstances where you need a revolver that can do double duty for hunting and self-defense against criminal attacks in the field and might be pressed into protective service.<\/p>\n<p>The first preference would be to use one of the .44 Special rounds listed above in such cases. If those aren\u2019t available, it\u2019s preferable to pick a relatively lightweight (no more than 200 grains) hollow point to limit the round\u2019s penetration. My recommendation (and the only one that fits the criteria) is still the Hornady Custom 180-grain XTP load.<\/p>\n<p>The preceding is not intended to endorse anything other than the .38-caliber revolver for self-defense. I\u2019m of the considered opinion that when recoil and terminal effects are considered together, it\u2019s still the optimum choice for defensive shooting.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-about-p-ammo\"><strong>What About +P Ammo?<\/strong><strong\/><\/h3>\n<p>Remember that hollow points expend some of their energy expanding in diameter, but that energy can\u2019t be used to drive the same bullet forward. There\u2019s no such thing as a free lunch; if you want the bullet to expand, it\u2019ll use energy. If there\u2019s too little of it to start with, there won\u2019t be enough left to carry the bullet on its path.<\/p>\n<p>In those cases, the expanded bullet will stop forward movement too soon, which results in very shallow wounds that don\u2019t reach vital organs. As such, you don\u2019t find many expanding bullets in standard .38 Special cartridges\u2014there just isn\u2019t enough energy to drive a bullet deeply into the target and expand it simultaneously.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding\" class=\"wp-image-294602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-expanding-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An expanding bullet uses part of its available energy in \u201cmushrooming,\u201d or expanding. Careful ammunition choice ensures that there\u2019s enough energy left for proper penetration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The answer is to start with more energy, enough to expand the bullet and penetrate sufficiently. This task is often accomplished with \u201c+P\u201d ammunition, simply a cartridge loaded beyond \u201cnormal\u201d pressure. The +P loading boosts the cartridge\u2019s energy to accomplish a specific task.<\/p>\n<p>A common misunderstanding of +P loadings is that they\u2019re useless since they don\u2019t increase power considerably. Here\u2019s the thing: They don\u2019t need a lot more, just enough to change the performance envelope.<\/p>\n<p>The idea behind the +P load is to add enough energy to reliably deliver an expanded bullet deeply enough to do its job. If a normal-pressure load can\u2019t quite deliver that bullet to where it needs to, but a slightly hotter +P version does, then that\u2019s sufficient for the task at hand.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to understand that you don\u2019t need vast increases in power for defensive applications; you simply need enough power to perform the twin tasks of reaching vital parts and destroying them. Some will argue that it\u2019s better to have a more significant reserve of energy on tap than a +P, but everything comes at a price. In the chapters on technique, we\u2019ll delve into that concept more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ammunition-for-the-recoil-sensitive\"><strong>Ammunition For The Recoil Sensitive<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Many people, particularly those with ultra-light revolvers, find that the recoil of .38 Special +P ammunition is too much to comfortably handle. Sadly, there aren\u2019t a lot of alternatives; the Special, in standard-velocity loadings, isn\u2019t well known as a fight-ending cartridge.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread\" class=\"wp-image-294598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread.jpg\" alt=\"Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Defensive-Revolver-Ammunition-spread-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Part of the revolver\u2019s legendary reliability is the fact that it will function with any ammunition in its caliber. Autoloaders, in contrast, are often very picky about bullet weight, shape and velocity.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Many \u201clow-recoil\u201d loads are now available in .38 Special, but they all combine a very lightweight projective clad in a tough jacket that generally doesn\u2019t expand at .38 Special velocities.<\/p>\n<p>The only choice I can recommend for the recoil sensitive is the old 148-grain wadcutter target load. It actually has some good traits: The flat-nose profile cuts a full-sized channel through the target and retains enough energy to penetrate adequately. The downside of the profile is that it\u2019s harder to reload quickly. Some will argue against its use, but it performs better than any round-nosed or fully jacketed bullet in the caliber from what I\u2019ve seen. It wouldn\u2019t be my first choice, except for those cases where +P ammunition is not an option.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor.jpg\" alt=\"revolver-caught-case-extractor\" class=\"wp-image-294599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor.jpg\" alt=\"revolver-caught-case-extractor\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/revolver-caught-case-extractor-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A case caught under the extractor is usually caused by poor reloading technique and wastes any time that may have been saved by trying to go faster.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-about-22-lr-and-22-wmr\"><strong>What About .22 LR And .22 WMR?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s no shortage of snobbishness in the defensive shooting world. For instance, most defensive shooting trainers look down on revolvers, and nearly everyone disparages the so-called \u201cpipsqueak\u201d calibers\u2014the .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum.<\/p>\n<p>The .22 calibers, more commonly found in rifles than in handguns, are the most prolifically produced ammunition on the planet. It\u2019s estimated that some 2 to 2.5 billion rounds of .22 LR alone are made every year.<\/p>\n<p>Given their ubiquity, it\u2019s a sure bet that some of them get pressed into use against attackers. And they do. While precise data is sketchy, they\u2019re often (though not always) effective in that role.<\/p>\n<p>But should the .22 be considered a viable defensive choice?<\/p>\n<p>First, the good news: A .22, even the Magnum version, will have minimal recoil fired from a revolver. It\u2019s much easier to make accurate rapid-fire hits with it than any other caliber (and, it must be said, they\u2019re an awful lot of fun on the range). For someone who is genuinely recoil-averse, that\u2019s a significant benefit.<\/p>\n<p>The bad news: Except in rare instances, the .22 simply isn\u2019t as immediately effective as a larger-caliber bullet. No matter how adroitly fans of the .22 cartridges try to argue their point, it isn\u2019t and never will be.<\/p>\n<p>However, in self-defense, doing something is usually better than doing nothing. And a .22 revolver, even though it doesn\u2019t have the reputation of its larger-caliber cousins, is a better tool than empty hands and loud words. While I wouldn\u2019t necessarily recommend any .22 revolver as an unqualified first choice, in some instances, it may be the best alternative \u2014 if the other choice is to be unarmed.<\/p>\n<p>If you or someone you know is considering a .22 for personal protection, there are a few caveats you should heed. First, most .22 handguns are single-action revolvers; these are never good for self-defense. Their light single-action triggers are a liability in shaky hands, and they\u2019re challenging to fire rapidly, which is necessary for the small .22 caliber. Not only that, but they require practice and attention to detail to de-cock safely, should a shot not be fired. If you\u2019re considering a .22, stick to the few double-action models available.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2.jpg\" alt=\"trigger-pull-gauge-2\" class=\"wp-image-294597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2.jpg\" alt=\"trigger-pull-gauge-2\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/trigger-pull-gauge-2-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This revolver weighs only 15 ounces but has a trigger pull weight of nearly 12 pounds. Keeping the muzzle from wandering under that force differential requires proper technique.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Second, choose the heavier bullets in the cartridges. For the .22 Long Rifle, that would be the 40-grain projectiles. In the .22 Magnum, the 45-grain bullets are preferred. Expansion of these smaller rounds will not be significant (and may even reduce necessary penetration), so solid bullets are preferable.<\/p>\n<p>Practice with these rounds should focus on delivering many shots in one volley accurately to the most vulnerable part of the target to maximize the potential of the tiny bullets. That should be achievable by even the most recoil-shy.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>This article is an excerpt of\u00a0<em>Gun Digest&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gundigeststore.com\/product\/defensive-revolver-fundamentals-2nd-edition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Defensive Revolver Fundamentals, 2nd Edition<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More On Defensive Revolvers:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-27\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We discuss cartridge considerations and bullet designs for the contemporary wheelgun carrier. Your goal when using your revolver in a defensive encounter is to make the bad guy stop whatever it is that required you to shoot in the first place. To be clear: You want to stop the threat. Your goal isn\u2019t to create [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1163,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tactical-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1162"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1164,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1162\/revisions\/1164"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}