Anyone here use the .357 158gr hydrashok for defense?

[megatronrules]

I was going to carry these in my 2 1/2 S&W model 19 and was wondering if these were good for defensive use? I'am thinking with the heavier bullet if will have better penetration than the lighter rounds. Also where can i fine performance data for this round? thanks.

[Glock19Fan]

According to http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/357magnum.htm the 158 grain Hydrashok doesnt perform that well. Deep penetration, but almost no expansion. If you want good penetration and reliable expansion, look into the 145 grain Silvertip from Winchester, or the 125 grain Golden Saber from Remington (which is supposed to be mild shooting). Both do very well.

[dasmi]

I generally carry 125 gr .38 special +p Winchester Silvertip HP.
I believe they sell these in .357 magnum as well.

[Rabbi]

I agree with G-19fan, the Silvertips in .357 penetrate nd rupture quite well both in media and living tissue. There are better penetrators and better expanders, but the Silvertips are a good compromise. I also still like them in .45 Colt factory loads too. I wish they would improve their brass though.

[Marshall]

2 1/8" bbl.....145gr .357 Winchester Silvertips. ;)

http://members.cox.net/ousoonerone1/Model%2060%20polished%201.jpg

http://members.cox.net/ousoonerone1/Model%2060%20polished%20small%203.jpg

[Magnum88C]

I'll be the dissenting vote.
I carry the 158-gr Hydra-Shoks in my 2 1/4" SP-101. Very accurate.

If I carried anything else, it'd be 158-gr Gold Dots.

[gazpacho]

I don't know of anyone who has complained about limited penetration of any .357 cartridge fired from any .357 revolver (when everything operated correctly). Expansion is a different matter entirely.