WalkAbout
March 27, 2008, 09:38 AM
Greetings all! First post here.
So anyways, I recently got a S&W .357 640 as my main carry gun, and I'm having a bit of a hard time deciding on my ammo choice. I purchased Hydrashocks in .38 special for the first two chambers (in case I have to fire it in my truck, I'd like to at least have the possibility of hearing again!) and Hyrdashock .357 for the last three chambers. I went with Hydrashock just because I was familiar with it after having used it in my Berreta 92FS for years.
After I got home I started reading about the stopping power debates, and have come upon a question. After reading through several places on the internet, I've found claims that the 158 grain hydrashocks have an 88% rate of 1 shot stopping power, while the 124 grain Remington SJHP has a 96% rate. I understand that all the research and what not is highly subjective, but what would cause such a discrepancy in power? Would it be something like a higher velocity of a lighter round?
Second, someone has suggested to me that I might consider loading the first two rounds with rat shot and then going .357 after that. Has anyone had any experience with that stuff? I know its not good beyond about 10 yards, but quite honestly, until I get either about 10 more hours of range time or some Crimson Trace grips for this gun 10 yards is about as far as I'm willing to shoot it.
Thanks in advance for any advice you guys have!
Bdub
So anyways, I recently got a S&W .357 640 as my main carry gun, and I'm having a bit of a hard time deciding on my ammo choice. I purchased Hydrashocks in .38 special for the first two chambers (in case I have to fire it in my truck, I'd like to at least have the possibility of hearing again!) and Hyrdashock .357 for the last three chambers. I went with Hydrashock just because I was familiar with it after having used it in my Berreta 92FS for years.
After I got home I started reading about the stopping power debates, and have come upon a question. After reading through several places on the internet, I've found claims that the 158 grain hydrashocks have an 88% rate of 1 shot stopping power, while the 124 grain Remington SJHP has a 96% rate. I understand that all the research and what not is highly subjective, but what would cause such a discrepancy in power? Would it be something like a higher velocity of a lighter round?
Second, someone has suggested to me that I might consider loading the first two rounds with rat shot and then going .357 after that. Has anyone had any experience with that stuff? I know its not good beyond about 10 yards, but quite honestly, until I get either about 10 more hours of range time or some Crimson Trace grips for this gun 10 yards is about as far as I'm willing to shoot it.
Thanks in advance for any advice you guys have!
Bdub