Which Single Factory Load for both Handgun and Carbine?
1911 guy said:
I'm not against them entirely, I had a Winchester 94 in .44Mag I took a few deer with and liked it. But it didn't do much a .44 revolver couldn't do. I just don't see the ammo interchangeability to be a selling point, which was one of the points raised by the initial post.
GigaBuist said:
Presuming the Buffalo Bore claim to getting 30-30 energies is true here's why you'd still buy a .357 instead of a 30-30: Cheap plinking ammo with .38 specials. That's fun, and not too costly. Besdies, going to 30-30 levels is only going to be useful for hunting. If you're looking for two legged critter control I'd be very interested in hearing why .357 out of an 18" or 20" barrel isn't enough gun, assuming we're talking about 50 yards or less.
I think GigaBuist put the finger on it: with both the .357 and the 9mm, you've got a single cartridge that can be loaded in a handgun for close-in defense or loaded in a carbine for mid-range defense. In a pinch either (ok, not so much with the 9mm but still possible) can be used to put some food on the table. Both should be relatively easier to find than other cartridges if/when SHTF. Both are relatively inexpensive to practice with (especially if using .38, though I believe in practicing with your street round as often as possible in your .357).
Are they the be all and end all? Definately not. But if looking for ammo that can be used CQB out to 100 yards with reliable accuracy and effect, the .357 and 9mm with a handgun and carbine fit the bill. The ability to use .38 just sweetens the deal. And, both the wheelgunners and bottom-feeders can have a horse in this race.
All that being said, WHAT SINGLE FACTORY LOAD would anyone recommend to use interchangeably in a handgun and/or carbine? After all, as 1911Guy said, "ammo interchangeability to be a selling point, which was one of the points raised by the initial post."
I am envisioning primary use of either the handgun or carbine to be personal defense in the normal world, and in a SHTF world personal defense and some hunting-for-food assignments. What would be the one .357 cartridge to carry and stock up on? I have read that .357 125 grain JHP is the hands-down best stopper round there is, but I have also read that they aren't advisable for use in a carbine:
"Preferred carbine ammunition differs from handgun rounds in the
same caliber normally selected for self protection. The longer carbine
barrel boosts muzzle velocities by at least several hundred feet per
second. The lighter bullets: 110 and 125 grains, can be too fragile to
endure extreme velocities and may disintegrate. Equally undesirable,
the heavier bullets: 158 and 180 grains, will likely pass through an
assailant, thereby endangering innocent bystanders. Consider the 140
grain JHP to represent the optimum round for conflict resolution when
a carbine chambered for .357 Magnum is used for personal
protection." [from http ://www.internetarmory.com/rifle ammo.htm]
In 9mm's I've read that only 110-125 grain +P JHP's fit the bill.
I should add that I fire .357's from a 5" S&W 686P, though I am tempted to obtain an easier to conceal 2" or 3" S&W .357 revolver. I realize that the shorter barrels deprive the .357 magnum of its potential, but that would be the trade-off for concealed carry. I fire the 9mm from 4" barrel with the G19.
Of course I'm thinking of a round in each caliber that is in the normal price range for each caliber--no exotic or specialty rounds need apply.
What are your learned opinions folks?
Perp
PS: The least expensive new factory .357 ammo I've found is at Aim Surplus. $8.95 for Sellier & Bellot 158 grain FMJ, and $9.95 for Aguila 158 grain semi-jacketed HP. Both prices are for boxes of 50 rounds. Of course neither of these seems to "fit the bill" although maybe the Aguila might?