.38,.38,.38,.38,.357

[kngflp]

I have decided like many to carry .38+p in my .357. Not because I can't handle the recoil, but more of a speed thing. I can get 5 good hits with .38 pretty quick, while I have to slow down with the .357.

My question is would it be a bad idea to load with 4 rds of .38+p and 1 of .357?

I was just thinking about this, well, cause I think about things like this. Not that .38+p is somthing to laugh at but why not go out with a bang. That last shot with a little extra power could possible help put an end to a bad situation.
Maybe with more practice I will feel ok carrying .357 in a j-frame. Honestly shooting .357 out of my little Taurus wasn't that bad, the last couple cylinders I shot weak hand from retention with no problem. I also remember being equally disapointed in the thump of .45 ACP.

 

[Jax]

I wouldn't do it - YMMV, though.

Unless you have the ability to guarantee the 357 will be the last round fired, you are going to be dealing with varying levels of recoil. You have a 1/5 chance of the 357 being in the correct spot and 4/5 chance it will come at an unanticipated time.

If you don't do your part on the first four, missing on the fifth - but with more power, is not going to improve matters. Hitting with the fifth, where you intend the shot to go, will - regardless of power.

You are adding complexity to a weapons system that is, in part, appreciated and desired because of its simplicity.

Interesting idea - but I think its flawed.

Jax

 

[mete]

Mixed ammo is never a good idea and usually comes from people who are indecissive. If you can do better with 38+p [accuracy and speed] then by all means carry that but that alone. A good 38+p like a LSWHP is potent and is especially a good recommendation for 357s with a light weight frame.

 

[Cosmoline]

I can't see much of an advantage for personal defense. You'd be better off with an all magnum diet for both practice and defense. If that's too much for your J frame, do what I did and get an SP101 instead.

OTOH, loading one or two .357's amidst .38 specials and empties for practice is a nice way to check your flinch problem. When I started doing it, I was amazed how bad I was twitching on the empties.

 

[logical]

Another option is the "Medium Velocity" .357 offered by Cor-Bon and others. The Cor-Bons I use for carry in my SP-101 are 115 grain and hotter than any .38+P but not as hot as a .357.

 

[P95Carry]

I think logical has the ideal compromize - that was my choice for SP-101.

 

[Brian Williams]

While I have heard that some folks use this to remind them to reload, and as that last ditch to keep the BG's head down. This is like the Autoloaders who load Jhp, Ball, Jhp, Ball, Jhp....
Why???
load it consistently and shoot what you need, reason being if you are behind cover, and raise to shoot, you could tend to question what is in the chamber next....

 

[P. Plainsman]

Remington's 125 gr Golden Saber JHP is another slightly downloaded .357 Mag factory round. Should be a useful load for SP101 owners.

It's kinda flashy, though, in a 4" barrel, and in a 2" or 3" SP barrel would likely prove worse.

 

[one-shot-one]

Jax

if you are familiar with your revolver (ie. know wich way the cylinder rotates)
you can know were to close the cylinder to achieve the .357 going off last, it takes some practice but it can be done, though it would no dout be tuff on a reload while under fire. but even so i would forgo this process for many of the reasons you and others stated. practice with what you carry, carry what you practice with.

 

[Bart Noir]

Put the hot load under the hammer....

when you close the cylinder. Then it has to be the last one fired, since the cylinder rotates it out of that position as the first shot is fired.

Bart Noir
Who might try that idea.

 

[kngflp]

The idea was to load it under the hammer so it would be the last round. This idea spurred from me thinking about what I would load this gun with in the woods were I ride my bike. The biggest reason I carry in the woods is snakes so a revolver with snake shot seems ideal, but what if I had to put down somthing bigger than a snake. I decided I would load the 1st chamber snake shot then 3 38+p then a heavy .357 in case there was some animal that was especially pissed off.
Someone made the comment that it would be better to hit the last shot with a .38 rather than miss with .357 but I don't really think innacuraccy comes from the shot that is being fired but from the recovery, or lack there of, from the previous shot. That's why I couldn't see and disadvantage of having the last shot be .357. The recoil of the last shot is not going to be a disadvantage as there is no next shot to be fouled up be the heavy recoil of the .357.
Again this was just me thinking out loud and seeing if anyone else had ever thought similar. I do admit to being indesisive, but I also just try to think of new ways to do things. Also this is my first revolver so it's a whole new thing for me to think about. I only have 100 rds through the gun 50 of that being .357 maybe with more practice I will get up to speed with the hot .357 offerings.

 

[Krag]

If you can't solve the "situation" for five rounds of .38+P you don't need a handgun. You need a SWAT team!

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd recommend mastering the .357 magnum: you'll probably never need the extra power, but if you do and you've got it, you'll be forever glad you invested the extra time and effort.