New to forums and didnt really see a spot for this question.

[Minator]

I recently purchased my first revolver a GP100 stainless with a 4" shrouded barrel. Im getting 1" groups with it and like how it feels so I decided to use it for my CCW when my permit comes in a few weeks.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on Self defense loadings and who makes the best JHP's in .357magnum. Ive looked at a few and was wondering why most of them are only semi jacketed all of the calibers in auto that Ive shot 9mm,45acp, .380 are fully surrounded by the jacket. Are there any brands of 357 that are fully jacketed.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The semi-jacketed are reportedly better at mushrooming upon impact. (I think the .357 hydroshocks as well as +P .38's are fully jacketed. Semi-auto hp bullets are fully jacketed to aid in feeding the round during the reloading cycle.

I prefer +P .38 in at least 125 grain bullets in a .357 for personal protection. It's a simple, well documented fact, that most badguys need to be hit multiple times in a self defence situation with a handgun.

The vast vast majority of one-shot-stops with handguns would've stopped them with a .22 LR or a .44 mag, no difference, because the vast vast majority of one-shot-stops hit the brain or the spine. So..., since most of us under the stress of a life/death encounter should go for the center mass..., pick a round heavy enough to have enough mass to go deep (125 grians or +) AND pick a round with moderate recoil to let you get back onto target fast, 'cause you will need to get back onto the target.

LD

 

[B36]

Minator, the GP 100 is a fine revolver.

Learn to shoot it double action.

If you are comfortable shooting full power .357 125gr, do it. If not try one of the reduced .357 125gr loads. I believe both Remington and Speer make such .357 rounds. I was involved in testing the Remington and results were excellent.

Dave, you are a bit confused about one shot stops. A one shot stop is when your opponent quits after being shot once. Not always a killing round. Some folks are quick studies .

It is my opinion that if attacked and you have to defend yourself, you continue to shoot until your opponent is out of the fight.

Get some quality training

 

[RyanM]

Hard to beat .38 SPL +P Remington LSWCHP out of a full sized gun. May not seem like a very powerful round when you're carrying such a big gun, but it expands reliably and makes a very large hole. I'd say its performance is somewhere between 9mm and .40 cal. But if the recoil doesn't bother you, .357 mag 125 gr Gold Dots are an excellent round too.

 

[gazpacho]

I would try your GP100 with a 158gr +P LSWCHP in 38 spec. Concentrate on fast and accurate follow up shots. Compare you results against popular 357mag loads like the Federal Hydro-Shok130gr, Speer Gold Dot 124gr and Remington Golden Saber 124gr.

 

[Stevel]

I like the 125g Remington Golden Saber in both 38 and 357. If you have to qualify with the round round you will carry (ie 357 if you want to carry 357) the Golden Saber would be my choice. It is accurate and powerful enough even though it is on the lower end of the "magnum" scale.

The 38 158g LSWHP as has been suggested is also an easy to control round. I often carry this in snub nose revolvers.