Anyone using Federal .357B in a 3" J Frame?

[Bud11]

Have a model 60 3" on the way and want to get some personal defense ammo. This stuff seems to get good reviews but also receives comments on its loudness and muzzle flash. Neither particularly worry me, but it come up in several articles I read.

I have been shooting less than a year and go about once a month. So far, just shooting my two .38 special revolvers - 67 and 642 - with target loads, nothing too strong.

So, would this be a good personal defense load for me or perhaps something still effective but a little less powerful.

Any insights appreciated.

[grasshopper]

A .357 in a J frame is a hand full for a lot of folks. It takes some practice and getting used to the recoil and muzzle flash. There are many good personal defense rounds in .38 from mfg. like Hornady, Gold Dot, etc. that might work easier for you in a J frame. However, to each his own. Try out different loads and see what you can handle best both accurately and also quickly for fast follow-up shots. Personally, I like any 2 or 3" J frame loaded with just good old factory 148 gr. target wadcutters. Fast, accurate, and sometimes penetrate up to 14 inches in gel. I can put 5 of them on target accurately & faster than I can 2 rounds of .357 mag. Just my 2 cents.

[Bud11]

Makes sense, as my range cartridge is a Federal 130 grain FMJ and that is what I am used to.

[azmick]

For self defense (and the realistic distances they would be used at), grasshopper is right. With the money saved, buy a copy of "Gray's Anatomy", or study it on line
Gray, Henry. 1918. Anatomy of the Human Body

shot placement is first second and third

In my little 2 1/2" 19-2, I now carry some 190gr LSWC bullets going about 950 FPS. Controllable, effective, very little flash. Small changes in grip (grabbing it in a hurry) don't effect results to much in follow up shots. My brother's light weight 38 spcl is a bugger for grip position with slight changes making an enormous difference (it might be the Tyler T-Grip I have but?)

[MOONDAWG]

Have a model 60 3" on the way and want to get some personal defense ammo....I have been shooting less than a year...Any insights appreciated.

Since you've said you've been shooting less than a year I'd suggest spending some more time getting the basics down with lots of practice using standard pressure .38 special loads till you reach your desired skill level.

Don't let the media draw you into the "magic bullet" search, it doesn't exist. If it did every law enforcement agency on the planet would be stocking up on it.

There's basically not a nickel's worth of difference in the street performance between today's premium JHP ammo. Experiment with different brands till you find the load you shoot the best in your particular gun and stick with it.

[Bob K]

Don't be too hasty to shoot the .357 loads. I don't think that you have the necessary experience at shooting these loads. Start with tha std. .38 Spl. load, and slowly work your way up to +P, and then up to .357, as you get more shooting time. This won't allow you to pick up any bad habits (flinch) along the way. Take your time....don't rush from one load to the next too quickly. Get comfortable with each, one at a time. That'[s the way to do it! Bob

[courtyard]

I use the the 38cal. Remington 158gr+p LSWCHP and the Speer Gold Dot 135gr+p HP most time in two of my 357's. Good recoil and follow up shots make it manageable, though there are time I do use the magnums. Good luck on your new gun.

[K1500]

Remington 125gr Golden Saber is a midrange .357 load that works well out of a 3" J frame and won't tear you up at the other end either.

[WendyZXZ]

Remington 125gr Golden Saber is a midrange .357 load that works well out of a 3" J frame and won't tear you up at the other end either.

That is my choice both in J frame and Ruger SP101. Out of a 3" barrel Stephen Camp was getting just under 1200 FPS. Not something I would plink all day with but for practice and carry quite easy to use and control.