.38 defensive load....................
 

I've used this one extensively.To prevent over penetration indoors ,load .38 Specials with a stardard primer /3 grains of Unique under a 148 grain hollow based wad cutter.[loaded upside down]Open cavity facing up.You will get about 8" penetration max. and the bullet will double it's diameter to a perfect mushroom.Accuracy is good and as long as you keep them under 900fps leading is a non issue.I believe Skeeter Skelton used this load while on Border Patrol in the 60's.I was able to walk them onto a 45 gal drum @ 100yards out of a 4" model #10 S+W and they still penetrated one side ,mushroomed as described and left a large welt on the inside.Bullets still in drum.The Brits used a near copy of this in their .455 Webley called manstoppers, for that very reason during Colonial times.Also good for four legged pests...........Harold

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

I wouldnt use a handload for self defense... unless it was all I had. A friend of mind got nailed in civil court, though he got off on self defense in criminal court. In civil court the legal eagles representing the bad guys family painted my friend as psycho path who made his loads specifically for killing another person. A bunch of BS but handloads may leave you liable in civil court.

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

"I've used this one extensively.To prevent over penetration indoors ,load .38 Specials with a stardard primer /3 grains of Unique under a 148 grain hollow based wad cutter.[loaded upside down]Open cavity facing up.You will get about 8" penetration max. and the bullet will double it's diameter to a perfect mushroom.Accuracy is good and as long as you keep them under 900fps leading is a non issue.I believe Skeeter Skelton used this load while on Border Patrol in the 60's."

An OK State Trooper loaded200 rounds for me 30 years ago. i think he used Bullseye. My .357 Charter Arms Target Bulldog is loaded with them as we speak because it is so accurate with that load.

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

they would eat you alive in court.

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

Stay away from this one, unless your state has "The Right To Shoot Law",


Hydra-Shok JHP





The choice of law enforcement agencies nationwide, Federal's unique center-post design delivers controlled expansion and the notched jacket provides efficient energy transfer to penetrate barriers while retaining stopping power. The deep penetration of this jacketed bullet satisfies even the FBI's stringent testing requirements.

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

I have heard alot of handloaders say they were concerned about tort liability, but I have yet to hear a judge's decision on a case. How much did they get?

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

Before the right to shoot lawin FL,Many judges in FL ruled by that factor!

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

"they would eat you alive in court."

Maybe in SC but not here. Here in OK the perp or his family MAY NOT sue in civil court.

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

Florida


CHAPTER 776
JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE
776.012 Use of force in defense of person.
776.013 Home protection; use of deadly force; presumption of fear of death or great bodily harm.
776.031 Use of force in defense of others.
776.032 Immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for justifiable use of force.

RE: .38 defensive load....................
 

"I have heard alot of handloaders say they were concerned about tort liability, but I have yet to hear a judge's decision on a case. How much did they get?"

Exactly, Sheriff Jim Wilson, Hand gun Editor,with help from a retired federal judge thoroughly researched this. They could not find one case where the use of a handload made one bit of difference in a righteous shooting. This is a mythperpetuated by Massad Ayoob.