.38 Loads in .357 Brass....

[5hundo]

There is no risk of detonation with non- H110/WW296 powders in reduced 357 loads.

Cool! So as long as I avoid these, I should be good...

Thanks man!!!

Herco is a low-flash powder (while it's burning rate is similar to Blue Dot, it only makes a faint orange low) and quite filling. I like 125gr Speer Gold Dots. Work-up your own load.

I don't have any Herco handy but I do have Unique, which is also an Alliant powder. I'm not sure how the burn rates compare but at this point, I'm thinking that Unique would be a better option than 231.

Thanks for your help!!!

[gunrun45]

Read Penal Code Section 198.5

None of what you post is relevant in a home defense shooting.

If yoo choose to carry handloads outside your home, and maintain a record of what you put in them, then the crime lab will be able to easily replicate your ammo to determine GSR patterns/distance/etc.

You have no idea of what you speak. Take it from someone who teaches and has taught for 15 years crime scene investigation classes to law enforcement all over the US. I am a current member of the International Wound Ballistics Association, International Association of Law Enforcemenent Firearms Instructors Association, CA POST advanced firearms instructor in handguns, rifle, shotgun, short barrel rifle, short barrel shotgun and subguns as well as the same disciplins in the relevant NRA LE level.

If you want to argue with another expert try Massad Ayoob in his many articles regarding this situation and covered in depth in the chapter "Deffensive Handgun Ammunition Selection" of his book Combat Handgunnery (5th ed).

The example I gave was only one of MANY out there that has to do with the EVIDENCE, its presentation and how it could effect YOU.

That being said...

I would strongly sugest using Winchester or federal 115 grn load in 38+P+ SJHP rated at 1300fps. Not only is it a FACTORY load, it is the proves law enforcement round that has been used since the mid 80's through today by law enforcement across the US including the CHP, FBI, ATF, NYPD and is called the clasic "Illinois State Police Load". I would also recomend the Corbon powerball loading and the Speer Gold Dot snub nose loading if firing from a snubbie revolver.

This advice is given with the best of intentions in an effort to try and keep the INNOCENT out of more trouble than they deserve to encounter. If you don't want to take it, leave it for the next guy. If you want to call it "thread crapping" or whatever else, feel free to report me and all of my comments to a moderator. Somehow I don't think they will have any issue with my words here used in an effort to save you time and possible legal ramifications later on. I will not give any other advice to the author or other regarding the issue unless requested directly.

Good luck with your endevors.

Mike