357 magnum / 38 special ammo question

[GreyGoose]

So i am about to get my first 357 and my question is what 38 special/357 ammo is good but efficient for range shooting?next question would be what do you use for home defense ammo?

 

[LanceS4803]

Realistically, anything is good for range shooting. The cheap stuff works just fine.
Short distances don't require pinpoint accuracy. But, wadcutters will give you the best circle for scoring.

 

[wsm]

Ditto on wadcutters.

 

[ROVERBOY]

Yeah basicly any accurate load will do for target/range use. I use 125 gr. XTP for carry/defense load. 14.0 gr. 2400.

 

[Hunter 257W]

If I didn't load my own and wanted some practice ammo for a 38 Special, I'd buy whatever brand of reloaded ammo my local gun shop carried. It's always going to be cheapest. Cheap ammo that will allow you to practice more is way more beneficial than buying premium ammo. Besides, the reloaded may even be more accurate. The only area where it is sure to be lacking is bullet performance but what difference does that make for target shooting? Targets aren't very hard to kill.

 

[brass magnet]

Ditto on wadcutters.

Yes, and I don't want to get hit at 100 yds. with one, let alone in the same room.

 

[backwoods7]

Any Factory 38spcl for range ammo is fine Ive used many kinds my favorite is semi wadcutters if ya can find em. For Deffensive use i like 125gr jhp something like a speer gold dot., For woods use mine is loaded with 140gr Barnes. The Barnes is a good HOT Load and penatrates too much for home deffense but for use on critters they should be about perfect

 

[Deer Assassin]

180 rem sjhp over max blue dot


for defense and deer