.357 defensive ammo

[Tacoma Slim]

The "need"- Defensive ammo for my 20" Interarms Puma .357.
The "problem"- I live in the city, 100 year old houses on 50 ft. lots.
For my situation, I think anything more powerful than typical .357 mag (out of a revolver) is irresponsible.
Hornady .357 mag 125gr xtp 8" barrel 1500 fps/624 ft lbs (data per Hornady)
Hornady .38 spc 125gr xtp 4" barrel 900 fps/225 ft lbs (data per hornady)
I believe this is the same bullet in two different loads.
My thought is, that the .38 spc will reach very near the mag. levels out of the 20" barrel.
I'm pretty sold on .357 125gr performance and am basically trying to replicate it out of my Puma.
Thoughts?

Thanks
T.S.

[geartow]

I think some of the old Winchester 38 special silvertips would be an ideal load for your situation.

[Maximumbob54]

The modern JHP is pretty much a known thing to all the manufacturers at this point. I don't think you can go wrong as long as you make sure they both feed and shoot well in the first place.

[akuser47]

I love the XTP 158 grains I roll my own with this. I love it.

[Fullthrottle]

Tacoma, I can't give you a 100% answer for your situation.
But, Hornady makes some really reliable and great bullets in the XTP lineup!

I also don't think you will reach .357mag levels from a .38spcl no matter how long your barrel is!

[Tacoma Slim]

Tacoma, I can't give you a 100% answer for your situation.
But, Hornady makes some really reliable and great bullets in the XTP lineup!

I also don't think you will reach .357mag levels from a .38spcl no matter how long your barrel is!

I shot my puma for the first time yesterday! What a cream puff! I only fired Hornady .38's (125 & 158 xtp's), but wow! No recoil! Amazing.

Also I put on my hip waders and went out on the interweb. I think ur right no matter the .38 round, not gonna reach .357 power. So, some reliable +p .38's (maybe speer 130's) are in the future.

Thanks for the input,
T.S.