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[quote="Lonegun1894"]Flint,
, i often change my BUG from a snubby .357 to a .45 Colt Vaquero with heavy handloads topped with a 300gr Hornady XTP HP or a 300gr hardcast flat-nose. quote]



I have suggested this very round (45 long colt) to several people that were interested in a snubby .357 (instead of it.)

Taurus makes a Model "450" with a 2" barrel in 45 long colt (not ACP). It is a "compact frame pistol" that comes in stainless steel (two models) and even one in titanium. They have ported barrels, are DA/SA, have fixed sights, round butts, rubber grips, and are not at all uncomfortable to shoot.

If someone really wants stopping power in a small package...then take the time to look at one of these. They are well made revolvers IMO and are 5 shot (same as many other compact snubbies).

I keep a Ruger SP-101 in .357 mag. around the house for Mrs Flintknapper... because its very controllable (with .38 specials) for her to practice with. But, a Taurus in .45 long colt is definitely going to be added to my collection. After having shot one that a friend of mine owns, I was left quite impressed.

Lonegun1894 wrote:Flint,
I know you're right about HPs being much better suited to defense purposes. I am slowly getting back to that, but got used to having to be able to punch through various things that HPs are handicapped by, where FMJ keeps on going and gets to your target. Not as much application now that i'm out, but still a hard habit to break.

No argument, that in a military setting (and some civilian), that hardball might be the best choice. Along those same lines, I use 230 gr. Corbon's in the winter months (to address heavy clothing) and then switch to 165's in the spring and summer months.

If I knew I was going to have to shoot through windshields, car doors or other objects to hit my target, then you better believe I'd want hardball.

I would never feel under gunned with hardball, it has a proven track record. I just don't think its the "best" thing for my application (most of the time).

I do know one thing: "I don't want to be hit by either of them".

Hardball is more apt to over penetrate than most H.P.'s

It has less chance of expending all of its energy...and less chance of creating the largest wound channel. It doesn't make sense to handicap yourself by using anything but the best expanding ammo.

Yes, I know there are situations where hardball would outperform hollow point ammo. But, day in and day out....I'll put my trust in: The grace of God, accurate shot placement, and expanding ammo.

Just my .02 on it.