Extreme newby question

[folchal]

I have bought a S&W .357 magnum and am trying different ammunition. I've also read about ideal personal defense cartridges. I know that .357 magnum ammo is supersonic (not to mention violent to shoot). What is the story on subsonic as it relates to handgun ammo for self-defense?

[KillJoy149]

I have seen things two ways.

You can go with a heavy bullet (lots of mass) moving slowly. It will go through just about anything. They also pack one hellova punch. There is a higher chance of over-penetration as well as not expanding as much.

Or, you could go lighter. Moving faster. Greater expansion. Less punch. Less chance of over penetrating. Easier recoil.

Personally, I am using these rounds in my Ruger GP100 3" barrel:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=686149

Yes, these are 38 Specials. But, they meet all of my requirements for a bedside gun for my wife. And she shoots them well! That is the most important thing of all!

Killjoy