The Most DANGEROUS Revolver Caliber in America – Banned in 7 States!

Published on April 11, 2026
Duration: 8:43

This video provides an expert-level overview of popular revolver calibers for defensive applications, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and suitable ammunition. It covers the .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .410 shotshells, .45 Colt, .22 LR, and .44 Special, offering insights into recoil, versatility, and specific load recommendations from a firearms instructor's perspective.

Quick Summary

The .38 Special is a top choice for defensive revolvers due to its manageable recoil and wide availability. For enhanced power, +P loads like the Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection are recommended. The .357 Magnum offers greater versatility and power, while the .45 ACP is praised for its balanced ballistics and efficiency with speedloaders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Best Revolver Cartridge?
  2. 00:24.38 Special: Versatile Defense Round
  3. 01:02Recommended .38 Special Loads
  4. 01:31.357 Magnum: Most Versatile Defensive Cartridge
  5. 02:28Recommended .357 Magnum Loads
  6. 02:47.44 Magnum: Potent Hunting & Defense Caliber
  7. 03:19.44 Special in .44 Magnum Revolvers
  8. 04:02.45 ACP: Best All-Around Revolver Cartridge
  9. 04:58.45 ACP Shotshells Warning
  10. 05:11.410 Shotshells: Controversial but Effective
  11. 05:46Recommended .410 Defensive Load
  12. 06:24.45 Colt: Resurgence and Effectiveness
  13. 06:57Handload Example: .45 Colt
  14. 07:07.22 LR: Low Recoil Self-Defense Option
  15. 07:36Recommended .22 LR Load
  16. 07:43.44 Special: Challenges and Modern Loads
  17. 08:29Top .44 Special Loads

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best revolver calibers for self-defense?

The best revolver calibers for self-defense include the .38 Special for its manageability and availability, the .357 Magnum for its versatility and power, the .45 ACP for its balanced ballistics, and .410 shotshells for close-range effectiveness. The .44 Magnum offers significant stopping power but with substantial recoil.

Which .38 Special ammunition is recommended for defensive use?

For defensive use with .38 Special revolvers, the Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection .38 Special +P and the Winchester Defender 130-grain jacketed hollow point +P loads are highly recommended for their reliable performance and expansion.

Is .357 Magnum suitable for everyday carry?

.357 Magnum is a versatile defensive cartridge, but its recoil can be significant, especially in lightweight firearms. While manageable in heavier revolvers, it requires practice. Many opt to practice with .38 Special and carry .357 Magnum loads.

What makes the .45 ACP a good revolver cartridge?

The .45 ACP is considered an excellent all-around revolver cartridge due to its ideal case capacity for bullet weight, balanced ballistics, and compatibility with speedloaders like half-moon and full-moon clips, making it efficient for reloads.

Are .410 shotshells effective in revolvers for self-defense?

.410 shotshells, particularly with buckshot loads, can be effective in revolvers for self-defense at close ranges. Specific loads like Hornady Critical Defense .410 are designed for reliable shot patterns on man-sized targets up to 7 yards.

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