{"id":198494,"date":"2024-09-20T09:15:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T14:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=198494"},"modified":"2026-10-18T14:55:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T19:55:48","slug":"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The .357 Magnum is the best revolver caliber for concealed carry because it does everything: full power magnum loads when you want them and soft .38 Special ammo for practice, all in the same gun.<\/strong> If .357 recoil is too much in your carry gun, .38 Special +P is the proven fallback, and .327 Federal Magnum gives a small revolver a sixth round with less kick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We ranked the common defense calibers below using the loads Robert Sadowski picked, weighing energy, felt recoil and how easy the ammo is to find. The quick ranking comes first, then his take on each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Revolvers built for self-defense are chambered in a wide variety of calibers. From mousey 22 LR and 22 Magnum rimfire (I pass on these for carry) and oddball calibers like 327 Federal Magnum on up to the old standbys, 38 Special, and 357 Magnum. Other hairline, hand-bone fracturing magnums like the 41 and 44 magnums are way too much caliber for an EDC gun. They&#8217;re better suited for places with no coffee shop chains, sidewalks, or big box stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep those magnums for rural areas where four-legged predators look at you like you\u2019re lunch. Two old-time calibers deserve mention. The 44 Special and 45 Long Colt. There are also semi-automatic pistol calibers, but I am just concerned with calibers designed for revolvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2808-1024x540.jpg\" alt=\"best revolver calibers for self defense\" class=\"wp-image-198498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2808-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2808-400x211.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2808-150x79.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2808-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2808.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So what is the best revolver caliber? Wait for it\u2026the 357 Magnum is the best revolver caliber for concealed carry because of its versatility. Let\u2019s take a look at popular revolver calibers and put them into perspective by looking at bullet weight, energy, and felt recoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2807-2-1024x697.jpg\" alt=\" 327 Federal Magnum, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 44 Special, and 45 Long Colt compared.\" class=\"wp-image-198499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2807-2-1024x697.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2807-2-400x272.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2807-2-150x102.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2807-2-768x523.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2807-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From left to right: 327 Federal Magnum, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 44 Special, and 45 Long Colt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-revolver-calibers-for-concealed-carry-ranked\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"2\">Revolver Calibers for Concealed Carry Ranked<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-about-32-h-r-magnum\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"2\">What About .32 H&#038;R Magnum?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faq\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"2\">FAQ<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-best-revolver-caliber-for-concealed-carry\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"3\">What is the best revolver caliber for concealed carry?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-38-special-enough-for-self-defense\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"3\">Is .38 Special enough for self-defense?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-327-federal-magnum-good-for-concealed-carry\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"3\">Is .327 Federal Magnum good for concealed carry?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-357-magnum-too-much-in-a-lightweight-revolver\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" data-level=\"3\">Is .357 Magnum too much in a lightweight revolver?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-revolver-calibers-for-concealed-carry-ranked\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Revolver Calibers for Concealed Carry Ranked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>Caliber<\/th><th>Example load<\/th><th>Listed velocity \/ energy<\/th><th>Recoil and capacity<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td>.357 Magnum<\/td><td>Speer Gold Dot 135 gr short barrel<\/td><td>990 fps \/ 294 ft-lb<\/td><td>Sharp in light guns; shoots .38 Special too<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>.38 Special +P<\/td><td>Remington HTP 158 gr<\/td><td>890 fps \/ 278 ft-lb<\/td><td>Moderate; ammo everywhere<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>.327 Federal Magnum<\/td><td>Federal Personal Defense 85 gr<\/td><td>1,400 fps \/ 370 ft-lb<\/td><td>Less than .357; often six shots where .38 holds five<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>.44 Special<\/td><td>Hornady Critical Defense 165 gr<\/td><td>900 fps \/ 297 ft-lb<\/td><td>A bit of kick, very manageable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>.45 Colt<\/td><td>Winchester Defender 225 gr<\/td><td>850 fps \/ 361 ft-lb<\/td><td>Mostly single actions and the Taurus Judge<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td><td>.32 H&#038;R Magnum<\/td><td>Buffalo Bore +P 100 gr<\/td><td>1,090 fps \/ 264 ft-lb (measured)<\/td><td>Mild; six shots in a J-frame<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Listed figures are maker data from this article. The .32 H&#038;R figure was measured from a short barrel in our S&#038;W 632 review. Short barrels lose velocity.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go deeper with <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/what-is-the-327-federal-magnum-good-for\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">what the .327 Federal Magnum is good for<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/32-hr-magnum-vs-38-special-for-concealed-carry\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">.32 H&#038;R Magnum vs .38 Special for concealed carry<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/point-of-impact-why-38-special-is-different-than-357-magnum\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">why .38 Special is different than .357 Magnum<\/a>. Picking the gun next? See our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/the-best-snub-nose-revolvers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\">best snub nose revolvers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-357-magnum-revolvers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\">best .357 Magnum revolvers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Picking the gun or the ammo next? See our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-defensive-revolvers-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">best personal defense revolvers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-32-magnum-revolvers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">best .32 Magnum revolvers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/top-five-38-special-self-defense-rounds\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">best .38 Special self-defense ammo<\/a>. Curious about rimfire? Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">.22 Magnum gel test<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=357+Magnum+revolver\" campaign=\"revolver-caliber-ccw\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">&#x1f6d2; Check Current Price for .357 Magnum Revolvers on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-357-magnum-best-revolver-defense-caliber\">357 Magnum: Best Revolver Defense Caliber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common bullet weights for this caliber range from 110 up to 180. There are still lighter and heavier loads but they aren&#8217;t for right now. For self defense 125-grain and 158-grain are the sweet spot. There are loads specially designed for short-barrel pistols. A load with factory data using a 4- or 6-inch barrel will not perform the same through a 2-inch tube. Speer Gold Dot in 357 Magnum loaded with a 135-grain bullet is a good example of a 357 Magnum caliber load tweaked for shorter barrels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It produces a muzzle velocity of 990 fps and 294 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. In a Smith &amp; Wesson Model 360 PD J-frame with a Scandium frame. And it weighs all of 11.8 ounces unloaded and produces 25.7 ft-lb of recoil energy. That 26 pounds of energy hits your palm like a ball peen hammer. The same load in a S&amp;W Model 66 L-frame, which weighs 34.19 ounces, produces 8.84 ft-lb of energy. The size and weight of your revolver will influence the amount of felt recoil to your hand. The velocity of the 357 Magnum is what makes it such a great defense caliber. The trade-off for that speed is more felt recoil.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2810-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"158-grain 357 Magnum ammo from Aguila\" class=\"wp-image-198500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2810-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2810-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2810-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2810-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2810.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The edge the 357 Magnum has is velocity; you can also shoot 38 Special ammo through a 357 Magnum revolver.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m an advocate for training, but shooting a lot of hot 357 Magnum loads in a gun like the Model 360 PD is not a lot of fun. You can shoot 38 Special and 38 Special +P through a 357 Magnum revolver, so I train with 38 Special ammo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2822-1024x738.jpg\" alt=\"357 caliber Magnum ammo in a Kimber K6\" class=\"wp-image-198505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2822-1024x738.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2822-400x288.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2822-150x108.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2822-768x554.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2822.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Six rounds of 357 Magnum ammo in a small compact revolver like this Kimber K6 is a powerful EDC option.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-38-special-and-38-special-p-good-and-better-performance\">38 Special and 38 Special +P: Good and Better Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second most popular revolver caliber for self-defense is the 38 Special. This round has been in existence since 1902 and is a proven performer for self-defense. It offers a great balance of power, accuracy, and mild recoil. Again physics apply and light-weight revolvers will produce more felt recoil. &nbsp; It was law enforcement&#8217;s go-to caliber for decades. Bullet weights of 110-, 125-, and 158 grains are the 38 Special\u2019s sweet spot though there are a ton of other bullet weights available from 84 grains up to 158.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the beauty of the 38 Special is that there are many factory loads available. It is as common as additional charges on your cell phone bill. Federal Premium Personal Defense 38 Special ammo loaded with 110-grain Hydra-Shok bullets generates 980 fps and 235 ft-lb of energy from a 4-inch barrel, from a shorter barrel revolver it will be less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2815-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A five-shot S&amp;W J-frame loaded with Speer Gold Dot 38 Special ammo caliber\" class=\"wp-image-198501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2815-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2815-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2815-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2815-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2815.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A five-shot S&amp;W J-frame loaded with Speer Gold Dot 38 Special ammo is an excellent defense option.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want more velocity and energy, 38 Special +P ammo should be on your shortlist. Remington HTP 38 Special +P ammo is loaded with a 158-grain hollow point and has a velocity of 890 fps and 278 ft-lb of energy. Buffalo Bore loads a 110-grain solid hollow point in 38 Special +P to a muzzle velocity that screams out of a 2-inch barrel at over 1,110 fps with muzzle energy that approaches 300 ft-lb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2809-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"speer gold dot 38 Special +P ammo\" class=\"wp-image-198502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2809-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2809-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2809-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2809-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2809.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 38 Special has been around for a long time and is a proven performer with plenty of standard power and +P power loads available.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-327-federal-magnum-sleeper-concealed-carry-caliber\">327 Federal Magnum: Sleeper Concealed Carry Caliber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a relatively new caliber compared to the other calibers on this list. It was introduced in 2008 with the intent to provide 357 Magnum power in small, compact, 6-round snub nose revolvers that would normally hold 5 rounds of 38 Special or 357 Magnum. The nice thing about this caliber is that the recoil is less than 357 Magnum. Federal Personal Defense ammo loads an 85-grain jacketed hollow point with a muzzle velocity of 1,400 fps and 370 ft-lb of energy. Those ballistics approach 357 Magnum territory and do it with more round capacity and less felt recoil. Ammo is easy to find but not as easy as 38 Special and 357 Magnum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2814-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The 327 caliber Federal Magnum in Ruger SP101\" class=\"wp-image-198513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2814-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2814-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2814-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2814-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2814.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 327 Federal Magnum offers more capacity than the 38 Special and 357 Magnum and its power approaches the 357 Magnum without the felt recoil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-45-long-colt-cowboy-edc-nbsp\">45 Long Colt: Cowboy EDC &nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in the old west the 45 Long Colt, also known as the 45 Colt, was the de facto personal defense caliber when the common mode of transportation was horseback. This round is mostly chambered in single-action revolvers, by revolvers like the Taurus Judge which fires either 45 Colt or 410 shells breathed new life into this round. The most popular bullet weight is either 225- or 250-grains. Winchester Defender ammo loads a 225-grain bonded jacketed hollow point to a muzzle velocity of 850 fps and 361 ft-lb of energy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\" 45 Long Colt ammo and Ruger Vacquero\" class=\"wp-image-198503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 45 Long Colt has been a defense caliber since the best mode of transportation was horseback. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-44-special-old-school-defense-caliber-nbsp\">44 Special: Old School Defense Caliber&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The caliber first appeared in 1907 and it is still around today. That\u2019s staying power. This is another defense caliber with a large diameter and heavy bullet that leaves a large hole behind. A 200-grain bullet is its sweet spot, but loads range from 110- to 260-grains. My favorite is Hornady Critical Defense loaded with a 165-grain FTX bullet. It offers a muzzle velocity of 900 fps and muzzle energy of 297 ft-lb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are not a lot of new revolvers chambered for this round, but that doesn\u2019t matter because perhaps the best 44 Special Defense revolver is the 5-shot Charter Arms Bulldog. I prefer the 3-inch barrel model. It weighs 20 ounces unloaded and is easy to carry. That load carries more energy than the standard pressure 38 Special load above, with a much bigger bullet. It has a bit of kick, but very manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2819-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"sif 44 special and hornady 44 special ammo caliber\" class=\"wp-image-198504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2819-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2819-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2819-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2819-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2819.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 44 Special is a defense round with a lot of niche appeal and decades of performance under its belt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-about-32-h-r-magnum\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What About .32 H&#038;R Magnum?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We did not rank it high, but it deserves a look for small guns. In our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-632-review-32-hr-magnum\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"which-revolver-caliber-is-best-for-concealed-carry\" title=\"Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Ranked\">S&#038;W 632 review<\/a>, Buffalo Bore .32 H&#038;R +P 100 gr averaged 1,090 fps and 264 ft-lb, and Hornady Critical Defense 80 gr averaged 979 fps and 170 ft-lb. Recoil was much tamer than .357 in a J-frame, and you get six rounds instead of five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-best-revolver-caliber-for-concealed-carry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best revolver caliber for concealed carry?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The .357 Magnum, because one gun can run full power magnum loads or softer .38 Special ammo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-38-special-enough-for-self-defense\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is .38 Special enough for self-defense?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. It has been a defense round since 1902 and was a police standard for decades. +P loads add velocity and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-327-federal-magnum-good-for-concealed-carry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is .327 Federal Magnum good for concealed carry?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. It approaches .357 Magnum energy with less recoil, and small revolvers often hold six instead of five. Ammo is harder to find than .38 or .357.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-357-magnum-too-much-in-a-lightweight-revolver\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is .357 Magnum too much in a lightweight revolver?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be. In an 11.8 ounce S&#038;W 360 PD, our example load produced 25.7 ft-lb of recoil energy versus 8.84 in a 34 ounce Model 66. Many carriers train with .38 Special for that reason.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The .357 Magnum is the best revolver caliber for concealed carry because it does everything: full power magnum loads when you want them and soft .38 Special ammo for practice, all in the same gun. If .357 recoil is too much in your carry gun, .38 Special +P is the proven fallback, and .327 Federal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":198503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[874,109],"tags":[601,299,102,611],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":["post-198494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gear-for-handguns","category-gear-reviews","tag-357-magnum","tag-ammo-2","tag-feature-articles","tag-revolvers"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.7 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best Revolver Caliber for Concealed Carry: Loads and Recoil<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The best revolver caliber for concealed carry is the .357 Magnum. 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Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\\\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \\\"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\\\" and \\\"Book Of Glock,\\\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. 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Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\" and \"Book Of Glock,\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. Other gun books authored by Sadowski include \"50 Guns That Changed the World,\" and edited \"The M16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventive Maintenance\"originally published by the U.S. Department of the Army. He also edits the annual \"Gun Trader's Guide\" to firearm values. Sadowski is also the Treasurer\/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and preserve: Educate the public on the models, variations, and commemoratives built by GLOCK, as well as provide members with information on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and other facts unique to GLOCK pistols.","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/robertsadowski\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_2817-150x113.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=198494"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198494\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":259079,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198494\/revisions\/259079"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/198503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=198494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=198494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=198494"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=198494"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=198494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}