[erich]

I agree that the STHP is a nice .357 round for carry (they do 1145 fps from my 3" gun). Frankly, though, I'd also be just as happy carrying a 158-gr +P LSWCHP for defensive use against people - I've worked on a lot of handgun killings and I don't envision any real difference in "stopping power" - plus they're certainly cheaper and easier to control (more and better practice).

When hiking up Bear Canyon with my 3" .357 (a S&W 65), I carry handloaded 180-grain RNFPs that do 1230 fps out the front of my gun.