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Just got a Smith and Wesson Governor, 45lc/410. The only 45 long colt ammo I could find at the local box store, was cowboy action ammo. Not a big deal since I just wanted to get the feel of it and recoil. Was/is it designed to create smoke (it seemed like it)?
Can cowboy action ammo be effective in self defense? Would you need a triple tap?

Also I can only find "target" 9mm ammo. Can that be used in self defense? Would you need a triple tap?

More effective than a Louisville slugger. I'm not that much of a ballistics expert, but if that's what you got then you make do with that. Besides, everything else is already difficult to find.

Walmart usually has winchester personal defense in 45LC on the shelf.

I've also seen a 'kit' for your particular type of revolver that has three rounds each of 45LC and .410.

Buffalo bore and most other mfr's have different SD loads for 45LC and lately I have seen several in walmart and academy (as well as all the online outlets)... probably because there wasn't much of other calibers around! As mentioned, the cowboy loads are light and typically just a lead bullet. The good stuff is pricey but if that's the gun you will use for SD I wouldn't let the money be an issue.

PBratton wrote:Walmart usually has winchester personal defense in 45LC on the shelf.

I've also seen a 'kit' for your particular type of revolver that has three rounds each of 45LC and .410.

It seems in discussions I've read here, many would recommend staying with the .45LC and passing by the .410 for personal defense... maybe unless the personal defense is from snakes. :)

Like the above poster said, I'm definitely not a ballistics expert. Just passing along what I feel like I've seen concluded in a few different threads.

I also have a shotgun and 9mm Ruger 95.

I have what may be a flawed idea of strategy with the Smith &Wesson Governor six shot; in a fast home defense situation it may be dark or take a second to aim, so on the 1st-3rd shots the pellets will likely hit some skin and cause pain if not worse; then the 45lc shots to be used when I have the chance to aim better. I would see the 410 shell to be in the first 2-3 cylinder shots, with three - four on the last shots.
The Governor does have a bad recoil with 45lc, even cowboy ammo. Maybe 45-acp would be easier on recoil?. Due to the recoil, maybe it wouldnt be that efffective with the recoil. What would be a good trade for a new model S&W Governor?