I have several stoutly built .45 caliber and .44 (.430) caliber revolvers that I have carried for years while walking and 4-wheeling in the woods. But, over the years I have begun to long for something lighter that still possesses some close range deterrent capabilities (merely defensive). So, I pulled out my Charter Arms Bulldogs (weighing about 21oz) in .44 Special. They are both factory targeted for 240 grain hard cast bullets. I don't shoot these loads often in these guns, but their most accurate load is a 240 grain semi-wadcutter traveling at 850 fps.
Is this a sufficient trail/woods defensive load to be used in the southeast U.S.? I can push the velocity up to 880 fps and still be within the safe pressure range.
Thanks for your input.
This is the bullet being used: