Dumb question. If you have a cartridge that is far bigger than needed to do the job, say a 357 magnum, then is it possible to backtrack on premium bullet construction while maintaining reasonable effectiveness?
So, the way I figure, practice with 1000 rounds of bullet A is better than practice with 100 rounds of premium bullet B at the same cost. Goes to muscle memory, confidence in the reliability of the round, ability to hit what you aim at, etc. But if the cost is the same, the bullet for the 1k rounds is not going to be a premium bullet. It's replacing an XTP mag with a cast lead bullet with solid meplat (as one example). This might be an issue if the cartridge is at the bottom end of the power spectrum (32 acp?). But if there's no worries about power, like 357 mag, 10mm, etc, Then the question is: Can I substitute premium bullets for practicing WITH a preferred SD loading. Seems prudent.
And if that is the case, given that the premium bullets for 38 +p seem to be in the 125 grain weight range, even lighter, of course with massive hollowpoints, what would be a reasonable equivalent load for a 357 using a budget friendly bullet? hammerhead? WFN? 158? 180? stick with 125? Hardcast wadcutter?
What do you think?
(or am I thinking about it too much, and should just buy the cheapest 158 SWC I can find, practice, carry, and be confident)