Terror IS correct on the tactical shooting part. And no, a double tap by itself, nor even a follow up to the head, will NOT get you prosecuted for murderous intent, not by themselves. If the shooting is justified, you need only claim, honestly, that the first shot, and even second or third, did not stop the threat.
The probability of confronting an opponent with body armor is VERY slim, although the possibility does exist. However, a good double tap will at least slow the opponent down enough to allow you to assess the situation. Few people are qualified to take head shots with handguns in a high stress situation. Once the subject is somewhat incapacitated, and an assessment made, then the need for a head shot can be seen and the shot taken. But on a FULLY ambulatory and healthy target, head shots for most people are a high risk prospect at best.
The 38 Super, in a good weapon, probably a 1911 pattern is best, is a fine cartridge. It is accurate and powerful while being manageable. But yes, ammo is hard to come by, much like 10MM. I'd like to have a 38 Super 1911, and I thought about one for my wife, to justify it. If she was more dedicated, and had slightly larger hands, I'd get her one. But she's happy with her Taurus 445 in 44 Special.
Reloading ain't just for us "old" guys. It's a great, and practical hobby. A few hours a week with a relatively inexpensive set up can produce a lot fo good ammo affordably. If you shoot big stuff like I do, or you shoot a lot, or both, I don't see how reloading could be avoided, unless you have plenty of money. A budget reloading setup can pay for itself in a years worth of shooting. As brass, copper, and lead get higher, it'll take even less time.
