Self defense?

Today is my Friday off. Hooray for not having to go to work! I had planned to work in the yard today but the rain has squashed those plans. Instead, I grouted the tile that Liz's dad has put up in the kitchen this morning. So far this afternoon I'm keeping Liz company and surfing the internet. I found this interesting little tidbit on WRAL earlier...
Man shoots best friend 45 times

There were a couple of things I found interesting here. How do they know the guy was still alive after 32 of the 45 shots? And the guy says he acted in self-defense? Really?! You used a .38 caliber revolver to shoot a guy 45 times. I've never seen a 45 shot revolver. You have to stop and reload every 6 shots. How can you possibly think you'll get away with a self-defense plea if you stop and reload 7 times?