I have had questions about the benefits of using a wound third string to get the authentic sound of early Hank.
I personally hate using a wound third because I bend a lot and a wound third doesn't, so if I need the authentic early sound I am lucky to have a Strat fitted up with a heavier string gauge including the wound third. I've just had a play with two Strats through the Meazzi & TVS3 as they are currently in my front room. I have to say that the Strat with heavier strings (12/54 with wound third) does sound 'right' on tunes such as Apache, FBI. Frightened City, The Savage, Kon Tiki et etc because of the way the wound third doesn't ring as much as a plain third. I still prefer to use my 9-46 Hybrid Ernie Ball for gigs though and not many people would notice the difference if truth be known.
The heavier strings are harder to play, but the voice of the guitar is stronger because of the fact that the strings are bigger. That's the trade off against lighter and more comfortable strings, but I just push the volume on the amp to compensate.