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New gun, gophers!

Posted By: hrh2k

New gun, gophers! - 05/28/2017 3:51 PM

Hello, haven't really been on in a while.
I got a new gun, sp101 4.2" .357, and I've been out after ground squirrels on the farm, I put a picture up on the bragging board. It's challenging to hit those little buggers, they're fun to hunt with a pistol
\:\)
. Any .38 or .357 loads I should try for these little guys? Thanks!
-Hayden
Posted By: cherokeetracker

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/28/2017 6:24 PM

I have been using the 130 gr from Badman Bullets they are the Hy-Tek polymer coated bullets. They can be run at velocities up to 2000 fps. You will not get this with that short of a barrel of course....
If I remember correct, I was using 14.5 grains of 2400 for the 357. This was not max, but close enough for me. Double check on this if you can. I am not at home and don't have exact data in front of me. But I remember that it was a full case capacity for that bullet..
With these lighter bullets you can run them fast and get flatter trajectory. You do not need a heavy grain bullet to kill them. I have run them at 1400 fps out of my 5" barrel 27 and they DO NOT lead at all. You can even get a 25pc sample pack for about 10.00 if you are skeptical about trying the bullets.
Posted By: 358TC

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 2:59 PM

I like a 158 gr hard cast SWC with titegroup powder,gotta love ruger revolvers,built like a tank.
Posted By: hrh2k

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 5:08 PM

Yep this is my second one, sure do like Ruger!
I will check out those 130 Badman, thanks!
Posted By: Ernie

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 5:25 PM

125 grain XTP's hit hard
Posted By: cherokeetracker

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 7:39 PM

Ernie is right and the other bullet that I like but did not mention it since it is near impossible to find and that is the Speer 135 gr GDHP for short barrels.
I forget that so many people shoot jacketed bullets. I shoot them too just not as much as lead.
Posted By: AK hgunner1

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 7:48 PM

I shoot a lot of 148 wadcutters for the little critters. Not fast but gets the job done.
Posted By: hrh2k

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 8:11 PM

I chronographed some 125 xtp handloads the other day, 1400 fps with H110, I'd imagine that would rip a gopher open, they're a little bit snappy though!
\:D
I already shot all of the 158 cast bullets I made so I guess I need to source some more wheelweights...
Thank you guys for the advice!
Posted By: Ernie

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/29/2017 8:14 PM

Later part of the video has the 357 kills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0KHi80vCus
Not my video
Posted By: hrh2k

Re: New gun, gophers! - 05/30/2017 3:55 AM

That video is cool! Thank you Ernie.
Those distances are crazy...
Posted By: Chance Weldon

Re: New gun, gophers! - 06/03/2017 2:04 AM

Good shooting!
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