.357 Bullet Choices ...
#197880
03/01/2019 1:44 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
OP
addict
|
OP
addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601 |
- Running at a velocity of somewhere between 1500-1600 fps for 158 grain stuff.
- Will be used for deer and hog at ranges 50 and in.
- Or do I opt for a 180 at slower speeds?
What say you? Learn me on it ...
P
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: PsTaN]
#197883
03/01/2019 2:33 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
Heavy bullets=slower velocity=less damage=more penetration. What's good for deer may not be good for hogs. I think one bullet stands out as good for both animals- Swift A-Frames. Soft nose for good expansion, encapsulated base for good penetration.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: wvhitman]
#197884
03/01/2019 5:19 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
I have some 158gr Swift I want to use on something from my model 27 S&W...one of these days
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#197886
03/02/2019 1:22 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 13
Hards80
stranger
|
stranger
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 13 |
If I were hunting either with my 357s, it would be with the Swift A-Frame as well. I would probably just find a good shooting load with the 180gr for both, but you could make a case for using the 158 for deer.,
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: Hards80]
#197887
03/02/2019 1:49 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
My previous reply was for a combo bullet useful for both animals. If you're going for deer only, then my #1 choice is the 158 gr. Sierra JHC. I have taken over a dozen deer with this bullet including 5 very large bodied WV bucks. No deer has run more than 30 yds. from this bullet. I believe the enlarged cavity creates more damage than other HPs, especially XTPs. I was shocked at it's performance on the first deer I took with it. It still never ceases to amaze me.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: wvhitman]
#197888
03/02/2019 4:28 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 417
Seminole Wind
addict
|
addict
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 417 |
Any thoughts on using 158 grain jacketed bullets in a Ruger 357 Maximum versus a 180 grain bullet? I may be overly concerned about barrel face erosion with the lighter bullet, but I'm leaning toward heavier bullets for that reason.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: Seminole Wind]
#197889
03/02/2019 6:05 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746
cherokeetracker
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746 |
Any thoughts on using 158 grain jacketed bullets in a Ruger 357 Maximum versus a 180 grain bullet? I may be overly concerned about barrel face erosion with the lighter bullet, but I'm leaning toward heavier bullets for that reason. Seminole, You need not worry about Gas cutting on the frame NOR gas cutting on the forcing cone when you load proper with the proper Powders. Go with the Swift AFrame since it will handle any deer and pretty much any hog. You BEST powder choice, is going to be 4227 either H or IMR as they are the same, and these have been interchanged by many shooters. Another choice might be AA 1680 but it may not be as accurate as the 4227. (BTW: I do believe that Hodgdon finally went all IMR ) There have been some faster burning powders such as Enforcer, experimented with, but this is a medium burning powder, that simply does not perform as well as the slower burning powders. Stay away from fast burning powders totally in the Max. I do hope that you have the 10" barrel. While not being quite as wieldy as the 7 1/2" the velocity gains are quite welcome and appreciated. In the 357 the most erosion has been with 110gr fodder. The 357 Maximum really shines with 180gr bullets, weather cast, or expandables. For practice 18.5grs to 20grs of 4227 with a 180 SWC hard cast, makes for a fun day at the Range. Save the Swifts for Hunting.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#197890
03/02/2019 6:33 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 417
Seminole Wind
addict
|
addict
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 417 |
I do hope that you have the 10" barrel. While not being quite as wieldy as the 7 1/2" the velocity gains are quite welcome and appreciated.
Thanks for the good information Cherokee. I do have the 10" Ruger and look forward to hunting with it this fall. It will be loaded with an Aframe one weight or the other. Photo on Bragging Board.
Last edited by Seminole Wind; 03/03/2019 2:44 AM.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: Seminole Wind]
#197892
03/02/2019 8:37 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 366
JDK
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 366 |
When researching bullets for my TC 10" Maxi barrel, I initially wanted lighter, faster loads. I ordered a box of 140 gr. XTP slugs. This was a long time ago and the XTP was king. Further research showed that the 180 was going faster at 100 yards than the 140. So, I never even loaded the 140's. Under 50 yards I doubt it matters, but much further and the 180 shines in the 357 Max.
John
But for the grace of God, there, I go.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: Seminole Wind]
#197894
03/02/2019 9:39 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 161
MrMcPorkchop
member
|
member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 161 |
Already been mentioned, but I'll throw my +1 in for the A-frame as a solid choice.
Eric.
Choot em!
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: MrMcPorkchop]
#197897
03/02/2019 11:32 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
Three recommendations: A-frame, A-frame, A-frame... :-)
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: MrMcPorkchop]
#197899
03/03/2019 1:37 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
OP
addict
|
OP
addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601 |
So far ...
#1 on Deer and Hog = 158 grain A-Frame.
#1 Deer only = Sierra 158 grain JHC.
I'm liking what Doc is saying about the Sierras... Have you done any work with the Sierra SP? I figured somebody would suggest pushing a Barnes XPB fast as well.
P
Last edited by PsTaN; 03/03/2019 1:39 AM.
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: PsTaN]
#197906
03/03/2019 3:07 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
I shot a few deer many years ago with the Sierra SP. Was not impressed with damage (less than JHC) and recovered most bullets (like to see complete penetration). Never recovered a JHC from any of my deer including the large, heavy boned bucks I killed. I've never used Xs in .357, in fact, I've never seen one. Seems like someone here said the tip of the .357 X had a very small opening. If that's the case I'd not be a fan of them. In my single shots Xs in 6.5 and lower with very small openings performed poorly with less penetration than Xs with larger openings. I also noticed that in .500 Xs with 275 gr. "large openings" causing much more damage than 325,375 gr. "small openings". I'll stick with bigger "openings" in my revolver/auto bullets.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: wvhitman]
#197909
03/03/2019 4:20 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
|
Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
158gr XTP 180gr XTP
Doing well for me.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: Zee]
#197924
03/04/2019 2:53 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 860
karl
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 860 |
I looked into the 357 xpb and always thought the petals looked awfully thin and the cross sectional area seemed skimpy on all the expanded bullet pics I saw. I guess that might be what you need for expansion in a 357 mono bullet. I have moved on to something larger and faster for hunting.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: karl]
#197930
03/04/2019 2:30 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 190
short30
member
|
member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 190 |
FWIW: When I was gearing up for the TC 357 Max I bought 180 gr Barnes TTSX, XTP and some Remington JHP. I also cast some 180ish LBT WFN and some Saeco LFN (both water dropped wheel weight). My Max became a 35-30/30 so still similar. In the upper half of the load ranges, the velocity was not enough for the TTSX - in phone books it appeared like a FMJ so load was too slow. Both cast penetrated the deepest as would expect with some nose smearing. The XTP did very well and the Rem JHP was inconsistent so the 180 XTP was my choice. I'm only hunting deer so A frames not needed. I do plan to try the 158 XTP over the summer since they work well in the 357 Mag load
First Handgun Deer: ~1982 8" S&W .38Spl SW 7.5" 686-7 with Matchdot II SBHH .45LC 7.5" Contender G2 .35-30/30 (Bellm), .22LR, .22 Hornet, 25-35 Glock 40 10mm; G21 Poly80 w/ 9 inch barrel (in work)
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: short30]
#197952
03/05/2019 5:13 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 161
MrMcPorkchop
member
|
member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 161 |
... I'm only hunting deer so A frames not needed. I do plan to try the 158 XTP over the summer since they work well in the 357 Mag load ... I shoot the 158 XTP HP's right at 1500 fps in a 6" 357 Mag, and they certainly expand quite a bit at those speeds, I think the 158 XTP FP's are rated for higher speeds. What speed are you planning on pushing your 158's? Eric.
Choot em!
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: MrMcPorkchop]
#197962
03/05/2019 7:13 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 190
short30
member
|
member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 190 |
I don't think I get that much with 4 inch barrel, memory tells me 1250 with 180's in the 1050 range. I will have to dust off the chrony and see if it still works once I find a consistent load.
First Handgun Deer: ~1982 8" S&W .38Spl SW 7.5" 686-7 with Matchdot II SBHH .45LC 7.5" Contender G2 .35-30/30 (Bellm), .22LR, .22 Hornet, 25-35 Glock 40 10mm; G21 Poly80 w/ 9 inch barrel (in work)
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: wvhitman]
#197971
03/06/2019 5:28 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209 |
My previous reply was for a combo bullet useful for both animals. If you're going for deer only, then my #1 choice is the 158 gr. Sierra JHC. I have taken over a dozen deer with this bullet including 5 very large bodied WV bucks. No deer has run more than 30 yds. from this bullet. I believe the enlarged cavity creates more damage than other HPs, especially XTPs. I was shocked at it's performance on the first deer I took with it. It still never ceases to amaze me. How fast can you push the 158 gr Sierra and not have it blow up? I am getting 1916 fps out of my 357 mag CVA Scout. Is that too fast for deer?
Michael Joe Moore
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: REDHAWK1954]
#197972
03/06/2019 6:03 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
A bullet that has yet to be mentioned that may be worth giving a try is the 158gr Speer Deep Curl. It is a bonded bullet, but in the price range of the XTP?s. They shoot good in my 686 and GP100. I?ve yet to have a deer willing to be test media, but I?m sure there?s one out there somewhere. I intend to give them plenty opportunity. I?ve taken one deer with a Deep Curl in 41 mag and it performed well. It was a quarter to shot, lots of internal damage with signs of good expansion, and complete pass through at about the 70 yard range.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: short30]
#197987
03/07/2019 5:14 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
Sawfish
veteran
|
veteran
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280 |
FWIW: The XTP did very well and the Rem JHP was inconsistent so the 180 XTP was my choice. That was my experience with the Remington 180 JHP, and I concluded that it was just a bit too tough for the Max.
Good Shooting Makes Good Hunting Patron Member NRA; Life Member RMEF, SCI, NSRPA, CRPA: Member, FTRF, HHI #7108, CBA
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: REDHAWK1954]
#197993
03/08/2019 1:09 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
My previous reply was for a combo bullet useful for both animals. If you're going for deer only, then my #1 choice is the 158 gr. Sierra JHC. I have taken over a dozen deer with this bullet including 5 very large bodied WV bucks. No deer has run more than 30 yds. from this bullet. I believe the enlarged cavity creates more damage than other HPs, especially XTPs. I was shocked at it's performance on the first deer I took with it. It still never ceases to amaze me. How fast can you push the 158 gr Sierra and not have it blow up? I am getting 1916 fps out of my 357 mag CVA Scout. Is that too fast for deer? Fast is good on deer but necessitates good bullets. At those speeds I would definitely use the A-frame.
|
|
|
Re: .357 Bullet Choices ...
[Re: Whitworth]
#198454
03/31/2019 6:51 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
OP
addict
|
OP
addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601 |
On my other thread I posted a load of 14.5 grains of 2400 under a 158 grain XTP is yielding 1513 FPS from my new MGM barrel with great accuracy.
Yesterday I picked up some 158 grain XTP-FP. Anyone have experience with the FP? I'm wondering if the same load/velocity would be acceptable with this bullet?
P
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
|
|
|
|
0 registered members (),
100
guests, and 0
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|