Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Ammo
o

Notices

Ammo All Ammo Discussions Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-27-2017, 08:08 PM
Viking Grampa Viking Grampa is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 16
Liked 16 Times in 9 Posts
Default Best ammo for 357

I'm remember someone told me not to use such and such grain ammo for the 357. I can't remember what it was and am not sure it was good info. So here I am.....What is the best overall ammo for 357 mag and while we are here what's the best for 41 mag. ( mainly looking for grain size, but also interested in opinions for manufactures and type of bullet ( hp, fmj, ect. ) Thanks in advance 1
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-27-2017, 09:27 PM
full mag full mag is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 118
Likes: 24
Liked 41 Times in 23 Posts
Default

hunting,range, carry, home defence?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 07-27-2017, 09:28 PM
apollo99 apollo99 is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: ARIZONA
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 103
Liked 1,475 Times in 601 Posts
Default

Don't know about the .41 magnum, but I think what you are referring to about the .357 magnum loads is, it is not recommended to feed a steady diet of 125gr. and 110gr. magnum loads through the K frame revolvers due to the short bullet and the high volume of powder and gasses that could reek havoc with the forcing cone and cause flame cutting of the top strap. I only shoot 158 grain in .357 magnum so I don't have these issues, if they do indeed occur. As far as bullet and load for the .357 magnum. I would say hollow point for two legged critters, soft point for four legged critters due to better penetration. As far as powder charge and what type would greatly be determined by the length of the barrels. Different loads for 2 1/2" vs 6" or 8".
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 07-27-2017, 10:07 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

I shoot the 41 magnum and have for years . 210 gr JHP's for defense rounds , JSP's for hunting . Max , IMO is 240 gr . Winchester has some 240 gr ammo . I personally don't care for the lighter bullets , less than 200 gr . Georgia-Arms list a 210 gr swc @ 800 fps , nice target shooting ammo for about $25 / box of 50 . . If you want more power , then get jacketed rounds .
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-27-2017, 10:12 PM
Viking Grampa Viking Grampa is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 16
Liked 16 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by full mag View Post
hunting,range, carry, home defence?
Mostly for Range and self defense.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-27-2017, 10:18 PM
bigwheelzip's Avatar
bigwheelzip bigwheelzip is offline
Absent Comrade
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 12,990
Likes: 17,229
Liked 41,503 Times in 9,146 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by apollo99 View Post
... it is not recommended to feed a steady diet of 125gr. and 110gr. magnum loads through the K frame revolvers due to the short bullet and the high volume of powder and gasses that could reek havoc with the forcing cone ...
That is accurate, but the newest K frames (66-8) forcing cones have been redesigned to eliminate that issue. Every other platform eats anything you feed it.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-27-2017, 10:35 PM
ContinentalOp's Avatar
ContinentalOp ContinentalOp is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,315
Likes: 13,115
Liked 12,802 Times in 4,228 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by apollo99 View Post
I think what you are referring to about the .357 magnum loads is, it is not recommended to feed a steady diet of 125gr. and 110gr. magnum loads through the K frame revolvers due to the short bullet and the high volume of powder and gasses that could reek havoc with the forcing cone and cause flame cutting of the top strap.
This is partially correct. The caution should be applied to full-power loads, such as the 125gr SJHP at ~1450fps. Mid-range and light loads in these bullet weights, like the Remington 125gr Golden Saber or the WWB 110gr SJHP, aren't a problem.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 07-27-2017, 11:06 PM
38SPL HV's Avatar
38SPL HV 38SPL HV is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 957
Liked 949 Times in 419 Posts
Default

357 Magnum - general purpose, 158 gr JSP (if reloading, 158 gr cast SWC)
41 Magnum - general purpose, 210 gr JSP (if reloading, 215 gr cast SWC)
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 07-27-2017, 11:13 PM
38SPL HV's Avatar
38SPL HV 38SPL HV is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 957
Liked 949 Times in 419 Posts
Default

...self defense is a different story. I don't use either for that application except if it may perhaps be four legged.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-28-2017, 02:17 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Viking Grampa View Post
Mostly for Range and self defense.
For SD I like 158gr Speer GDHP ammo. I have a J frame .357 that is scary accurate when shooting 145gr Winchester Silvertip ammo. It's older but still a good performer.

For the range, buy the least expensive ammo you can find. Remington FMJ is usually inexpensive and fairly accurate. Aluminum case Blazer is cheaper too.

I can't add too much more because I load my own which costs a lot less than Retail.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-28-2017, 07:59 AM
629shooter 629shooter is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: The Midwest
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 4,273
Liked 1,275 Times in 810 Posts
Default

I use 125 gr. 357 Mangnums in L, N, and J-Frames. The K-frames only see 158 gr. Magnums.

For 41 Magnum I use 210 gr. bullets.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-28-2017, 08:52 AM
elpac3's Avatar
elpac3 elpac3 is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Mpls, Minnesota
Posts: 867
Likes: 87
Liked 967 Times in 398 Posts
Default

For the .357, day in and day out, I have found the 173 grain Keith SWC loaded to about 1100 fps to be everything I need any more. Nice shooting load, easy on the hand and the gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 07-28-2017, 09:00 AM
Mark IV's Avatar
Mark IV Mark IV is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Georgia
Posts: 588
Likes: 736
Liked 425 Times in 235 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Viking Grampa View Post
Mostly for Range and self defense.
For range use, go with the cheapest (safe,reliable) FMJ's you can find. It doesn't much matter which one.
For SD use, virtually any hollow point from any of the established manufacturers is going to be fine.
It's a 357, so at any realistic self-defense range, even FMJ's will be devestating, and almost ANY hollow point is going to expand nastilly.
I agree with the above recommendation to go heavier than 125gr, but after that, go with the cheapest reputable stuff you can find, IMO. Don't get caught up in the $2-a-round, You-tube ballistic test,best-of-the-best-of-the-very-damn-bestest nonsense.

Last edited by Mark IV; 07-28-2017 at 09:03 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 07-28-2017, 09:46 PM
full mag full mag is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 118
Likes: 24
Liked 41 Times in 23 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Viking Grampa View Post
Mostly for Range and self defense.
for range what ever you find cheap, self defence I like federal 125gr hi shok sjhp
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-28-2017, 10:03 PM
JayFramer JayFramer is offline
Banned
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,596
Likes: 6,989
Liked 9,332 Times in 2,759 Posts
Default

Federal 357B.

There is no finer.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-29-2017, 02:41 AM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

For general Plinking and Target work = my own .38 spl. reloads

For SD out of a 3" bbl. (city/suburbs) = Buffalo Bore .38 spl. HEAVY +P LSWCHP-GC

For SD in a more rural area = Buffalo Bore .357 Mag. JHP

For SD against Bears (woods) Buffalo Bore .357 Mag. 180 grain Hard Cast LSWC
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-29-2017, 02:54 PM
badge 851's Avatar
badge 851 badge 851 is offline
US Veteran
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 939
Likes: 92
Liked 298 Times in 192 Posts
Default

For both of my 357 Magnum snubbies, I use 357 158gr JHP ammunition. For my 4" barrel 41 Magnum I shoot Underwood® 210gr, 230gr, and Federal® 250gr ammo. For my 6˝" Ruger® I use all of the previous 41 Magnum ammo plus Underwood® 265gr LWNGC.
__________________
David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

Last edited by badge 851; 08-16-2017 at 02:53 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-30-2017, 11:40 AM
38SPL HV's Avatar
38SPL HV 38SPL HV is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 957
Liked 949 Times in 419 Posts
Default

There's a man who knows his 41 Magnum - great cartridge - was my favorite. I'm just a 38/357 Mag person nowadays, getting a bit long in the tooth I suppose.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-30-2017, 03:08 PM
Doug M.'s Avatar
Doug M. Doug M. is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Washington State
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 14,499
Liked 9,263 Times in 3,702 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by elpac3 View Post
For the .357, day in and day out, I have found the 173 grain Keith SWC loaded to about 1100 fps to be everything I need any more. Nice shooting load, easy on the hand and the gun.
*
I am a big fan of heavy for caliber lead SWC for traditional revolver calibers (.38/.357; .41;44s;45 Colt). At modest velocity they are pleasant to shoot and amply powerful for SD use. For autopistol calibers in a revolver (9mm/.45 ACP), I tend to stick with the same ammo I would use in that caliber in a pistol.

For hunting, it would vary by the nature of the game and circumstances.
__________________
NHI, 10-8.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 08-12-2017, 04:56 AM
CCantu357's Avatar
CCantu357 CCantu357 is offline
Member
Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357 Best ammo for 357  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 968
Likes: 1,729
Liked 808 Times in 378 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JayFramer View Post
Federal 357B.

There is no finer.
Great round, but I would have to say the Remington 357M1 is a fine one too. Same load of course but it seems to be cheaper and easier to find. Big Green even makes a cheap UMC practice version too. Supposedly, the scallop design Remington uses makes for better expansion, but at 1450 fps I doubt it matters!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hog Ammo / Coyote Ammo (New to Forum, apologize if this has been asked in the past) jmbrock Smith & Wesson M&P10 Rifles 2 02-05-2016 02:29 PM
Geissele SSA trigger, 32 S&W long ammo and 455 Webley ammo for sale Toyman Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 2 04-27-2013 02:29 PM
WITHDRAWN: 44Russian Ammo Trip.Lock Sights 44Spl Brass 44WCF Ammo buffalo4star Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 8 09-10-2011 07:54 AM
All ammo sold 22 Jet ammo Vintage Factory and reload lots Docmonkey Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 2 08-04-2011 01:03 PM
WTS S&W knives and 40S&W ammo (Price Drop on the ammo and the S&W Texas Ranger knife) southernpride Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 11 04-21-2011 09:27 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:23 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)