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08-01-2017, 05:28 PM
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640-1 and .357s
I went to the range to day and took my 640-1. I have shot
.38 Spl. out of it no problem. I carry Gold Dot .38 Spl. +p 135gr. for self defense without a problem. So, recently I purchased some Gold Dot 135 gr. 357s and have been wondering about what the recoil would be like. My understanding was that the Gold Dot 357s were closer to a +P+. I shot them today and found the quite manageable. Next my buddy broke out a box of American Eagle 158gr. 357 jacketed soft points. Wasn't sure how that was going to work but shot several cylinders of them. There was definitely more muzzle flip but I was able to handle them just fine. I will at least be carrying the Gold Dot 357s but maybe the American Eagle 158gr. 357 jacketed soft points or some equivalent. Would the American Eagles be considered full bore 357s? Would .357 158gr jacketed soft points be a good round for carry? Thanks!
Last edited by mgriffin; 08-01-2017 at 05:29 PM.
Reason: wording
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08-01-2017, 05:41 PM
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How do you compare the Gold Dot 38 vs 357? I've been carrying the short barrel 135 38spl in mine and find them very easy for follow up. You have me considering upgrading to 357
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08-01-2017, 06:03 PM
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I find the 135gr. +P 38s. to be very comparable to the 135gr. 357s. Both being "short barrel" ammo. I was very surprised. Tomorrow I'm going to my LGS as they have a nice supply of the Gold Dot 357s. I will be stocking up. When I rapid fired the American Eagle 158 gr. jacketed soft points I was about 5 yards away and was pleasantly surprised at the grouping I had. None of the "1 ragged hole" but shooting instinctively a group about the size of my fist.
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08-01-2017, 06:08 PM
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I followed the same path. I started out carrying the Speer GD Short Barrel 135 grain .38 Specials in my two EDC J frames, which are a 640-1 and a 637-2.
I tried the Speer GD Short Barrel 135 grain .357's, and found them to be just fine. Not much more felt recoil for me than the .38 special variety. The muzzle flash is low due to the powder Speer uses, and I don't think the decibel volume is any louder either. At least nobody at the indoor range seem to react the way they do when you light off a full magnum load.
I got back on target without a hitch as well. These are now the first five in the 640. I still use the .38 specials in the speedloaders and strips because they work with both of my EDC's.
The only negative I can come up with is the price. They are expensive. Hope this helps!
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08-01-2017, 06:29 PM
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Thanks guys. I was worried about a waste of flash, noise and flip. Might look into it. I get the 38's from work, but I might treat myself to some .357 with that OT money
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08-01-2017, 11:33 PM
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Mr Griffin,
I like the Speer Gold Dots just fine, but I would also have NO problem carrying the 158 Grain Jacketed softnose bullets either. They will most certainly do the job if you put 'em where they need to go. I don't know the fps rating for the American Eagles, but I would guess those rounds are not loaded to the higher end of .357 magnum rounds. That would be just fine with me. The broader and flatter the meplat on that kind of round the better as far as I am concerned. I also have and sometimes carry a jacketed soft (flat) point .357 mag round made by PMC because I tend to like the heavier bullets in both .38 Special and .357 mag.
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08-01-2017, 11:42 PM
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THe JSP will penetrate better, so better for cougars and bears and pigs. Not so good on people.
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08-02-2017, 12:15 AM
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A bit off-topic, but to CC license qualify with my 640-1 I must shoot 25 rounds of .357Mag marked ammo. The instructor checks the ammo, .38Spec not allowed for .357Mag qual. 25 rounds of full tilt 1300-1500fps .357Mag hurts. So, last qual I used Black Hills .357Mag Cowboy Action ammo which is probably ballistically .38Spec MINUS, but the case is marked .357Mag which is OK. Love that no-pain 800fps velocity.
I don't recommend the Cowboy Action load for anything other than punching holes in paper targets accurately because that's all I've used it for.
Check it out at:
Black Hills Cowboy Action Ammo 357 Mag 158 Grain Lead - MPN: DCB357N1
Technical Information
Caliber: 357 Magnum
Bullet Weight: 158 Grains
Bullet Style: Lead Conical Nose
Case Type: Brass
Ballistics Information:
Muzzle Velocity: 800 fps
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08-02-2017, 05:44 AM
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Pretty smart idea, 3rdRRU. I have a 640-1 with Altamonte boot grips that I find brutal to shoot with .357 magnums. If I use the factory rubber grips, I find those same loads just tolerable.
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08-02-2017, 12:58 PM
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attn mgriffin
If that Federal 158gr JSP is the same such load available at WM, then it is a full-velocity, heavy .357 load. It would be more effective in a longer-barreled, heavier-frame .357 for hunting than in the 640 as a defensive round.
I own more than one S&W magnum snub. I like the CCI Blazer 158gr JHP 'medium' .357 load for practice OR carry. Another poster clocked it at 990fps in 3". I prefer the 110gr JHP .357 round mfg'd by several companies. It runs some 1250fps in 4" and is controllable in double-taps in your steel frame 640.
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08-03-2017, 03:41 PM
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Remington Golden Saber is a good mid level 357 self defense ammo that can often be found online for a much better price than Gold Dots.
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08-04-2017, 01:35 AM
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Both the 135gr loads from Speer are their short barrel rounds. The .38 Special +P load us rated @860 fps and the .357 Magnum load is @990 fps. Like the OP said, it's more of a +P+ load.
I shoot the 145gr Winchester Silvertip .357 Magnum ammo in my M640 and it's scary accurate in that gun. It us however very hard to find.
If you are looking for a full power .357 that is accurate take a look at the normal Speer .357 Magnum ammo. I like the 158gr version but the 125gr is the classic.
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08-04-2017, 01:45 AM
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I am a fan of the Speer 135 gr gold dot short barrel .357 ammo. This is what I carry almost every day in my 340 PD. The .38 +P version would be my second choice, with the same bullet. As ArchAngelCD points out, the MV for the magnum version is adequate to reliably expand the well designed Gold Dot bullet. I have a decent supply, but have been unable to locate any for the last few years, I am glad that you were able to find some, as it gives me hope. If I locate any I will be stocking up!!
Beat Regards, Les
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08-04-2017, 09:58 AM
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Another vote for Remington golden saber 357.it is a medium load 357 that is quite controllable and has a good track record.
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