All the usual sources for 180 gr hardcast are out of stock, so suggestions for a good woods carry for my 3" .357 that might be available? Not a reloader, so stuck with production rounds. Down to 125 gr JHP's, would like something with a bit more mass hitting home.

Probably a bit pricey, but you might want to check out Buffalo Bore. I'm pretty sure they got some thumpers suitable for woods carry.

FWIW, I like their standard pressure version of the .38 Special FBI load, and try to keep at least one box around.

Underwood has 158 gr with 750 ft. lbs of energy.

Regards, Porkie

__________________
Least expected, you’re elected

PMC has a 759 ft.lbf 158 grain JSP

Buffalo Bore. They make a 180 grain Hard Cast LSWC Gas Check (#19A/20) for the woods. Out of my 3 inch M65 I get an average of 1320 fps. through my Chronograph. I believe they do have them in stock.

Try Federal AE357A 158 grain JSP. It offers good penetration, (and at least until the last several months) a reasonable price and is widely available.

The price results in an increase in effectiveness. The usual $25 per box of 50 for the American Eagle doesn't make it penetrate any deeper. But it does tend to increase practice that leads to improved shot placement with the load you will be carrying in the field.

For a woods load, 125 grain bullets are, in my opinion, a poor choice as they are designed for high velocity, rapid expansion, and reduced penetration. If you cannot find 180 grain ammo, the 158 grain JSP loads make for good woods ammo.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

Groo here
Underwood has some 180 cast in stock.....357 Magnum 180 Grain Lead Flat Nose Gas Check – Underwood Ammo

Yep, that's all you need, 158gr JSP

In my 686 6: with a 158 gr JSP, a deer is no match for 630 ft/lbs of ME.

If you find a load that has 750 ft/lbs of energy, you had better hang on to that revolver !!

Have fun... ?? !!

I'll buy some BB or Underwood 180gr Hardcast if I plan on going into bear country(not many bears in OH-IN where I'm from and hunt). I have several boxes of 158gr JSP and both 158 and 125 gr JHPs. So far, the Win 158gr JSP shoot best.

I'm not worried about recoil. My son has a Ruger old Vaquero in .45 long Colt. I bought a box of Underwood super hot Hardcast, just to see. 1263ft/lbs! Now THAT is attention getting!

686-6 6 shot 8” info!

Anyone have any info? I can not find anything on this gun. Value or anything.

not going to lie, first time i shot it in my 686+ it drew blood... by tearing the skin off the side of my thumb. 2nd time out it did the same thing. now i have a callus and it's fine.

Hornady offers factory loaded .357 ammo with the 158 grain XTP bullet. Its good ammo if you don't reload. The XTP series bullets expand some, and hold together and penetrate a little better than some of the softer, self defense designed 158 bullets on the market.

Larry

Correct, a good 158 gr. JSP or JHP is a good round for woods walking, and other things.