Tested: Various .357 magnum loads.....

[LOBO]

These are the results of water tests using one gallon water jugs. I did these tests about 8 years ago, and I didn't have a chronograph at that time. I also failed to keep detailed notes that included the penetration depth of the bullets.


.357 magnum
Winchester 180 gr Black Talon
media = one gallon water jugs
recovered weight = 172.4 grs
recovered diameter = .651"
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 4" barrel












.357 magnum
Federal 158 gr Hydra-Shok
media = one gallon water jugs
recovered weight = 130.2 grs
recovered diameter = .607"
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 4" barrel










.357 magnum
CCI/Speer Lawman 145 gr JHP
media = one gallon water jugs
recovered weight = 121.5 grs
recovered diameter = .540"
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 4" barrel








.357 magnum
Hornady 158 gr XTP HP
media = one gallon water jugs
recovered weight = 141 grs
recovered diameter = .538"
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 4" barrel

[Martya]

I see why the Black Talons were called "Talons."

Cool, LOBO.

[Swabby]

Lobo, ever test the Federal Nyclad 158gr SWCHP in .357 mag? That's a real stinker as far as weight retention goes. The one I have broke apart worse than your Lawman. It was pretty much just a lead stump and a few broken pieces of the mushroom that were hanging around in the jug. My gun of choice for that one was a M19 with a 4" bbl @ 25'. The Nyclad may be a good, solid defense load for the .38 sp, but I would not carry it in .357 mag for defense. The Hornady XTP 158gr I tested looked extactly like your results. Keep up the good work.

[LOBO]

Thanks Swabby.

No, I haven't tested that one. I have tested the .38 special 125 gr Nyclad HP from a 2" model 442. It expanded nicely, but penetration was borderline.