What are some good defense loads for a 6” .357 magnum? I am worried the classic 125 grain SJHPs might expand/fragment too much from the long barrel. Maybe a 158 grain SJHP load might be a better fit? Thanks!
-Jay
-Jay
-
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.357 Magnum 6” Defense Loads?
- Thread starter JayFramer
- Start date
I use Underwood 158grn soft point out of my 4inchers... it performs very well, may do better in a 6in gun...
ContinentalOp
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2009
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I would think one of the heavier HPs would meet your needs. 158gr Gold Dots come to mind, as does the 145gr Silvertip (if you can find it). I recall seeing a 140gr JHP from Buffalo Bore that looked interesting.
.38 Special FBI loads may be worth looking into as well. The added velocity may make them more likely to expand while still retaining good penetration, especially if you're using the Buffalo Bore +P version. Plus they probably won't be as loud as .357 Magnum when fired indoors, if that's a concern.
Just my thoughts.
.38 Special FBI loads may be worth looking into as well. The added velocity may make them more likely to expand while still retaining good penetration, especially if you're using the Buffalo Bore +P version. Plus they probably won't be as loud as .357 Magnum when fired indoors, if that's a concern.
Just my thoughts.
boatbum101
Well-known member
The old Fed 357B load pushed them 125 JHP's pretty hard . I'm talking the red box loads . Same series bullet used in the 9mm 9BPLE +P+ . Old technology but still very effective . Wouldn't use it if I had to shoot thru any kind of barrier , but against persons with felonious intent for us civilians yeah . I'm sure the new stuff aint as stout , but new bullets are much better . Look at the gel tests & decide for yourself . Shoot your selected & find out what both you & the gun like .
I’ve tested the old red box “Hi Power” next to the current 125 grain SJHP personal defense load they offer and they seem identical in power. Also the current Remington iteration is VERY hot as well.
Seems like one load that hasn’t been watered down over time.
The 125 JHP is a proven street performer........
while the heavy 158 grain might over penetrate and go into areas not intended.
A line of water jugs or milk bottles is a great way to find out how your ammo does out of your weapons.
If you have to use a slab of Baby back ribs...............
your not in my corner !!
while the heavy 158 grain might over penetrate and go into areas not intended.
A line of water jugs or milk bottles is a great way to find out how your ammo does out of your weapons.
If you have to use a slab of Baby back ribs...............
your not in my corner !!
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
The Federal C357B go like lasers to point-of-aim for me in my 686's, so I'm happy. If I were concerned about fragmentation, I might shoot a line of water jugs and see what happened.
Federal makes a 180gr Swift A-frame that won't come apart.
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Federal makes a 180gr Swift A-frame that won't come apart.
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Sgt 45
Well-known member
Buffalo Bore makes a 125gr load that is HOT. Pushes about 700 some odd ft/lbs out of a 5" barrel
Since used in the house.....
....I keep a low end load in mine, .357 or .38 spec +P. Our ears are sensitive.
....I keep a low end load in mine, .357 or .38 spec +P. Our ears are sensitive.
Sorry but you don’t know what you’re talking about.
stansdds
Well-known member
Back in the day when the 357 Magnum revolver was still common in the holsters of law enforcement officers, the 125 grain SJHP from Federal and Remington were considered to be the best, albeit they were hard on the revolver's forcing cone.
I guess not. Thanks for pointing that out to me.
Doug M.
Well-known member
The 125 grain HP loads were pretty successful, and I would not worry about erosion in most larger frames. Most people don't shoot enough to cause any such issues. The 145 grain Silvertips are made every couple years, and I watched for the release a couple years back then jumped on them with alacrity. Got about 500 rounds, IIRC. I am sure I will not use them all ...
I'll admit that they are a bit warm for my taste in a 4" M66, but would carry them for some uses (woods where I might meet cranky critters, etc.). Most of the time I use a standard velocity .38 SWC. I shoot them well, and that configuration will work just fine; better than most .38 loads. I might be more inclined to the Silvertips in an N frame.
I'll admit that they are a bit warm for my taste in a 4" M66, but would carry them for some uses (woods where I might meet cranky critters, etc.). Most of the time I use a standard velocity .38 SWC. I shoot them well, and that configuration will work just fine; better than most .38 loads. I might be more inclined to the Silvertips in an N frame.
Home Page for Wholesale Hunter has the 145 gr Silvertips in stock. They are showing 229 in stock with a limit of 3 at $47 a box of 50.
I have 125gr Hydoshoks. I got 500 back in the 90's and still have some.
I have 125gr Hydoshoks. I got 500 back in the 90's and still have some.
usmc2427765
US Veteran
The perfect load is the one that you put through the left eye.
Groo01
Well-known member
Groo here
The original SJHP loadings were not like the more modern bullets
With that much lead unsported by a jacket , the nose often broke off.
The jacket was heaver to withstand the pressures.
In a 125 gr ,,, in 38spec the bullet expanded nicely.
In the 357 4in the bullet expanded greatly.
In a 6in barrel the bullet lost about 25gr of lead and became a wc.
You would think the bullet was self adjusting depending on barrel.
If you want a less viloent load use 110 SJHP ..
They were loaded down.....
The original SJHP loadings were not like the more modern bullets
With that much lead unsported by a jacket , the nose often broke off.
The jacket was heaver to withstand the pressures.
In a 125 gr ,,, in 38spec the bullet expanded nicely.
In the 357 4in the bullet expanded greatly.
In a 6in barrel the bullet lost about 25gr of lead and became a wc.
You would think the bullet was self adjusting depending on barrel.
If you want a less viloent load use 110 SJHP ..
They were loaded down.....
