158 vs. 180 GR in 357 magnum?

aterry33 · Jul 23, 2009

In a K-Frame with a 4" barrel...

What have you had better experiences with? I'm looking for a soft-point round that I can carry in the woods for use against hogs, cats, etc. (hopefully never a bear). Bigger bears are not a concern here in NC.

I'd be tempted to carry 180 grain rounds, but I would also want to practice with them. I have always used 158 grain loads for practice. I haven't noticed a tremendous recoil difference myself in the 158 vs. 180. I suppose the 180 would be a lot more likely to overpenetrate.

Thoughts? Thanks.

Talking about soft-points here.

pps · Jul 23, 2009

I use a 185gr LBT hardcast (from Beartooth Bullets) over 15.8gr of H110 and Winchester small pistol primer. It goes 1200fps but I do have to drop my rear site as it hits a few inches higher than the 158 gr rounds I have my sights set to.

I have taken boar with it (200# sow at 50 yards)

Erich · Jul 23, 2009

I've only used hardcasts in the 180+-grain category. They're not unpleasant to shoot from a K-frame, in my opinion. I run my 180s at 1230 fps from my 3" 65 (max charge of Blue Dot from Alliant's site, standard primer). This is what I carry up Bear Canyon behind the house. I wouldn't use them in town or at home (you're not alone in those overpenetration concerns).

Frankly, I think a good hardcast 158-grainer is likely to do you just as well if you're not thinking black bears. Whatever floats your boat. I enjoy shooting the 180s, though, and handloading makes them price about the same as the handloaded middleweights. You know, you might look at the wide, flat-nosed 190-grainer that Jessie makes over at Tennessee Valley Bullets. I've shot some of them (sorry, I can't post the pix from here at work) and probably should get some more to play with.

pps' point about being aware of the heavier bullets' higher POI is important.

aterry33 · Jul 23, 2009

Erich, I like your signature quote

I have always felt comfortable with 158GR against black bears, just not against brown bears, buffalo, etc. You disagree?

Krull · Jul 30, 2009

aterry33 said:
Erich, I like your signature quote

I have always felt comfortable with 158GR against black bears, just not against brown bears, buffalo, etc. You disagree?

I stuff 158gr SP in my 66 for anything that walks in the WV woods,bears will run but a female with young or a young male will be the most you have to worry about.

I have never seen a young male go over 200lbs so I'd not get nervous about it,the female could be a handfull but I'd bet six 158gr's will work ok.

But that's why you carry reloads,no?

ArchAngelCD · Aug 1, 2009

IMO a 158gr bullet will do just fine for your purpose. I would suggest a hard cast bullet with a wide flat nose though.

Since it seems you decided a 158gr bullet will do, if you're reloading I would suggest the 160gr Hard Cast bullet from Cast Performance. They are part of the same company as the Grizzly Cartridge Company. If you don't reloading I highly recommend their ammo. The bullets from Tennessee Valley Bullets recommended above are also a good choice.

158 vs. 180 GR in 357 magnum?

aterry33

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ArchAngelCD

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