Ammo for 66 2.5"

[brokenprism]

What's a good stopper out of 2.5" 66? I just sold 18 lbs of .357 to a member, thinking I was done with the cartridge, but a 66-1 snub called my name. I know K frames don't like a lot of .357, but I'd like some ideas about what will work well if the SHTF.

I just bought some Speer .44 mag short barrel for my 629, and it looks awesome. Like a teacup. I see the .357 equivalent move out at 950 fps and penetrates about 10". What should one expect from a full-house 158 gr load? Besides recoil, of course? I prefer penetration over expansion.

 

[kennyb]

i have shot a gazillion hot 357 rounds from K frames for many years without a hiccup

 

[brokenprism]

i have shot a gazillion hot 357 rounds from K frames for many years without a hiccup

That makes me feel better. Thanks Kenny.

If I were to be honest, I'd have to say that in 25 years of shooting hundreds of guns, I've never owned one long enough to wear it out. ; )

 

[tpd223]

If you don't really care about over-penetration then almost any 125-180gr JHP will work from a .357mag.

If recoil isn't an issue I'd recommend any of the Big Three 125gr JHPs, the 140gr Silvertip, or the 130gr Hydrashock.

The Cor Bon DPX is also a good choice.

 

[KEN L]

I second the Silvertip, though its actually 145 grain. Its about the best thing going in a shorty .357. I've carried it in my 2 1/2" 66 for years. Good bullet weight, great expansion and very manageable recoil. The best of all worlds!

 

[handgunner356]

I like the Remington Golden Saber 125gr myself, it's loaded to the old med velocity 125 specs runs about 1100+ in 2.5" guns.