357 magnum defensive ammo

[LoboGunLeather]

Snubby .357 revolvers bring another factor into the mix that may not be readily apparent.

About 1976 I loaded up my new Model 19 2.5" with SuperVel 110-grain JHP and cranked off 6 rounds, fortunately outdoors at the time so the blast was not debilitating. Time to eject the fired cartridges, found they were firmly stuck in the chambers, and that tiny little shortened ejector rod could not get them out. It took a dowel rod and a mallet to remove the fired cases.

Definitely not the ideal situation if faced with the need to reload during a social engagement.

I have had similar experiences with Model 28 and Model 27 S&W revolvers, as well as a Colt Python when shooting high-performance magnum ammunition. Difficult to impossible ejection of fired cases, and the short-barreled revolvers multiply that issue with shorter ejection rods.

Something more to think about.

 

[rockquarry]

Snubby .357 revolvers bring another factor into the mix that may not be readily apparent.

About 1976 I loaded up my new Model 19 2.5" with SuperVel 110-grain JHP and cranked off 6 rounds, fortunately outdoors at the time so the blast was not debilitating. Time to eject the fired cartridges, found they were firmly stuck in the chambers, and that tiny little shortened ejector rod could not get them out. It took a dowel rod and a mallet to remove the fired cases.

Definitely not the ideal situation if faced with the need to reload during a social engagement.

I have had similar experiences with Model 28 and Model 27 S&W revolvers, as well as a Colt Python when shooting high-performance magnum ammunition. Difficult to impossible ejection of fired cases, and the short-barreled revolvers multiply that issue with shorter ejection rods.

Something more to think about.

Back in th early to mid-'70s, I don't recall anyone who bought anything other than Super Vel for their .38s and .357s. Not the hottest if I remember right, but it was close.

 

[Rule3]

It simply doesn't matter what brand, They all work and work well. I load 357 but lack the years off experience in shooting bad guys. As with hunting, shot placement is what matters,
The debates will continue for ever along with the magic bullets!

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I voted for Silvertip more or less because I just felt like it, but I can't imagine any of the listed cartridges being ineffective if they hit the right spot. Likewise, if any of them doesn't hit the right spot, I reckon there won't be a great difference among them. Like Lobo, I suspect that a good .38Spl is sufficient. A .357 might be better if you can shoot it well, but I certainly wouldn't lose much sleep worrying over which one.

 

[rwsmith]

I didn't vote......

...because I don't use premium ammo, which of which Buffalo Bore and a few others are definitely the 'best'. But I use top of the line ammo made by traditional manufacturers that is available, affordable and thoroughly tested and has a good track record. Speer Gold Dot, Hornady FTX, Federal HST, Remington Golden Saber. I'm sure Winchester has a good entry.

I just saw Paul Harrell test a relatively new ammo and usually he says his opinion has 'caveats' and 'you be the judge'. This one he said it was downright awful. Accuracy and terminal performance.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

...because I don't use premium ammo, which of which Buffalo Bore and a few others are definitely the 'best'. But I use top of the line ammo made by traditional manufacturers that is available, affordable and thoroughly tested and has a good track record. Speer Gold Dot, Hornady FTX, Federal HST, Remington Golden Saber. I'm sure Winchester has a good entry.

I just saw Paul Harrell test a relatively new ammo and usually he says his opinion has 'caveats' and 'you be the judge'. This one he said it was downright awful. Accuracy and terminal performance.

I am a huge fan of Paul. I keep trying to find the green and white box he uses to no avail.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I'm a big fan of the Winchester 145gr Silvertip .357 Magnum ammo.

In 2 of my revolvers it's extremely accurate especially a M640. The bullet may be old but IMO still very effective. Unfortunately Winchester doesn't run them regularly, sometimes over 2 years in between runs. I still have 4 boxes of 50 but that's not a lot. Last time I bought them they were $50 or $52 cor a 50 round box.

I'm surprised you didn't include Speer GDHP ammo, it's a good round.

Gold Dot is amazing I just can't ever find it.

 

[WR Moore]

OK, back when we were issued the Federal 125 gr full house.357 ammo. Muzzle blast was ferocious, recoil, even with 681s was, shall we say, noticeable. When we shot quals, by the time we hit the 25 yard line and completed the first 3 phases of barricade, my gun hand had had all the fun it could stand. Given the time limits for the last phases (and a lack of specific requirements) I shot the last 8 rounds with the support hand. That's not likely to be a consideration in a self defense situation, but still.

Now then, step the rounds down to 1250 f/s or so (think Remington Golden Saber and the like) from 1450, and things got a whole lot more pleasant and the various ballistic tests were still quite satisfactory. Or, as noted above, you could use .38 +P. Most of the "defensive" ammo loaded since the early 1990s comes with flash suppressed powders, although you might have experiment a bit to make sure. We had VA state police do night shooting with us with the.357 Sigs they were using at the time. We'd wait for them to fire a round and use the muzzle flash to illuminate our targets.

 

[Culina]

I voted for the Silvertips because I like them but the only .357 I carry is a model 60 so for me it is the Barnes 125gr Tac-x PD, they claim 1,200fps out of a two inch barrel. I only have 5 shots so I have to make the most out of them.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Gold Dot is amazing I just can't ever find it.

I agree, I used to buy the 50 round boxes when on sale back when. Luckily I still have a fairly good supply of those too.

 

[Doug M.]

I waited like a vulture for a run of the Silvertips, which as I understand it they only make every couple years. I bought some stupid amount, but there is a good chance it will last the rest of my life. I am of the school that does not fancy full house .357s for social use, for the same basic reasons. I usually carry a standard velocity 38 SWC (Georgia Arms IIRC) in my M66. I shoot it more precisely and faster.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I agree, I used to buy the 50 round boxes when on sale back when. Luckily I still have a fairly good supply of those too.

I wish. I only ever found one box and absolutely loved them. If I ever had the opportunity to buy bulk I would. I like to shoot at least a box of my defensive ammo of choice with FMJ or reloads for more obscure practice each month. If you know of a place with Gold Dot in 38 +P or 357 I'm all ears though. The 20 I shot were absolutely magnificent!

 

[Data]

"This is a foolish poll, the best type of ammo is the one that hits where it needs to be for what ever the situation is. People here are so concerned about what type of ammo is the best. The best is the one that you can shoot well and hit what you need to hit."

You left out important details and what you said is not entirely true. I am certain that you would not apply your logic if you were forced to carry a "rimfire" cartridge chambered in .22LR in a J-Frame snub. I don't think there is one person on this forum who disagrees that a 22LR isn't a lethal round. In other words .....shot placement is king... Isn't that right???

Also, don't be so FN'Herstal harsh on the original poster and what was presented. It's just a poll and your life isn't going to change as a result. I hope not.

And yes, I do carry a Snub 43C chambered in 22LR!

All the love,
Data

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Slightly OT but information some here might want.

The last time I bought .357 Magnum Silvertip ammo I put my name on the waiting list from Midway USA and a few others. It took so long I had forgotten I was on the waiting list but when I got the email I bought from Midway and Midsouth Shooters Supply.

If you're wanting them it can't hurt to put a reminder request in several well known sites which accept requests.

I have bought and shot their .357 Magnum, .38 Special and 9mm Silvertip ammo, all excellent loads. Unfortunately I think they are now only sold in 20 round boxes.

 

[chief38]

You don't say what type of defense this ammo would be used for. Would be criminals or wild animals?

When I woods walk in Bear Country I use Buffalo Bore 180 grain 357 magnum hard cast lead - mainly for penetration. It is also very accurate and reliable - has a hell of a kick too.

For SD against would be criminals I choose not to use 357 Mag's because of several reasons. First off in populated areas I feel the round is over penetrative. The last thing I'd want to do is harm an innocent bystander, friend or family member. Secondly, I no longer use a revolver for EDC. I switched to something smaller and lighter with almost twice the capacity and in 9mm over four years ago.

 

[rwsmith]

Honestly speaking....

Tight accuracy and velocity don't matter as much in self defense ranges as terminal performance. Penetration, expansion, wound channel etc. are much more important. Lately I've been favoring the heavier bullets, for example, in .357, 135-158 grain over the 110-125 gr. bullets.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

This is a foolish poll, the best type of ammo is the one that hits where it needs to be for what ever the situation is. People here are so concerned about what type of ammo is the best. The best is the one that you can shoot well and hit what you need to hit.

Maybe so, but it's a another data point that helped me eliminate two options. Plus it's more for fun, of course my final decision will be more driven by testing.

I've tossed out Hornady because I'm just not very accurate with it and Buffalo Bore because it's way more pricey than Winchester and I shoot both about the same. Once I test the Black Hills coming early next month I'll have my answer. Foolish, yeah, fun and entertaining also yeah.

 

[IAM Rand]

I see some people pointing to the jell-o test to determine what they carry. I will admit that it is interesting to see what happen in the Gel Blocks but, I wouldn't rely on them to chose what I shoot. I have seen many real world shooting victims to not care much about people shooting jell-o. There are sooooo many factors that you can't account for that it is moderately probative of what would happen in real life.

Jell-o is for eating not for shooting, just ask Bill.

 

[rosewood]

I see some people pointing to the jell-o test to determine what they carry. I will admit that it is interesting to see what happen in the Gel Blocks but, I wouldn't rely on them to chose what I shoot. I have seen many real world shooting victims to not care much about people shooting jell-o. There are sooooo many factors that you can't account for that it is moderately probative of what would happen in real life.

Jell-o is for eating not for shooting, just ask Bill.

So, what do you base your decision on? Many of us don't have the abilities to do extensive testing on live targets so we have to work with what we have.

Rosewood

 

[rockquarry]

So, what do you base your decision on? Many of us don't have the abilities to do extensive testing on live targets so we have to work with what we have.

Rosewood

Any cast or partially jacketed .357 ammo of normal 158 gr. weight should do anything that's needs doing wth this cartridge. Extensive testing in jello or other substances means little except to obsessive hard core YouTubers or aspiring gunfighters.

If you shoot it well, it's accurate in your gun, point of impact vs. point of aim is where it should be, and recovery from recoil is acceptable to you, that's your best ammo. All the superfluous stuff isn't important. But you'll have to try several ammos. Takes time and the ammo isn't free, but you'll learn a lot more than the gunfighters and YouTubers and improve your shooting skills in the process, something the aforementioned others seldom have much interest in.