5" .357 Magnum at 100 Yards?

bushmaster1313 · Aug 7, 2012

What should I expect when I take my 5" .357 Magnum to the 100 yard range?

I have never shot it from a rest and I am wondering what type of groups I might get if I am shooting well?

I got a 4" group from a Sig P226 .40 S&W at 50 yards standing.

Muley Gil · Aug 7, 2012

i used to have a 6" M28 and was able to bust waterfilled gallon milk jugs at 100 yards. 'Course, that was back in the '70s, when I was in my 20s.

With the right loads, 6" or less.

S&W ucla · Aug 7, 2012

I have a 5" 686+ that will shoot in 3-4" at 100 yds. That is from sandbag rest with 2x scope. I use the scope for testing loads to see the accuracy potential of the gun. Then put iron sights back for carry and hunting. My eyes can't do as well with irons anymore especially at long ranges. I can keep'em on a ipsc target at 100 offhand with irons. Maybe 6-8" on a good day

If you have a 50yd zero a neck hold on the ipsc target at 100 will drop them in the right spot. Are you shooting machine rest or sandbags from a bench? A piece of leather over your bags will protect them from blast. I prop the front edge of the frame on one bag and my wrists are supported by a smaller bag. If you let your hand and butt of gun get near something hard( like the bench) you might get pinched. You will have lots of fun! Good luck!

bushmaster1313 · Aug 7, 2012

Are you shooting machine rest or sandbags from a bench?

Double sock filled with dry beans and laid on a block of wood

WPWarhawk · Aug 7, 2012

Google Vic Stacy, YouTube video, he's the Texan who took out a guy shooting ata cop. And he did it at 165 yards with a 357.

S&W ucla · Aug 7, 2012

Sand would be firmer. I think dry beans might allow too much movement .They should work for your wrist support. Holding still and SIGHT ALIGNMENT are critical at longer ranges. Try the beans and see. At least you can make soup after you finish shooting!

sasu · Aug 7, 2012

4" groups at 100 yards are very tight, 6"-8" is more realistic. This with open sights, assuming the gun's inherent accuracy is better than average, ammo is suitable and the shooter does his part.

charlie sherrill · Aug 7, 2012

Ask that guy in Texas how he did it. Helluva shot...actually more than one. Say what you want about gun control, but where I work I want the public to be armed because the big majority of them are on my side.

bushmaster1313 · Aug 8, 2012

Holding still and SIGHT ALIGNMENT are critical at longer ranges.

I shoot with my corrective glasses off and my safety glasses on.
The target blurs but I can see the sights.

A10 · Aug 8, 2012

Usta bust beer bottles at 100 yards with my M28 4". I was young and had better eyesight.....

yaktamer · Aug 8, 2012

I'm lucky to get 3-4 feet.

David LaPell · Aug 8, 2012

I haven't been able to get out to 100 yards yet, but my Outdoorsman at 65 yards one handed off of a set of shooting sticks gets these. The piece of paper was about 8 inches by 6 inches if I recall. The .357 should give you groups around 4-5 inches if you can hold it steady enough.

CAJUNLAWYER · Aug 8, 2012

bushmaster1313 said:
What should I expect when I take my 5" .357 Magnum to the 100 yard range?

I have never shot it from a rest and I am wondering what type of groups I might get if I am shooting well?

I got a 4" group from a Sig P226 .40 S&W at 50 yards standing.

A lot depends on witnesses( or more importantly the lack there of) and how much you are willing to lie.

mtgianni · Aug 8, 2012

I suspect there will be a learning curve if you have not shot over a rest previously.

Texas Star · Aug 8, 2012

In the field, you will need to sit down and fire two-handed like Keith wrote about. Braced kneeling will help, and sometimes keep you above foliage and weeds.

Can you practice like that at the range? Most won't allow it.

But a five--inch M-27 should let you hit a man sized target pretty easily to 100 yards. You may manage that using a standing two-handed hold.

I don't think a .357 should be used against living game of any size beyond 75 or so yards. Smaller animals like coyotes are an exception.

venomballistics · Aug 8, 2012

100 yards with a smith ... why your just getting started

perrazi · Aug 8, 2012

my normal shooting is 100yds off sand bags and a bench. popcans are not safe at that distance. when we are trying to show off for someone we shoot golf balls at that distance too. usually gets their attention.

H Richard · Aug 8, 2012

When shooting off bags, be sure to only rest the frame/triggerguard of the gun on the bags. Do not rest the barrel on the bags, it will shoot high & not accurate. With the right load, a good 6" .357 S&W should be capable of 4" - 5" "if" your eyes and triggerfinger are young enough and good enough.

silentflyer · Aug 8, 2012

About 6" with a 5 inch barrel would be "normal", I have done a little better with a 8" Dan Wesson 15-2, and about 4" with the 15" tube on another Dan Wesson 15-2 , which I sold like an idiot.

bushmaster1313 · Aug 12, 2012

100 yards.
357 Magnum ammunition
Resting the front of the gun on a bean bag. (which blew apart and made a mess with each shot)

5" .357 Magnum at 100 Yards?

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