I know it's a heavy duty revolver, but how do you feel it would compare to a Ruger Blackhawk in this respect?
Thermo nuclear 357 magnum
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I know it's a heavy duty revolver, but how do you feel it would compare to a Ruger Blackhawk in this respect?
DWalt
Member
Using Quickload, and assuming a 6" .357 barrel, there is no way using any powder (starting with Clays and going up to include slow powders such as 2400, H110, and H4227) that a 125 grain bullet can be driven beyond the 1500 -1600 ft/sec MV range (depending upon the powder used) without exceeding the SAAMI maximum chamber pressure. I believe (but do not know) that the Quickload calculations assume use of a solid unvented test barrel, not a revolver. If so, a revolver's highest MV would necessarily be somewhat less than 1500+ ft/sec before SAAMI peak chamber pressure is exceeded.
If the Armscor .357 125 grain load does produce a MV of 1,875 ft/sec from a revolver, the peak chamber pressure would have to be horrendous. Or else they are using some magical propellant that no one else has ever heard of OR firing it from a longer-barreled rifle.
If the Armscor .357 125 grain load does produce a MV of 1,875 ft/sec from a revolver, the peak chamber pressure would have to be horrendous. Or else they are using some magical propellant that no one else has ever heard of OR firing it from a longer-barreled rifle.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I have never compared the two side by side so i really can't say. I do know several shooters who have shot the M28 for 30-40 years with heavy loads without any ill effects. The N frame is very sturdy.
DWalt
Member
Of course, both the Ruger and the N-frame Smith are capable of handling loads which produce chamber pressures considerably in excess of the SAAMI maximum. But to what end would anyone who is not a complete imbecile knowingly risk their gun's integrity and their own tender bodies wish to do that?
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I never said anyone should shoot excessive pressure loads, only loads that were considered "hot" by the feel yet still within SAAMI limits. Heavy loads do not translate into over pressure loads. I only participated in the discussion agreeing they "can" be shot instead of changing the subject to something else.
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I owned a model 28 Highway Patrolman for a number of years, but then exchanged for a model 19 K frame for the faster lock time. I was not concerned with how hot the loads could be made as much as I was concerned with accuracy, which the 19 gave me in spades.
The reason for my question relates to the older Speer manual that had a section in the 45 LC loading that was designated for Ruger and Thompson Center only. S&W makes it's model 25 chambered in 45 LC, and is an N frame. Why was that one not included? Do they know something about S&W N frame vs Ruger that I don't?
Bakebfr480
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Anyone remember the 357 Atomic?
hkcavalier
US Veteran
How about the .357/.44 Bain & Davis?
There is something uniquely interesting about a medium bore, high velocity handgun that can score hits at 100-200 yards or more with a good shooter pulling the trigger. It also seems to be uniquely American as, in other places, one would just carry a carbine.
DWalt
Member
Yes, for the old Great Western SA revolver (basically a reproduction of the Colt SAA). I don't think I ever read exactly what the .357 "Atomic" cartridge was, and always assumed it was GW's name for the .357 Magnum.
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Doing a little research, it seems that the .357 "Atomic" cartridge was more or less advertising fiction on GW's part to appeal to those customers who wanted the most powerful revolver possible (in the pre-.44 Mag days). Apparently it refers to a hotter .357 Magnum handload (sort of like a +P+ load) that could be handled by the GW SA revolver, possibly with its bullet seated out slightly further to allow more powder capacity. There does not appear to have ever been any factory loadings of the .357 Atomic cartridge, and I could find no evidence that the GW company sold such ammunition even on a custom basis.
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JohnK
US Veteran
I still have a couple of boxes of Remington 125 gr., scalloped jacket, that consistently chrono over 1600 fps, out of my 6" 686.
This lot is from the 60's-70's era.
I reserve it for 686, or N frame guns, not my 19's, or 66's.
This lot is from the 60's-70's era.
I reserve it for 686, or N frame guns, not my 19's, or 66's.
Bakebfr480
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It was a very heavily loaded 357 magnum. I have a few cases with the 357 Atomic headstamp.
Maybe the Phillipines aren't subject to false advertising penalties. I do wonder, of all the imported ammo on the U.S. market, how much, if any, has been subjected to testing before being sold.
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I have a 27-2 with an 8 3/8 barrel. AND some Underwood factory ammunition with 158gr. Gold Dot bullets. It is advertised at 1500 fps and 750 ft. #s. Naturally, it does go off like a 6 inch Cruiser but it is manageable after a fashion. This is the original advertised loading for the .357 from the thirties except the Gold Dots don't lead the barrel.
Since the cops aren't trying to stop 'owl hoots' in cars with pistols any more, the load is only of casual interest these days.
On the other hand, the Speer LE loads for the .357 SIG P229 I've been carrying for years are both believable and impressive.
Regards, Porkie
Since the cops aren't trying to stop 'owl hoots' in cars with pistols any more, the load is only of casual interest these days.
On the other hand, the Speer LE loads for the .357 SIG P229 I've been carrying for years are both believable and impressive.
Regards, Porkie
DWalt
Member
If you do have such .357 Atomic headstamped cases, I would greatly appreciate your posting some pictures of them and where you obtained them.
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